Tag Archives: Skoda

New Skoda Octavia facelift brings extra highly effective vRS

Skoda has revealed the Octavia’s mid-life facelift, bringing expertise and sustainability upgrades for its best-selling hatchback. 

The new look is distinct from the remainder of the Skoda line-up, with extra angular LED headlights nestled above a daring crease within the entrance bumper – producing a reference to the Czech flag that’s particularly pronounced on the vRS range-topper.

The most notable refinements come inside the brand new Octavia. A brand new 13.0in infotainment touchscreen (shared with the recently updated Volkswagen Golf) has been added as an optionally available additional.

Regardless of which display is fitted, ChatGPT synthetic intelligence is built-in into the infotainment software program’s voice assistant, with Skoda promising flexibility and capabilities “far beyond” its present iteration.

The choices for charging gadgets have additionally been upgraded, with the brand new ‘Phone Box’ offering as much as 15W wi-fi charging – and, crucially, air-con to assist mitigate the warmth generated within the course of. Moreover, the USB-C connections now ship 45W, triple what they supply within the outgoing Octavia.

The three ‘smart dial’ controls launched on the new Kodiaq and Superb – which give a bodily interface for varied capabilities, such because the air-con, sat-nav zoom and drive mode – haven’t been included. As such, the one approach to alter the temperature within the new Octavia is to make use of the touchscreen.

Skoda has positioned an emphasis on the usage of sustainable supplies within the new Octavia: the leather-based seats featured as a part of the Suite improve bundle are tanned utilizing espresso husks, somewhat than chemical dyes, whereas the material seats featured as a part of the Lodge and Sportline interiors are made out of recycled fibres.

The ‘Simply Clever’ ice scraper and optionally available umbrella have additionally made the swap to extra sustainable supplies, based on Skoda.

Under the pores and skin, the Octavia’s tweaks are primarily geared toward boosting effectivity. The entry-level 114bhp 1.5-litre powerplant’s turbocharger has been reworked to minimise thermal losses and enhance economic system. It’s paired with a six-speed handbook gearbox as normal, however it may be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch field. Going for the auto provides a 48V mild-hybrid system that doesn’t add any further energy or torque however permits the automobile to coast with the engine fully off – boosting gas effectivity.

The 1.5-litre unit will also be had with 148bhp, providing the identical mixture of handbook and auto packing containers, with the latter mild-hybridised.

The range-topping vRS will get the identical turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot as the brand new VW Golf GTI, sending 261bhp and 273lb ft by the entrance wheels. The lone gearbox possibility stays the seven-speed auto, after the handbook was dropped final 12 months.

2024 Bharat Mobility Expo: Skoda Enyaq iV Electric SUV Showcased

The Skoda Enyaq iV had beforehand been noticed testing in India, hinting in direction of its launch quickly

Skoda Enyaq iV Showcased At The 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo

  • The Enyaq iV will get three battery pack choices globally: 52 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh, with a claimed vary of as much as 510 km.

  • The first two include a rear-wheel-drivetrain and the third one comes with each rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive setups.

  • It helps quick charging of as much as 125 kW, utilizing which it may be juiced up from 5 to 80 p.c in simply 38 minutes.

  • Features embrace a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, three-zone local weather management, panoramic sunroof, 9 airbags, 360-degree digital camera, and ADAS.

  • Expected to be launched later this yr with a probable beginning worth of Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).

At the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo, we have now one other EV making its India-debut within the type of the Skoda Enyaq iV.  While we have now already spied some items beneath testing, that is India’s official introduction to the electrical SUV. Skoda is planning to launch this electrical SUV in India someday this yr, and when launched, it is going to be Skoda’s first EV within the nation. Here are all the main points that it is advisable to learn about Skoda’s electrical providing.

Exterior

Skoda Enyaq iV Front

Up entrance, the Enyaq comes with Skoda’s iconic grille design however performing as an illuminated part of the fascia comprising 130 LEDs. The headlights are smooth and with a slim LED DRL on the underside finish. It will get sharp traces on the bonnet and on the bumpers, giving it a sporty look.

Skoda Enyaq iV Rear

Seeing it in profile, you discover the electrical crossover’s sloped roofline, possible aiding in its aerodynamic effectivity and the 21-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels. The rear design is rather more sober compared however nonetheless sporty. It will get an built-in spoiler, smooth tail lights with the Skoda branding within the center, and a thick black bumper with a silver skid plate.

