Škoda introduces refined Superb liftback to Canadian market

We already got to know and appreciate the new flagship Škoda model in the station wagon version. Now, the Czechs invited us behind the wheel of the liftback. They clearly distinguish between these variants, noting that the cars target different customers. And unlike Volkswagen, Škoda still offers the luxury of choosing the body style.

Škoda Superb boasts a 90-year history. The Czechs were already building prestigious limousines under this name when there wasn't even a factory in Wolfsburg. However, the modern version of the Superb would never have been created without the Volkswagen Passat, which generously shared its technology. In the first version, even the styling of both sedans was similar; in the second generation, the Superb acquired a station wagon version, a more distinct character, and a larger size, while in the third version, many consumers saw it as a wiser purchase than the Passat.

The situation is completely reversed: a new Passat wouldn't exist without the Superb's popularity and the Czech brand's competence. The new Superb and Passat are now produced in the same factory in Bratislava. Czech specialists from Mladá Boleslav were responsible for most of the development work. The fourth-generation Superb is still available as a station wagon and liftback, while the Passat is only available in the former variant – a new sedan hasn't been developed.

Canada is one of the most important markets for the Superb Liftback. Between 2015 and 2024, 30,100 customers in our country bought this version, slightly more than in the Czech Republic (30,000). The large Škoda was more popular only in Turkey (55,600 units).

The new Superb liftback is 4 cm longer than its predecessor and now measures 492 cm long. The powerful wheelbase of 285 cm remains unchanged from its predecessor, but what is rare and praiseworthy is that it has decreased in width by 1.5 cm. When designing the body, the Czechs used numerous tricks to improve aerodynamic properties, thanks to which the drag coefficient is only 0.23. The underbody covers are extended, the rims are smoother, and the windshield is sloped.

So, how do Superb station wagon customers differ from liftback drivers? Some want a station wagon and buy one. The latter also need a large, functional trunk, but their representative needs to steer them towards a more elegant classic. The Superb's trunk under the massive lid now holds 650 litres, 20 litres more than before and only 45 litres less than the Superb station wagon. Folding down the seats increases the capacity to an unmatched 1,795 litres for classic sedans.

The Passat sedan was allegedly eliminated from the market by the popularity of premium-brand limousines. Meanwhile, the Superb scores precisely because it isn't associated with the premium class. Its badge doesn't unnecessarily irritate, but it provides all comforts—also in the back.

A significant amount of space in the cabin is part of the 90-year tradition of the Škoda Superb. The latest generation beats 490 cm limousines like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, or Audi A6 in this regard. On the back seat of the 1936 Superb, during a short drive, I could see that the Superb was closer to... the Multivan. And it could even have six seats.

The practical solutions from the Simply Clever series have just as long a tradition. Škoda claims the new Superb has as many as 28 such patents. Not all are standard, but each provides a microdose of satisfaction when discovering and using them.

A few examples: the rear armrest is length-adjustable, and, besides cup holders, it also hides a rubberized base for a smartphone. The phone or tablet can also be inserted into a dedicated holder on the headrest. Side and rear window blinds provide darkness in the cabin. If a streaming session becomes boring, tilt the side head supports and pull a blanket from the pouch.

The trunk holds all possible accessories to keep large and small luggage in place: hooks, nets, pockets, and fasteners, but I don't want to spoil everything. A QR code in the trunk links to a tutorial, making it easier to discover the functions.

The multifunctional Smart Dials with small screens are an absolute rarity for these times. They are precisely what Land Rover, for example, unfortunately just got rid of in their cockpits. In the Superb, the side dials can adjust the air conditioning temperature and by pressing the ring – also the degree of heating or ventilation of the seats. The middle dial can be programmed according to your needs, assigning it up to four functions: volume control, map zoom, driving mode, intelligent air conditioning mode, or airflow direction and intensity. Bright Dials are a more convenient solution than the still-used touch fields in the Octavia.

