Skoda Superb, 2009
In spite of being almost identical in overall length to the previous generation Škoda Superb, the new Superb exceeds the already generous interior measurements of its predecessor in almost all aspects thanks to the transverse engine design. This begins in the front, where space has been gained by moving the gear position. The central tunnel has been designed in a much leaner form. And, in the rear, the knee space has been increased by 19 millimetres, affording the passengers unique travelling comfort. The new Škoda is 4,838 millimetres in length, 1,817 millimetres in width and has a height of 1,462 millimetres.
The interior, with its finely tuned mix of materials and excellent workmanship, satisfies the needs of even the most demanding customer. The dashboard with its wave-shaped design groups the operating elements into sensible individual functional units. All of the primary functions are concentrated around the steering wheel and quick access is guaranteed because of the logical location. Thanks to the unique design, erroneous operation is practically eliminated. In certain trim levels, the steering wheel includes multi-function buttons for the operation of the radio unit, MFA and a mobile phone. Chrome inlay in the centre of the newly designed, leather wrapped steering wheel reflects the clear V-shape form of the car's front.
This design cue is also reflected in the look of the central console. It includes the new Columbus navigation system with advanced, operator-friendly, touch screen technology and a 30 GB hard disk for rapid data access and also the dual-zone climate control system. In addition, there is the large capacity glovebox. Further storage space can be found to the left of the steering wheel, attractively designed door storage spaces, drink holders on the central tunnel and pockets on the rear of the front seats.
One new item is found when switching on the engine. The speedometer and tachometer dials move from their starting positions to the top of the dials and then return to zero, a quick and simple indication that they are functioning properly.
The foam cushioned dashboard surfaces, all friendly to the touch, are available in three different colours and three different versions of the decorative strips. Depending upon the model chosen, these ensure an exceptionally elegant, a stylishly sporting or a simply timeless ambience.
Premiere for an automotive advance: the Twin-door concept
The shape of the bodywork, with its balanced proportions, the timeless elegance of its lines and the stylistic elements which combine to make Škoda automobiles unique, incorporates a new feature that will once again become the benchmark in the automotive world. Although the design in this class has retained the traditional hatchback concept, the new Škoda Superb now has a tailgate which places practically no limits on what can be transported. The unique, patented "twin door" variable boot opening, designed by engineers at Škoda, offers an extremely practical, functional and well thought out solution. Depending on what is required, either only the boot lid alone can be opened when smaller items are to be stored. Or, by operating two small switches on the edge of the boot lid to activate the electro-mechanical release, the Škoda Superb driver can lift the entire boot lid together with the rear window, allowing bulky items to be loaded. The third rear lamp in the rear window lights up briefly signalling that the electric motors have locked the closing mechanism. The rear aperture is then almost doubled in size. When the rear seat backs are in an upright position, the boot will accommodate 565 litres of luggage - more than 85 litres more than its predecessor - if they are folded forward, the volume increases to 1,670 litres - a volume which even estate cars in this segment can scarcely equal.
The boot is fitted with high-quality carpeting. Below the solid base plate there is further space for storing personal objects, and underneath this is the spare wheel (except in the case of the GreenLine versions). There are eyelets at the side of the boot space to secure goods being transported while practical folding hooks provide perfect hold for shopping bags.
And, as if that were not enough, the third generation Škoda Superb also comes up with a whole range of further solutions and construction measures that far exceed its predecessor's capabilities. For instance, a combination of high-strength and "normal" steel with increased ductile strength is used in the chassis and the A- and B-pillars, and so affords occupants greater safety in a head-on or side collision by means of planned energy absorption.
A major benefit is in the weight reduction afforded by this modern construction. In spite of the complex layout of the bodywork, which exceeds all requirements for to pedestrian protection and crash safety this modern construction makes the car's weight only slightly higher than that of its predecessor.
Always safe in its stride: the chassis of the new Škoda Superb
The chassis of the new Superb uses Škoda's modular strategy - it uses modules from the Škoda Octavia (VW Golf) and Volkswagen Passat chassis. However, Škoda has taken these modules, adapted them and added new elements, giving the car its own driving character. The MacPherson wishbone front suspension is housed in an aluminium axle to provide greater kinematics while simultaneously reducing axle weight. The Škoda Superb's suspension system increases driving comfort and reduces tyre noise. Apart from this, as a result of numerous acoustic innovations, the new Škoda Superb is among the quietest cars in its class. The thickness of the front side window panes has been increased to 4.85 mm, noise attenuation packages reduce vibration and, thus, noise while new sealing materials reduce wind noise.
In developing the chassis, the Škoda Auto engineers have placed special emphasis on creating a balanced relationship between agility and comfort. Uneven road surfaces are mastered excellently. Body roll is almost completely suppressed thanks to careful configuration of the chassis components. The new electro-mechanical steering ensures greater driving dynamics. . Its feel has been optimised and the steering conduct and tracking provide the best feeling for the road surface and traction conditions.
