Skoda’s third-generation Superb unveiling to a global audience included the Slovakian model and actress Adriana Karembeu, Cuban couturier Osmany Laffita, a section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and an ensemble featuring 1980s songstress Chaka Khan.
The new car will go on sale in the autumn. Although it was shown only as a saloon at an unveiling in Prague, an estate/wagon will also be available by the time it reaches the showrooms.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Skoda predicted it would improve on sales of the previous two models, a cumulative 750,000, by around 25%. Around half will be estates in leading European markets like Germany and the UK.
The new Superb is yet another car based upon the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, demonstrating yet again the versatility and flexibility of this production system. It has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the previous model, but most of this has been offset by a 61mm reduction in front overhang. The result is an even more spacious car than its expansive predecessors with a class-leading boot of 625 litres.
Skoda sees the Ford Mondeo, GM Insignia, Hyundai i40/Sonata, Kia Optima and Peugeot 508 as the main competitors although it also hopes to attract some customers from the lower end of the so-called premium segment.
CEO Winfried Vahland said the new Superb had been “100% developed in the Czech Republic by Czech people using a lot of components sourced from within the Czech Republic”.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataNevertheless, it makes extensive use of the VW Group’s latest driver assistance, connectivity and convenience technologies.
The eight EU6-compliant engines – five petrol and three diesel – deliver up to 34% lower fuel consumption and emissions while providing power increases of up to 20%, and include one which shuts down two of its four cylinders in cruising mode and a Greenline diesel with fuel economy of more than 76mpg and CO2 emissions of 95g/km. Four-wheel drive will be available on several models.
“We are planning a huge sales offensive and will be targeting people who have never thought of owning a Skoda before, said sales and marketing chief Werner Eichhorn. Skoda is in the process of rolling out a new corporate look for its dealerships which should be close to completion by the time the Superb is on sale.