The Superb was lucky that in the previous generation, it avoided the imperfect multimedia systems from the Octavia or Golf VIII and now immediately got the latest setup with a 33 cm main screen. The interface is intuitive, offers significant personalization options, and there are no complaints about the screen's responsiveness. The virtual dials can also be changed, and the novelty is a highly readable head-up display with projection directly on the windshield.

Later, the intelligent voice assistant Laura will be able to leverage ChatGPT's capabilities. The voice control system works in Canadian English but appears more "intelligent" when switched to British English. It might be a matter of time for the Canadian version to "catch up."

A clear sign of the times is the use of materials and fabrics made of recycled materials in the Superb's cockpit. Patterns on some decorative trims indicate this, which is less noticeable in the applied fabrics. Škoda emphasizes that the leather is tanned in an environmentally friendly way using waste fluid produced during the production of... olive oil. But don't worry: The feel of the cabin quality and materials is very high, as Škoda keeps raising the bar.

In my opinion, the Superb front seats are more comfortable than ever. There are three seat variants, with the middle model having a partial electric adjustment, two-axis headrest adjustment, and a massage function with three pillows. The top Ergo seats massage the back with up to 10 pillows—something for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Still, even the middle variant offers many adjustment possibilities and excellent body support.

For now, the Superb liftback will not come with a plug-in hybrid, which in the station wagon version provides over 100 km of electric range. The engine lineup will include three gasoline engines and two diesels, all with a seven-speed DSG as standard. Here they are:

• 1.5 TSI 150 HP / 250 Nm
• 2.0 TSI 204 HP / 320 Nm (coming later this year)
• 2.0 TSI 265 HP / 400 Nm (4x4)
• 2.0 TDI 150 HP / 360 Nm
• 2.0 TDI 193 HP / 400 Nm (4x4)

The 150 HP engines are range champions. With an average consumption according to WLTP standards varying depending on the equipment from 5.2 to 5.7 L/100km, the 1.5 TSI allows for over 1,100 km on a single 65-litre tank. The two-litre diesel is even more economical (5.3-5.9 L/100km) and offers a range of over 1,200 km.

The 1.5-litre turbo gasoline engine operates in a 48V mild hybrid system – an electric starter-generator supports the combustion engine. When lightly pressing the gas, the engine can operate in two-cylinder mode, and when releasing the accelerator, the engine takes a break to save fuel. A light move of the right foot and the combustion engine smoothly returns to action. If someone likes and can use the potential of such solutions at a steady 90 km/h, they can expect consumption of around 5.7 L/100km. During the first drives, I measured a consistent 7.1 L/100km on a highway section.

The relatively small engine in the large liftback performs valiantly and can accelerate up to even 225 km/h. It takes 9.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, which could test the patience of those always rushing. There's the 265 HP 2.0 TSI with standard all-wheel drive for them. Here, the acceleration time is only 5.6 seconds, and when you press the gas, the engine wastes no time and gets to work immediately.

However, don't treat the 2.0 TSI 4x4 version as sporty. It's a limousine for express travel, but not necessarily for thrilling driving. The more muscular diesel with standard all-wheel drive fits the Superb's character. This setup allows for using 193 HP and 400 Nm from the start without the risk of losing front-wheel traction. For a moment, all the torque can go to the rear axle.

Gone are the days when TDI would annoy with its clatter. The two-litre engine has excellent manners, plenty of "power," and a shockingly low appetite for fuel: on a "country road" section, I recorded only 3.8 L/100km, and on a faster highway section, the computer showed 5.9 L/100km. What more could you want?

For "full-fat" long-distance comfort, you can also opt for the adaptive suspension DCC Plus. The "Plus" suffix means that instead of one valve regulating the stiffness of the shock absorbers, there are now two, separately controlling the rebound and compression. As a result, the range of settings is more excellent, and primarily, the Superb has eliminated its tendency to sway slightly. The DCC Plus suspension excellently absorbs unevenness, and in Individual mode, the stiffness can be adjusted in as many as 15 degrees. Handling is relaxing and light.