The all-new, fourth-generation Skoda Superb is now here, and interestingly, it will only be available in Combi (station wagon) form, with prices starting from $222,900 with COE.
Skoda’s flagship model was previously only available here as a fastback, and although this all-new model also comes in this body style, Skoda Singapore has chosen instead to bring in the Superb Combi.
This move could be a smart one. As car buyers continue to shift away from sedans, the estate version might be a more appealing proposition to buyers.
The new Superb Combi espouses Skoda’s current design language. Up front is the brand’s new grille, LED matrix head lights with the crystalline ‘flying arrow’ signature. Sharp lines can be found throughout the car’s body, adding to its sporty vibe.
At present, all Superb Combi units being sold here are equipped with the top-spec Laurin & Klement trim, so customers can expect numerous cabin refinements.
These include a Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, 13-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and Skoda Smart Dials, which are rotary dials with haptic and digital elements. Among other functions, these dials can be used to control the temperature and seat settings.
Speaking of seats, the front seats are certified by Aktion Gesunder Rucken (AGR). This German association, whose name translates to “Campaign for Healthier Backs”, aims to help certify products that are back-friendly.
And in a nod to sustainability, the tanning process for the leather upholstery utilises byproducts from the processing of olives, while all the textile materials found in the interior contain 100% recycled content.
In addition to better comfort, the new Superb Combi also offers greater spaciousness, thanks to a taller roofline for improved headroom, and a 40mm increase in overall length that enlarges boot capacity by 30 litres with the rear backrests in place. When folded, the overall volume expands to 1920 litres.
Powering the Superb Combi is a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-4 that produces 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. The VES-neutral powerplant sends its outputs to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch (wet) transmission.
Helping to raise its efficiency is a new mild hybrid system, along with ACT+, which, when certain conditions are met, deactivates two of the four cylinders to reduce consumption and emissions. Though still a Cat B model, Skoda chose to bring in the 1.5-litre variant, as the more powerful 2-litre model would attract a VES surcharge.
The new Superb Combi promises enhanced ride comfort with the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control called DCC Plus, which now uses two independent valves for the damping control in the compression and rebound phases.
Skoda says this makes the ride more pliant by extending the range of damping characteristics, as well as hastening the responsiveness of the shock absorbers.
In terms of safety, the Superb Combi’s Front Assist system now also uses data from the front radar, in addition to the multifunction cameras. This improves its performance, while also enabling Predictive Cyclist Protection.
