Ishaan Rastogi
Skoda Auto is expected to exhibit the stunning third generation Superb at the 2016 Auto Expo held in Delhi before its official Indian debut. The Czech manufacturer has recently rolled out a face-lifted version of the older variant to keep its Indian fan-base satiated until next year
When initiated, the Superb was never really considered to be a stunner as Skoda’s design team concentrated more on passenger comfort than on visual appeal. Fast forward a few years, and the Superb has matured into a handsome creature, one of the best value for money luxury sedans in pretty much every market. Skoda is currently still selling the second generation Superb in India although they did recently give it a bit of a touch-up. The face-lifted version has been given new head and tail lamps, redesigned alloys, new bumpers and a newly designed butterfly grille that can be found on most of Skoda’s new cars. The bi-xenon headlamps in particular look exquisite with segmented C-shaped turn indicators and power washers on the top-spec trim. As an added feature, the headlamps also get integrated daytime running LEDs. Towards the rear, the tail lights are now part LED and have been given a minor change in shape, in line with Skoda’s C-shape design philosophy. The number plate has been shifted up from the bumper to the bonnet giving the rear profile of the car some additional character. Both internally and mechanically though, the changes are limited to a new music system and the discontinuation of the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine.
Internationally, Skoda has recently launched the redesigned Superb in Europe and it looks fantastic! The new car features a wide butterfly grille, longer wheelbase, contoured bonnet and sharp crystalline shaped LED accentuated head and tail lamps. Another noticeable improvement is that the ungainly and abrupt looking C-pillar has been angled such that it flows into the rear end of the vehicle giving it a much sleeker look. The interiors have also been spruced up and now boasts of an even better audio system, plush high quality plastics and leather upholstery and soothing ambient lighting strips that wrap around from central console to the doors. The entire design concept of this third generation Superb borrows design elements from the Vision C project which was showcased at the Geneva Autoshow in 2014. The new Superb also weighs 75kgs lesser than its antecedent owing to the fact that it is built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform and as a result should perform better dynamically.
The Superb’s evolution is testament to Skoda’s relentless efforts to create a car that is not only practical but desirable as well. What was once a sedan known primarily for its expansive interiors now stands shoulder to shoulder with its big-boy competitors such as the Volkswagen Passat and Audi A6 in terms of design as well as class-leading roominess. With Skoda’s sales numbers touching one million units in 2014 for the first time in its history, it’s safe to say that its new design and engineering strategy is paying off superbly!
