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.
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.
The new 2024 Skoda Superb will be unveiled tomorrow as the flagship model for the Czech brand. It boasts a sleek new design, a revamped interior, and an upgraded technology system.
Preview sketches have showcased the car’s exterior design, highlighting its sleek proportions in both estate and saloon versions. The model takes inspiration from Skoda’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, featuring sharper headlights, improved headroom, and enhanced practicality.
The interior of the Superb was revealed earlier this year and has undergone a complete overhaul. The popular model now offers customisable rotary controllers, a new infotainment system, and the use of more sustainable materials.
Buyers will likely appreciate the Superb’s retention of rotary dials. These dials sit below a 13.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and feature a 32mm digital display. They can be ergonomically pushed and offer control over seat heating, interior temperature, infotainment volume, fan speed, air conditioning, driving modes, and zoom on the sat-nav.
The Superb also comes with additional features such as four USB-C ports, massage seats, four-way adjustable lumbar support, and a gear selector now positioned on the steering column.
The fully revealed Superb, which we have already seen in prototype form, will be available for sale towards the end of 2023. It will offer a choice of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains.
Skoda recognizes the importance of its internal combustion engine (ICE) models during the transition to becoming an all-electric car manufacturer. These models fulfill customer needs as different markets embrace e-mobility at varying speeds.
In addition to the Superb, Skoda will be refreshing its Octavia, Kamiq, and Scala models, all of which will be released by 2026. The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq will also join the lineup.
Skoda is set to unveil two new models this fall – the Kodiaq and the Superb. Before their launch, these vehicles underwent extensive testing in various climates, including freezing Arctic conditions and scorching heat in Arizona.
The Czech automaker incorporates virtual testing of new models around four years before they hit the market. After that, real-world testing takes place about two years ahead of the official launch. Over a span of two years, the Kodiaq and Superb covered over one million kilometers (621,000 miles), while the automaker simulated 40 years of actual usage through additional durability and material evaluations conducted on test rigs and in laboratories.
The Skoda Superb is a highly practical and versatile car with powerful turbocharged engine options. Prices for a 1.5-liter petrol start at around £13,000, while a well-equipped diesel model is available for as low as £10,000.
The Mercedes C-Class is a premium saloon car that offers advanced technology and a focus on comfort. It is available with petrol and diesel engines. A 2017 diesel model can be found for £13,250, while a 2015 petrol model is priced at £11,499.
The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is a budget-friendly option that offers ample space and a pleasant driving experience. Second-generation models with low mileage can be purchased for around £11,000.
The Ford Focus Estate may not be the largest estate car, but it is still spacious enough for family needs and offers a good driving experience. It is available with various petrol and diesel engine options. A five-year-old model can be purchased for around £15,000, while a ten-year-old model can be found for under £10,000.
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake offers a luxurious interior, an enjoyable driving experience, and an impressive badge. Prices for previous-generation diesel models start at around £13,000. However, it may not be the most reliable option.
The Mercedes E-Class Estate is a popular choice in Germany and can comfortably accommodate large families. It is well-built and can handle high mileage. A two-year-old diesel model with less than 20,000 miles typically costs around £32,000.
The Ford Galaxy is a spacious and practical MPV that offers engaging dynamics and strong engines. Diesel models from 2016 or later are ULEZ compliant, while petrol models from 2001 onwards should also be fine. Prices for early models start at £1,000, while nearly-new examples are around £25,000.
The next-generation Skoda Superb will not be officially unveiled until November, but recent spy photos give us a glimpse of the liftback sedan still undergoing development. The images show the vehicle being tested at the Nurburgring race track, with a full-body camouflage wrap concealing the model’s evolutionary design changes.
The updated styling of the Superb may not be immediately apparent, but upon closer inspection, there are some notable elements. The grille appears to be more upright, although this could be a result of the camouflage. The front bumper has also been tweaked, featuring vertical slats at the edges. Another change is the relocation of the side-view mirrors from the A-pillars to the doors, while the character line along the car’s side is now lower, intersecting the door handles.
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.
The 2023 Toyota GR86 is a superb example of how to combine the perfect ingredients to make an excellent sports car. It is a light, front-engine RWD car with responsive handling designed for the twistiest roads you can take it on. The 86 is the mechanical twin of the Subaru BRZ., sharing the same platform and engine, with minor tweaks from each brand.
This year, Toyota has introduced a limited run 10th anniversary Special Edition GR86 which costs $34,360 in a special ‘Solar Shift’ orange color. Some cool cosmetic upgrades are black wheels, black stripes on the C-pillar, and a sweet-sounding cat-back exhaust with black chrome tips.
The suspension of the BRZ is less stiff when compared to the GR86, which makes it a little uncomfortable on uneven roads but might be advantageous on the track. As far as the looks are concerned, the GR86 has a more aggressive-looking front end.
The choice of which car you will ultimately choose will depend on which brand is closer to your heart. The engine, while not being the biggest one, is powerful enough to make the GR86 fast and a blast to drive on canyon roads and racetracks.