Cabin

Skoda Enyaq iV Cabin

Inside, the global-spec Enyaq iV will get a minimalist however premium cabin with completely different themes primarily based on the chosen variants. The dashboard consists of a number of layers which bulges out within the center to create space for the massive touchscreen on prime of it.

Also Read: Tata Curvv Showcased In A Closer-to-production Avatar At Bharat Mobility Expo 2024

The Skoda electrical SUV  will get leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting strip working throughout the width of the dashboard, and a centre console related to the entrance centre armrest. 

Battery Pack Options

Battery Pack (Net Capacity)

52 kWh

58 kWh

77 kWh

Power

148 PS

179 PS

Up to 306 PS

Torque

220 Nm

310 Nm

Up to 460 Nm

Drivetrain

RWD

RWD

RWD/ AWD

Claimed Range (WLTP)

340 km

390 km

Up to 510 km

Internationally, the Skoda Enyaq iV will get three battery pack choices: 52 kWh, 58 kWh, and 77 kWh (internet capability figures). The first two are available in a rear-wheel drive configuration, and the largest one comes with the selection of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup as nicely.

Also Read: 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo: Tata Nexon EV Dark Edition Unveiled

For charging, the Enyaq iV helps DC quick charging of as much as 125 kW, utilizing which its battery pack will be charged from 5 to 80 p.c in simply 38 minutes.

Features & Safety

Skoda Enyaq iV Screen

The Enyaq iV is a extremely geared up electrical SUV from Skoda. It includes a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a heads-up show, panoramic sunroof, powered driver seat with therapeutic massage perform, heated entrance and rear seats, three-zone local weather management, and a totally digital instrument cluster.

Also Read: 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo: Mercedes-Benz EQG Concept Makes India Debut

In phrases of security, it’s geared up with 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management (ESC), tyre strain monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree digital camera, and ADAS (superior driver help system) tech like lane hold help, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise management.

Expected Price & Rivals

Skoda Enyaq iV

When launched in India, possible as a CBU (fully constructed up import) mannequin, the Skoda Enyaq iV will be priced from Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). It shall be a rival to the likes of Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Skoda Enyaq EV Spied Again Ahead Of Possible Launch In 2024

Skoda is prone to convey the Enyaq iV electrical crossover to India as a direct import, thus pricing it at round Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom)

Skoda Enyaq iV spied

Although Skoda – until now – has introduced a variety of its world fashions to India, it hasn’t set foot within the rising EV area. Well, that might change in 2024 because the Skoda Enyaq iV, which the carmaker is prone to promote as a CBU (fully built-up unit) providing. Moreover, we now have as soon as once more caught the Skoda EV on take a look at on our roads, that too with none camouflage!

What’s Noticeable In The Spy Shots?

Skoda Enyaq iV side spied

The mannequin noticed was completed within the white exterior paint choice and wasn’t coated in any camouflage. It additionally had the aero-specific alloy wheels designed significantly for its all-electric nature. Other key design particulars noticed embody the coupe-like roofline and smooth LED taillights.

Cabin Details Expected

Skoda Enyaq iV cabin

While we couldn’t catch a glimpse of the Enyaq’s inside, the mannequin offered globally has a minimalistic format and will get a number of themes relying on the variant chosen. Features on supply on the electrical crossover embody a heads-up show, a digital driver’s show, and a 13-inch infotainment unit.

In phrases of security tech, we count on the Enyaq to return with as much as 9 airbags, a 360-degree digital camera, and a few superior driver help programs (ADAS).

Also Read: Skoda Sold More Than 1 Lakh Cars In India In The Last 2 Years

Electric Powertrains On Offer

The actual particulars of the battery pack and electrical motor on supply on the India-spec Enyaq aren’t out but. Internationally, the Enyaq iV comes with three battery pack choices: 52 kWh, 58 kWh, and 77 kWh. While the smaller 52 kWh and 58 kWh battery packs are paired to a rear-wheel drivetrain solely, the latter may be had with each rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains. The greater 77 kWh battery pack has a claimed vary of as much as 510 km.

India Launch And Price

Skoda Enyaq iV

We count on the Skoda Enyaq iV to be launched in India by September 2024. It might be priced at round Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). The Skoda EV will compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and BMW i4.

