Discover the new flagship Škoda model: Sleek elegance meets supreme functionality

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

Škoda Superb boasts a 90-year history. The Czechs were 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, the styling of both sedans was similar; in the second generation, the Superb acquired an estate version, a more distinct character, and a larger size; in the third version, many consumers saw it as a smarter purchase than the Passat.

Currently, the situation is completely reversed: there wouldn't be a new Passat 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 an estate and liftback, while the Passat is only available in the former variant – a new sedan hasn't been developed.

Poland 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 4.9 metres in length. The powerful wheelbase of 2.8 metres 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, which means the drag coefficient is only 0.23. The underbody covers are longer, the rims are smoother, and the windshield is more sloped.

So, how do Superb estate customers differ from liftback drivers? Some want an estate and buy one. The latter also need a large, functional boot, but their representative needs steer them towards a more elegant classic. The Superb's boot under the massive lid now holds 660 litres, 21 litres more than before and only 45 litres less than the Superb estate. Folding down the seats increases the capacity for classic sedans to an unmatched 1,795 litres.

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 the comforts, also in the back.

A significant amount of space in the cabin is part of the 90-year tradition of the Škoda Superb. In this regard, the latest generation beats 5-metre limousines like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, or Audi A6. On the back seat of the 1936 Superb, during a short drive, I could see that the Superb was once 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 boot holds all possible accessories to keep large and small luggage in place: hooks, nets, pockets, fasteners... but I don't want to spoil everything. A QR code in the boot links to a tutorial, making it easier to discover the functions.

An absolute rarity for these times are the multifunctional Smart Dials with small screens. 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 by pressing the ring and 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. Smart 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 13-inch 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.

A clear sign of the times is using recycled materials and fabrics in the Superb's cockpit. Patterns on some decorative trims indicate this, which is less noticeable in the applied fabrics. Škoda emphasises 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: here, 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, a 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 estate version provides over 62 miles of electric range. The engine lineup will include three petrol 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 45-49 mpg, the 1.5 TSI allows for over 683 miles on a single 65-litre tank. The two-litre diesel is even more economical (48-53 mpg) and offers a range of over 745 miles.

The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine operates in a 48V mild hybrid system – an electric starter-generator supports the combustion engine. When lightly pressing the accelerator, 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 around 41 mpg. On a motorway section during the first drives, I measured a consistent 33 mpg.

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 accelerator, 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 robust 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 4.5 L/100km, and on a faster motorway 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 greater, 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 to as many as 15 degrees. Handling is relaxing and light.