The GR86 encompasses a great driving experience while being very affordable, starting at $28,400 MSRP. Toyota has got the formula for this car just right, designed to make driving enjoyable with the right power output for the size and a sweet quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. In an era where EVs and Hybrid powertrains are taking over, the GR86 is an old-school breath of fresh air. The seating position is low but not too low and offers a focused driving position with great visibility.
The GR86 engine is a Subaru-developed naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard with an option for a six-speed automatic as well. The engine is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0-60 MPH in six seconds and a top speed of 135 MPH. The automatic transmission is a second slower than the manual, which Toyota claims is because the automatic is a bit heavier than the manual.
Handling is where the GR86 always comes into its own, with this being no different this time around. The legendary AE 86 which is the spiritual ancestor of the GR, was one of the best-handling cars of its time, depending on who you ask. The GR86 carries forward the same tradition. The steering offers precise feedback, which along with the stiff suspension makes the car feel nimble.
The car is still lightweight with a low center of gravity and Torsion limited-slip differential (LSD), which makes it a hoot to throw around corners. There are three drive modes to choose from Normal, Sport, and Track. You also get Vehicle Stability Control in Track Mode, which adds to the experience.
The GR86 comes in two trims regular which starts at $28,400 MSRP and Premium which costs $31,000. The Premium has some added features like 18-inch tires compared to 17-inch tires on the regular, rear spoiler, and heated seats. The Premium trim also offers additional safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Parking Sonar.
They also claimed that the manual transmission is more efficient in transferring power to the wheels. The engine is not the most powerful, but it makes more power and torque than the previous generation. As per the EPA figures on the 2022 GR86, the manual version returns 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The automatic is more efficient, returning 20 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
While the interiors seem spartan, they are comfortable enough for long journeys as long as there are only two people. While the seat configuration is 2+2, the rear seats are extremely cramped and not meant for adults by any stretch of the imagination. They are more appropriate for children or small dogs. While there are ISOFIX points for a baby seat, it can be quite challenging to fit in there.
The Premium trim has an eight-speaker audio system, while the regular trim has six speakers. There is also a 7.0-inch TFT GR digital instrument cluster for the driver with Multi-Instrument Display. The MID presents drivers with a wide array of information like a torque graph and tire pressure monitor, The dash is straightforward, with a mixture of physical AC knobs with display screens for the temperature and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The fit and finish of the interior upholstery are supple and good to the touch. A common complaint about the interior is that it can be loud due to subpar noise dampening. Trunk space is limited to 226-liter, which is greater than its rival the Mazda MX-5 which is limited to 130-liter. You get more space if you fold the rear seats forward, which gives you enough space for your weekly groceries.
The GR86 was featured on the IIHS annual Top Safety Pick + list for the year 2022 in the small cars’ category. This makes it one of the safest cars on the road currently. The GR86 also comes standard with a rear parking camera but misses a rear water nozzle to keep it clean. Toyota has also provided a GR86 Active Safety Suite with some driver assistance features, but for some bizarre reason only offered it for the automatic transmission variant.
The GR86 is a sports car built for enthusiasts, with a combination of well-balanced features like phenomenal steering feedback, stiff chassis, and adequate power. In this price range, there are competitors, like the Mazda MX-5, 181 horsepower which is not as powerful as the GR 86’s 228 horsepower. Having said that, the Mazda (2,341 pounds) is lighter than the Toyota (2,811 pounds).
Another thing about the GR86 is that it is a Toyota, which means you can be rest assured about its bulletproof reliability in the long run. Another great thing about the GR86 is the well-established after-market space, The platform is sturdy enough to be endlessly customized to fit your exact needs, whether it be cosmetic or mechanical modifications. There is an HKS-tuned GR86 which has been extensively modified to produce more than 400 horsepower. The GR86 offers a solid foundation to build a formidable track machine.
Toyota has crafted a joyous driving experience with the GR86, with steady improvements over the years. Its utter simplicity and the optional manual transmission and usable performance, all at an affordable price are what make it a fantastic sportscar. It’s great to see that Toyota has been fine-tuning the GR86 car to make it more composed and better than it already was.
We can be sure that the next variant, which is rumored to release in 2025, will be better and might even come with a turbocharger. There are also rumors that Toyota is developing the new car independently of Subaru. We live in perpetual hope. In the meanwhile, we have the GR86 to play around with, which seems to be on its way to becoming a future classic.
Skoda is preparing for the release of the next-generation Superb, scheduled for the second half of 2023, by conducting hot-weather testing in Southern Europe. Although the model is still heavily camouflaged, spy photos show a few design details, with shots of the wagon variant currently available.
Notable features that can be observed include boxy headlights that have running lamps located at the lower section, and the traditional vertical slats of the Skoda grille. Additionally, the front bumper possesses air curtains on its outer ends and a slim, horizontal bar that divides the central inlet.
The liftback variant will also be launched alongside the wagon, although images of this are yet to be released.
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