Audi Turns Q8 E-Tron Into Dakar Racer Wannabe With Lift Kit, All-Terrain Tires

Audi rolls out a rugged Q8 electrical SUV and Skoda supplies a primary have a look at the up to date Octavia.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s every day have a look at the information you want earlier than you get in your automotive.

Audi Q8 e-tron version Dakar

Audi blended electrification with off-road chops with the RS Q E-Tron, a purpose-built Dakar racer. It scored 4 stage wins throughout its inaugural Dakar Rally outing in 2022. The German luxurious model is now piggybacking on what it calls the already “legendary” RS Q E-Tron with a particular version of the Q8 E-Tron.

While Mercedes is months away from introducing an electric G-Class, Audi is giving the Q8 E-Tron a minor off-road therapy with a manufacturing unit elevate package. Riding on General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the Q8 E-Tron has an additional 1.2 inches of floor clearance than the usual mannequin. It affords a most floor clearance of 8.1 in earlier than regularly lowering relying on velocity. The rugged Q8 routinely lowers itself by 0.59 in (15 mm) at 53 mph, by 0.66 in (17 mm) at 62 mph, and by 0.51 in (13 mm) at 75 mph.

Audi’s engineers have modified the air suspension for off-road driving and a most wading depth of 11.8 in. The Four Rings declare the 20-degree strategy and 26-degree departure angles are sufficient to “tackle light off-road terrain.” The ramp angle – the utmost angle at which the automobile can journey over a ramp with out the underbody touching the sting of the ramp – is nineteen levels.

8 Cars That Bid Adieu To The Indian Market In 2023

Among 8 fashions in whole, Honda phased out three, and Skoda eliminated two sedan fashions from its India lineup

In 2023, the automotive panorama witnessed a flurry of thrilling launches and refreshing facelifts from outstanding producers comparable to Tata, Honda, and Hyundai. On the opposite hand, some fashions from Honda, Skoda, Nissan, and Mahindra have been discontinued within the Indian market, principally as a result of introduction of the BS6 Phase-2 norms, because the respective carmakers  didn’t take into account these fashions in style sufficient to be definitely worth the excessive funding wanted to make their engines adjust to the up to date emissions norms. Here are the 8 vehicles that have been phased out in 2023:

Maruti Alto 800

Last recorded value – Rs 3.54 lakh to Rs 5.13 lakh

Engine – 0.8-litre (Petrol / CNG) engine (5-MT)

Debut – 2012

Maruti Alto 800

The Maruti Alto 800 was launched in 2012, positioned not solely as a more cost effective various to the Alto K10 but additionally as essentially the most reasonably priced providing from Maruti in India. It got here with choices for each petrol and CNG powertrains. However, after over a decade available in the market, the Alto 800 was discontinued in 2023, because the entry-level Maruti didn’t obtain the BS6 Phase-2 replace. The Alto title nonetheless lives with the K10 model, which will get the 1-litre petrol engine.

Honda Jazz

Last recorded value – Rs 8.01 lakh to Rs 10.32 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT/CVT)

Debut – 2009

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz made its debut within the Indian market again in 2009, and underwent a big generational replace in 2015. Initially, the Jazz was supplied in each petrol and diesel variants. In 2020, the Japanese icon underwent a facelift, dropping the diesel choice with the introduction of the BS6 emissions norms. And with the appearance of the BS6 Phase-2 norms in April 2023, Honda discontinued it altogether.

Also Check Out: Top 10 Cars Priced Under Rs 30 Lakh That Received A Facelift In 2023

Honda WR-V

Last recorded value – Rs 9.11 lakh to Rs 12.31 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol petrol (5-MT) / 1.5-litre diesel engine (6-MT)

Debut – 2017

Honda To Discontinue Jazz, WR-V, And Fourth-Gen City To Make Way For Its New SUV

In 2017, Honda launched the WR-V, a sub-4m crossover primarily based on the Honda Jazz. Boasting each a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the WR-V was solely supplied with handbook transmission choices. However, the absence of an computerized transmission and rising competitors considerably impacted the gross sales of the Honda WR-V. By 2023, the WR-V confronted discontinuation together with the Jazz, unworthy of the funding wanted to maintain it compliant with the most recent norms.