The Škoda Superb has a completely new form of coordination between the ABS and ESP systems. The object of the development was to provide the new Škoda Superb with commanding and comfort-oriented properties without limiting driving pleasure in any way. "And, we have achieved this target, across the entire range" says Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Board Member for Technical Development at Škoda Auto. Careful adaptation of the individual chassis components gives the new Superb properties which are every bit as exciting as they are balanced and safe even in critical situations.
The interior, with its finely tuned mix of materials and excellent workmanship, satisfies the needs of even the most demanding customer. The dashboard with its wave-shaped design groups the operating elements into sensible individual functional units. All of the primary functions are concentrated around the steering wheel and quick access is guaranteed because of the logical location. Thanks to the unique design, erroneous operation is practically eliminated. In certain trim levels, the steering wheel includes multi-function buttons for the operation of the radio unit, MFA and a mobile phone. Chrome inlay in the centre of the newly designed, leather wrapped steering wheel reflects the clear V-shape form of the car's front.
This design cue is also reflected in the look of the central console. It includes the new Columbus navigation system with advanced, operator-friendly, touch screen technology and a 30 GB hard disk for rapid data access and also the dual-zone climate control system. In addition, there is the large capacity glovebox. Further storage space can be found to the left of the steering wheel, attractively designed door storage spaces, drink holders on the central tunnel and pockets on the rear of the front seats.
One new item is found when switching on the engine. The speedometer and tachometer dials move from their starting positions to the top of the dials and then return to zero, a quick and simple indication that they are functioning properly.
The foam cushioned dashboard surfaces, all friendly to the touch, are available in three different colours and three different versions of the decorative strips. Depending upon the model chosen, these ensure an exceptionally elegant, a stylishly sporting or a simply timeless ambience.
Premiere for an automotive advance: the Twin-door concept
The shape of the bodywork, with its balanced proportions, the timeless elegance of its lines and the stylistic elements which combine to make Škoda automobiles unique, incorporates a new feature that will once again become the benchmark in the automotive world. Although the design in this class has retained the traditional hatchback concept, the new Škoda Superb now has a tailgate which places practically no limits on what can be transported. The unique, patented "twin door" variable boot opening, designed by engineers at Škoda, offers an extremely practical, functional and well thought out solution. Depending on what is required, either only the boot lid alone can be opened when smaller items are to be stored. Or, by operating two small switches on the edge of the boot lid to activate the electro-mechanical release, the Škoda Superb driver can lift the entire boot lid together with the rear window, allowing bulky items to be loaded. The third rear lamp in the rear window lights up briefly signalling that the electric motors have locked the closing mechanism. The rear aperture is then almost doubled in size. When the rear seat backs are in an upright position, the boot will accommodate 565 litres of luggage - more than 85 litres more than its predecessor - if they are folded forward, the volume increases to 1,670 litres - a volume which even estate cars in this segment can scarcely equal.
The boot is fitted with high-quality carpeting. Below the solid base plate there is further space for storing personal objects, and underneath this is the spare wheel (except in the case of the GreenLine versions). There are eyelets at the side of the boot space to secure goods being transported while practical folding hooks provide perfect hold for shopping bags.
And, as if that were not enough, the third generation Škoda Superb also comes up with a whole range of further solutions and construction measures that far exceed its predecessor's capabilities. For instance, a combination of high-strength and "normal" steel with increased ductile strength is used in the chassis and the A- and B-pillars, and so affords occupants greater safety in a head-on or side collision by means of planned energy absorption.
A major benefit is in the weight reduction afforded by this modern construction. In spite of the complex layout of the bodywork, which exceeds all requirements for to pedestrian protection and crash safety this modern construction makes the car's weight only slightly higher than that of its predecessor.
Always safe in its stride: the chassis of the new Škoda Superb
The chassis of the new Superb uses Škoda's modular strategy - it uses modules from the Škoda Octavia (VW Golf) and Volkswagen Passat chassis. However, Škoda has taken these modules, adapted them and added new elements, giving the car its own driving character. The MacPherson wishbone front suspension is housed in an aluminium axle to provide greater kinematics while simultaneously reducing axle weight. The Škoda Superb's suspension system increases driving comfort and reduces tyre noise. Apart from this, as a result of numerous acoustic innovations, the new Škoda Superb is among the quietest cars in its class. The thickness of the front side window panes has been increased to 4.85 mm, noise attenuation packages reduce vibration and, thus, noise while new sealing materials reduce wind noise.
In developing the chassis, the Škoda Auto engineers have placed special emphasis on creating a balanced relationship between agility and comfort. Uneven road surfaces are mastered excellently. Body roll is almost completely suppressed thanks to careful configuration of the chassis components. The new electro-mechanical steering ensures greater driving dynamics. . Its feel has been optimised and the steering conduct and tracking provide the best feeling for the road surface and traction conditions.
The Škoda Superb has a completely new form of coordination between the ABS and ESP systems. The object of the development was to provide the new Škoda Superb with commanding and comfort-oriented properties without limiting driving pleasure in any way. "And, we have achieved this target, across the entire range" says Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Board Member for Technical Development at Škoda Auto. Careful adaptation of the individual chassis components gives the new Superb properties which are every bit as exciting as they are balanced and safe even in critical situations.
