The SUV trend is growing rapidly, but as a large family car, the Skoda Superb Estate remains one of the best options. It may not have the visual appeal of its Kodiaq stablemate, but it is spacious, comfortable, and competitively priced. Additionally, it offers a wide range of engines that are fuel-efficient. Therefore, its fourth-generation successor, set to arrive in 2024, has high expectations to meet.
The new Superb hatch and estate share much of their architecture with the jointly developed Volkswagen Passat. The styling has been updated, with slimmer headlights and tail-lights, to align with the new Kodiaq, which is also launching around the same time. The new Superb Estate is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 40mm longer and 5mm taller. It also boasts an increased boot space, expanding from 660 to 690 litres, which surpasses competitors like the Peugeot 508 SW and the Citroën C5 X.
Pricing, trim levels, and specifications for the 2024 Superb will be confirmed in November 2023. The lineup will include a standard Superb, a sportier Sportline version, and a luxury-focused Laurin & Klement trim. However, the slightly raised and rugged-looking Scout estate will not be available in the UK.
Upon its launch, the 2024 Superb will offer three petrol engines, two diesels, and a plug-in hybrid, all equipped with an automatic gearbox as standard. The entry-level model will feature a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. It delivers smooth and quiet performance, providing sufficient power for everyday use. For more power, there’s a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 201bhp or 261bhp with four-wheel drive. The most powerful diesel engine produces 190bhp and also comes with all-wheel drive. In comparison, the 148bhp diesel engine feels livelier than the 1.5-litre petrol engine, offering ample torque for effortless acceleration.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the 2024 Superb boasts a larger battery size and extended electric range compared to its predecessor. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and features a 25.7kWh battery (compared to the outgoing iV model’s 12.7kWh). This enables an electric range of 62 miles. The plug-in hybrid can be charged at a rate of 50kW or, alternatively, using the slower 11kW output, which takes two and a half hours to charge from 0% to 100%.
The latest version of the adaptive suspension system, known as Dynamic Chassis Control Pro, is available for the 2024 Superb. It adjusts the ride based on the selected driving mode. During our test drives of the prototypes, we experienced the Normal setting, which effectively smooths out bumps on the road. The suspension remains stable, and the vehicle handles undulating roads with good body control. This improvement addresses the issue found in earlier models of the Superb, where there was a constant, slight floating sensation. Overall, this option enhances the Superb’s comfort and makes it an ideal long-distance cruiser.