Honda City 4th-generation

Last recorded value – Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh

Engine – 1.5-litre-petrol engine (6-MT)

Debut – 2014

Fourth-gen Honda City

The fourth-generation Honda City was launched in India in 2014 and obtained a midlife replace in 2017. It featured each a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, with the previous providing a CVT choice as properly. However, in 2020, the fifth-generation Honda City was launched and the older sedan was saved on sale however with out the diesel engine and CVT choices as an reasonably priced various. But with the fifth-generation City receiving a facelift in March 2023, Honda lastly phased out the fourth-generation City.

Nissan Kicks

Last recorded value – Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 14.90 lakh

Engine – 1.5-litre petrol engine (5-MT) / 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (MT / CVT)

Debut – 2019

Nissan Kicks side

The Nissan Kicks was launched in India in 2019 as a compact SUV, aiming to rival fashions such because the Hyundai Creta. It got here with each 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine choices, every providing handbook transmission decisions. In response to the tightening emission norms in 2020 with BS6, Nissan discontinued the 1.5-litre diesel engine choice. Instead, it launched the brand new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (156 PS / 254 Nm), accessible with both a handbook transmission or a CVT computerized. In 2023, when the brand new RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms have been carried out, Nissan stated that the Kicks had already reached the tip of its life cycle, and discontinued the low-selling SUV. Since, the one Nissan mannequin bought in India stays the Magnite sub-4m SUV.

Also Check Out: THIRTEEN! That’s How Many Performance Cars Were Launched In India This Year

Skoda Octavia

Last recorded value – Rs 27.35 lakh to Rs 30.45 lakh

Engine – 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)

Debut – 2001

Skoda Octavia

The first-generation Skoda Octavia made its debut in India 2 many years in the past, receiving its remaining generational replace in 2021. Sold as a CKD (utterly knocked-down) mannequin, this premium Skoda sedan gained reputation amongst lovers for its dealing with and efficiency. The sedan additionally achieved a gross sales mark of over a lakh models in India in 2022. But the implementation of the BS6 Phase-2 norms in April 2023 led to the discontinuation of the Skoda Octavia from India. Interestingly, it stays alive and properly in world markets with a plethora of latest options and powertrain choices.

Skoda Superb

Last recorded value – Rs 34.19 lakh to Rs 37.29 lakh

Engine – 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)

Debut – 2009

2023 Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb was the flagship sedan providing from Skoda in India.First launched in 2009 in its second-generation avatar, it was supplied with each petrol and diesel engine choices. In 2020, the Superb was restricted to petrol-only choices because the Skoda-Volkswagen model moved away from diesel engines completely when the BS6 emission requirements have been carried out. 

Just just like the Octavia, the Superb was accessible as a CKD unit in India. And in 2023, when the norms grew to become extra stringent and the demand for non-luxury govt sedans saved falling, Skoda determined to part out the Superb. Moreover, the new-generation Superb has already been unveiled globally, and should even be launched in India in 2024.

Mahindra KUV100 NXT

Last recorded value – Rs 6.06 lakh to 7.72 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT)

Debut – 2016

Mahindra KUV100 NXT

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT entered the market in 2016 and was facelifted in 2017. The KUV100 NXT was a 6-seater crossover which had each a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.2-litre diesel unit. However at a later stage, the diesel engine variants have been phased out. In 2023, Mahindra stopped taking each on-line and offline reservations for the KUV100 NXT, which meant the mannequin was lastly discontinued. 

These have been the 8 fashions which have been taken off the market in 2023. Which mannequin do you assume mustn’t have been discontinued, and why? Share your ideas under.

Why the Skoda Enyaq is a 5-star What Car? electrical SUV

What’s the key formulation for a top-tier award-winning automobile? In the case of the fully electric Skoda Enyaq – which is accessible as each an SUV and a subtly sleeker coupé – there’s a seemingly easy answer.

It all begins with hanging fashion, spectacular vary and quick charging, allied to a driving expertise that’s refined and fascinating in equal measure – which means you take pleasure in extra smiles and extra miles behind the wheel. 

Add in a high-quality, spacious, adaptable inside, in addition to plenty of spectacular tech – significantly sensible, linked in-car infotainment and superior driving aids that make absolutely electrical journeys simpler, safer and extra pleasing. Then mix all of it in a package deal that provides spectacular worth for cash. There’s your profitable formulation.

That’s definitely the decision of our sister title What Car? – which has given the Skoda Enyaq a five-star rating, along with the 2022 What Car? Award for Best Electric SUV For Value and third place within the 2022 What Car? Award for Safety.

