Auto Clique were invited to Gazley Motors Wellington to the unveiling of the new Skoda Superb. We were treated to some music performed by four members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra before the cars were uncovered.
This is the third generation Superb since Volkswagen Group took over Skoda, though the Superb name goes back to 1934. It has always been Skoda’s flagship large luxury model and with each generation it has grown, both in size and quality.
There were two cars to look around at the event, both already sold, with the white one set to become a taxi.
There are four engines available, two turbo diesel 2.0 litres, producing 110 or 140kW and two turbo petrols, a 1.8TFSI 123kW and a 2.0TFSI producing an impressive 206kW. The two more powerful models are four wheel drive, the others being front driven. All have VAG’s excellent DSG transmission.
Prices range from $44,900 to $59,900 and for the equipment level and quality, this is damn good value.
Safety is excellent, interior space is huge, with lots of leg room and a massive boot. Interior quality is impressive and is certainly comparable to BMW and other luxury brands.
There are lots of clever little touches everywhere. Little hooks, storage pockets and bins, sunglasses holders, power sockets. One of the boot lights can be popped out and used as a torch. There are umbrellas hidden in each front door. The glove box and centre box are both climate controlled with adjustable temperature. The boot opens electrically, and if you have the key in your pocket and full hands you can swing your foot under the back bumper to open it. The various pockets are all lined with material to prevent rattles. It’s all very impressive.
Assuming it drives as well as it looks and feels, I think Skoda have a winner here, especially at this price point compared to the luxury brands.
