The Škoda Superb 2024
The Škoda Superb 2024
Škoda has lifted the wraps from its all-new Superb — which will arrive in Arnold Clark showrooms next year — boasting substantial tech upgrades and a revamped cockpit, plus a new plug-in hybrid, badged iV.
The fourth-generation Superb, the company’s flagship model, will be available as a hatchback as well as estate. Buyers will be able to choose from six engines: three petrols, two diesels, and the headline-grabber, the new plug-in hybrid which delivers an all-electric range of 62 miles.
The entry-model is powered by a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering 148bhp. The 201bhp and 262bhp 2.0-litre petrol versions — the latter is four-wheel drive — don’t get mild-hybrid tech. Diesel buyers get a choice of the two-wheel drive 148bhp or the four-wheel drive 190bhp; both are fitted with a 2.0-litre unit.
And while every Superb now comes with a DSG automatic gearbox, operated by a column-mounted shifter to free space on the centre console, it’s the range-topping PHEV which is likely to draw most attention.
Pairing the 1.5-litre petrol from the entry model with a single electric motor to deliver a combined 201bhp through the front wheels, the pure electric propulsion is powered by a 25.7kWh pack. This can be recharged at a rate of up to 50kW (DC), which means a 10% – 80% charge can be completed in 25 minutes. And the principal story is the fact the power pack delivers more than 60 miles of all-electric range.
Externally, the styling of the 2024 Superb has evolved. The traditional long bonnet still flows into an octagonal grille that dips in the centre, but it now hosts a larger Škoda badge which sits flush. Flanking the grille are new slimmer headlights featuring the latest Matrix LED technology; the result is 40% more light.
There’s a shallower angle of windscreen rake, the roofline has been streamlined, plus the A-pillars now have rain deflectors. The overall result is a more slippery-looking body which, in turn, aids efficiency and improves fuel economy.
At the rear, there are new slimmer rear lights, plus Audi-style scrolling indicators are available on top spec cars. Alloys are also standard across the range, sized from 17-19 inches.
First, look carefully and you’ll spot that the 2024 hatch and estate are now both longer by 43mm and taller by 12mm. According to Škoda boffins, that means an extra 11mm of headroom in the front, 6mm of headroom in the rear and 20 litres more bootspace, now up to 645 litres for the hatch, and by 30 litres in the estate (690 litres). Fold the seats down and this jumps to a cavernous 1,920 litres, and a space almost big enough for a game of five-a-side football.
Inside, the changes and improvements to the cabin are much more revolutionary. Most noticeable is the fact the touchscreen has grown to 13 inches on the top models — 10 inches on models further down the range — and sits proud of the dash. Cleverly, Škoda designers have incorporated a hand rest just underneath. Connectivity for both Apple and Android users is also standard across the range.
Yup, there is a ‘hallelujah’ moment: not all controls have been incorporated into the touchscreen. There are buttons. Well, actually, three classy-looking Smart Dials which were first seen on the updated Kodiaq SUV. The dials control heating and ventilation and can be customised to work everything from volume to the different driving modes.
Safety tech has also been boosted with a raft of new technology being incorporated, including travel assist, crew protect assist and intelligent park assist.
We’ll have to wait until closer to the end of the year for confirmation of pricing, but expect the Superb range to start around £35,000, which is up from the current entry level of £32,605. But given the significant increase in standard kit and tech, the increase is understandable.
Order books will open at Arnold Clark in January for the estate model, with the iV and hatch following in April ahead of first deliveries in the summer.