“We’re big fans of the Skoda Enyaq,” What Car? mentioned. “It’s a fairly big electric family SUV that offers plenty of space and a healthy range between charges. It’s comfortable and practical, it gets a reasonable amount of standard kit, and it’s very well priced. In short, it’s a sensible choice that’s ideally suited to family buyers.”

The Skoda Enyaq SUV and Coupé vary supply a easy line-up of various fashions to suit your want. It begins with the entry-level Skoda Enyaq 60, whereas the Skoda Enyaq 85 provides extra vary, larger efficiency and even quicker charging. The Skoda Enyaq 85x provides all-wheel drive functionality for even larger driving confidence, whereas Skoda Enyaq vRS fashions ship thrilling efficiency and much more fashion.

All of those fashions have lately been up to date to supply much more vary, even quicker charging, much more efficiency and enhanced in-car tech that’s even simpler to make use of, there are many the reason why the Skoda Enyaq is a five-star automobile. And that’s why we’ve determined to deal with the 5 greatest ones right here.

Take a test drive in the Skoda Enyaq

#1 Range & charging

It all begins with vary: Because with regards to selecting your good absolutely electrical SUV, we all know that vary actually issues. Having the arrogance of an enormous predicted-range determine that permits you to do plenty of brief every day journeys on one cost from house, whereas additionally minimising the necessity to top-up on longer journeys, is completely essential. 

That’s the place the Skoda Enyaq scores extremely. As What Car? highlighted in its five-star evaluate, the Enyaq has lengthy boasted spectacular vary that stands it in good stead amongst its electrical SUV friends – together with rivals just like the Tesla Model X and Hyundai Kona Electric. But the lately up to date Skoda Enyaq delivers much more. 

Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq is not long for a crossover hatchback, but its wheelbase is quite spacious, highlighting its focus on practicality and versatility, which it achieves very well. Despite its small exterior, it surprises with its interior space and convenience features.

While the car’s body is not very high, it offers high-set seats and plenty of headroom. The driving position improves with a higher seat cushion, providing better visibility. In the second row, adults will find adequate head and legroom, good under-thigh support, and ample foot space under the front seats.

The SE L specification includes Skoda’s Varioflex back seats as standard, providing considerable carrying versatility with the ability to tilt, fold, or be removed individually. When all three back seats are removed, the car offers over 1800 litres of cargo space. Leave them in, and second-row passengers can enjoy various conveniences such as picnic tables, cupholders, tablet holders, and optional heated rear seats.

Additional storage cubbies and sliding storage hooks can be found in the boot, along with a removable boot light-cum-torch and a load bay cover secured to the bootlid for easy loading and unloading. The car also includes practical features such as an ice scraper, an umbrella, and an optional powered tailgate that closes with a tug.

The Skoda Karoq offers three touchscreen infotainment systems across the range, with the base Amundsen system coming with navigation as standard. It is easy to use and can be upgraded to include Virtual Cockpit digital instruments and wireless device charging for additional convenience. The system is user-friendly and accepts voice commands easily.

New-gen Skoda Superb Unveiled, India Launch Likely In 2024

The new generation Skoda Superb has been unveiled globally and is expected to launch in India in 2024. The flagship sedan features a comprehensive update to its exterior design and an entirely revamped interior.

In terms of design, the new Superb showcases Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language. It comes in sedan and combi (estate) versions for the European markets, but only the sedan version will be available in India. The sedan version gets a redesigned front grille, updated LED headlights and DRLs, and a new front bumper. The fog lamps have been removed, and the rear end design has also been updated with new C-shaped LED tail lamps and an updated bumper design.

Moving on to the interior, the new Superb boasts a minimalistic design with multiple different cabin themes. The dashboard features vertical slats that conceal the corner AC vents, a large 13-inch central touchscreen, and physical dials for the multi-zone climate control. The centre console no longer features a drive-selector for automatic variants but includes a tray to keep your phone and cup holders. The upholstery is made from 100% recycled materials.

In terms of features and safety, the new Superb offers a 13-inch free-floating touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital driver’s display, head-up display, automatic climate control, a fast wireless phone charger, USB Type A chargers, powered front seats with massage function, ambient lighting, and a sunroof. Safety features include up to 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and various advanced driver assistance systems.

The new Superb will be available with different engine options in international markets. These include a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild hybrid, a 2-litre turbo-petrol, a 2-litre diesel, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid. However, in India, it is expected to come with turbo-petrol engine options only, without the plug-in hybrid version.

The new Superb is set to launch globally early next year, and it is likely to be launched in India later the same year as a completely built-up unit (CBU). The expected starting price for the new Superb in India is around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), and it will compete with the Toyota Camry.

Skoda’s Most Innovative Sedan Had An Unnecessarily Complicated Trunk

After a 52-year hiatus, Skoda revived the “Superb” moniker in 2001 with the first generation of its modern flagship. It was essentially a stretched Volkswagen Passat (B5), and it even got the VW badge in China where it was sold as the Passat Lingyu. The second-gen model arrived in 2008 and it was a lot more interesting. Not just because it got a wagon version, but also due to the reason the sedan doubled as a hatchback/liftback.

With the 2024 Superb officially unveiled, we remembered the TwinDoor feature offered for the Mk2 model. It came at a time when parent company VW Group wasn’t obsessed with cost-cutting measures, allowing its engineers to innovate and implement interesting hardware. And yes, that Superb had dual rear opening by allowing owners to either lift the whole tailgate or only the trunk lid.

Skoda Superb with TwinDoor
Skoda Superb with TwinDoor

So, how did it work? You first had to unlock the vehicle and then press the button located at the bottom side of the trunk lid to open only the metal part. If you wanted to raise the whole tailgate, if you first had to push a different button mounted to the right side of the other button we mentioned. Upon pressing it, the third brake light would flash twice. After that, the owner had to push the first button and raise the tailgate simultaneously.

While the Superb Combi had the aperture for the rear license plate built into the tailgate, it was mounted lower on the bumper for the liftback. In an interview for the official Skoda site, Zdeněk Cibulka, exterior designer of the Mk2, explained the unusual layout:

“This solution was anchored in the design of the rear pillars and the entire rear end. I also had to design the aperture for the double-operated bonnet [trunk/tailgate] and we spent a long time figuring out where the registration plate would go. In the end, it moved into the rear bumper, a rather unusual solution. But visually it helped the Superb a lot.”

The TwinDoor was only offered for the Superb Mk2 as the subsequent generation introduced in 2015 was only a hatchback, much like the newly introduced model, complemented by the even more spacious wagon. The Mk4 isn’t stepping on the Passat’s toes that much since VW has decided to drop the sedan and sell its midsize car strictly as a wagon.

Skoda Superb gets a makeover with a 62-mile PHEV

Skoda deserves praise for not only bringing back its popular repmobile when others are abandoning the market, but also for staying true to the qualities that made the Superb a hit. It’s no surprise considering that the outgoing model has sold 845k units since its launch in 2015.

The Mk4 Superb is a complete reinvention in terms of style and technology. However, underneath the glitz, there’s a comforting sense of familiarity. It features a sleek new digital interface, eco-friendly upholstery options, and a PHEV with a greater electric range than the first-generation Nissan Leaf.

But on the other hand, it also offers numerous physical buttons, a spacious boot comparable to an Amazon warehouse, and a choice between two diesel engines that don’t rely on electric assistance.

In a market that is being disrupted by new brands, technologies, and segments, it’s reassuring to see conventionally designed cars like the Superb endure.

Driving the 2024 Skoda Superb prototype

The SUV trend is growing rapidly, but the Skoda Superb Estate remains one of the best options for a large family car. It may not have the visual impact of its Kodiaq stablemate, but it’s spacious, comfortable, delivers a smooth ride, and is competitively priced. Moreover, it offers a variety of engines that are cost-effective to run. When the fourth-generation model arrives in 2024, it will have big shoes to fill.

The new Superb hatch and estate share much of their architecture with the Volkswagen Passat, as they were jointly developed. The design is still sleek but updated, incorporating slimmer headlights and tail-lights to align with the new Kodiaq, which will be launched around the same time. The new Superb Estate is 40mm longer and 5mm taller than its predecessor, and the boot has increased from 660 to 690 litres – surpassing the capacity of the Peugeot 508 SW and the rugged-looking Citroën C5 X.

Prices, trim levels, and specifications will be confirmed in November 2023. The lineup will consist of a standard Superb, a sportier Sportline version, and the luxury-focused Laurin & Klement trim. However, the slightly raised and more rugged-looking Scout estate will not be available in the UK.