What is it?
Most people see Skoda as a straightforward brand. Creator of family-focused models that put value and efficiency ahead of flamboyance, it’s a company which doesn’t let its hair down all that often. This car – the Superb Sleeper – is an example of Skoda kicking off its work shoes and heading out for a dance.
But why? From the outside at least, this Superb looks just like any other example of the previous-generation estate car. However, lurking underneath are some serious upgrades which could make this car a nightmare for supercars and hot hatches the country over. We’ve been testing it out.
What’s new?
Let’s get one thing out of the way early – the Skoda Superb Sleeper is a one-off, for now at least. It is, however, an example of what is possible with a Skoda Superb, but it has all been wrapped in an understated exterior that doesn’t hint at what is going on underneath the car.
Despite its mechanical changes, the Skoda Superb Sleeper is just as practical inside as the ‘regular’ car, It’s all trimmed in luxurious Laurin & Klement trim, which brings all kinds of features including heated seats, an updated Canton sound system and tri-zone climate control that ensures everyone inside the cabin is as comfortable as can be.
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s when you lift this Superb’s bonnet that you discover everything isn’t quite as it seems. No, underneath is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that could be found in the standard Superb, but it has been completely reworked by specialists RE Performance, which has kitted it out with a larger turbocharger and a beefier intercooler to boost power to 470bhp – a significant increase on the 276bhp you’d get from the standard car. An upgraded exhaust system – neatly integrated into the regular car’s rear bumper design – helps to give this Superb a more vocal presence, too.
As before, the power is sent to all four wheels via a DSG automatic gearbox, but RE Performance hasn’t stopped with the engine. The suspension has been overhauled with a new coilover setup introduced for a sportier, more composed ride when you’re cornering more quickly. To help bring things to a stop more effectively you’ll find upgraded AP Racing brakes with six-piston calipers on each corner. It’s an extensive re-working, that’s for sure.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s a familiar setting when you slot behind the Superb’s steering wheel and into its comfortable driver’s seat but, from the moment you switch this car on, things are vastly different. The coilover suspension is the thing you notice immediately; the Superb no longer wafts over lumps and bumps but, instead, crashes through them – it’s a far racier feeling than you’d expect.
But once you gain some momentum it all starts to make sense. The 2.0-litre engine feels untethered and almost absurdly powerful with mid-range performance that will give even the sharpest of supercars a bit of a scare. Coupled with that stiffer suspension it’s a breeze to drive more quickly. The only downside is the DSG gearbox which, given all that extra power, now feels a little out of its depth. It struggles to change gear in a deft enough fashion and, on occasions, couldn’t kick down quick enough for our liking. However, the rest of the package is remarkably well-resolved while the soundtrack which accompanies it all is very pleasant indeed.
How does it look?
The best part about the Skoda Superb Sleeper is that from every angle it’s your typical, family-friendly estate car. In its traditional green shade with silver alloys it does look smart, but you’d be hard-pressed to spot it as something different.
The drop in ride height over a standard Superb does suggest that not all is quite as it seems, but the rest of the car is beautifully understated – despite the fact that it produces more power than many a high-end performance car.
What’s it like inside?
Despite its increased performance and mechanical overhaul, Skoda has resisted the urge to mess with the Superb’s interior. Sure, it could’ve gone down the route of kitting it out with some beefier racing bucket seats and swathes of Alcantara, but instead, the comfort-focused way that the interior remains ties in with the whole understated nature of the car.
Plus, the previous-generation Superb’s cabin was a joyful place to be anyway. There’s space aplenty for all those aboard and, because it’s an estate, you’ve got acres of boot room available. In fact, even without the extra performance the Sleeper reminds you of just how accomplished this generation of Superb was anyway.
What’s the spec like?
As a complete one-off, this car isn’t going to be available through Skoda. However, we’d reckon that if you had a Superb with a similar basic layout and approached RE Performance, there’s no reason why you couldn’t have these edits made to your own car, though it may not end up being quite as accomplished given the level of testing that has been performed on this particular model.
Used Skoda Superbs with the 276bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol are few and far between, but during our research, we did find a handful that fit the bill. Though most had high mileage, you could pick one up for around £12,000, representing quite a value-orientated way of getting into the car that underpins the Sleeper. You’d have to factor in quite a bit in order to make all of the mechanical upgrades, however.
Verdict
The Skoda Superb Sleeper isn’t just a standard-bearer for the previous-generation car, but also a representation of this usually straight-laced brand having a little bit of fun. Sure, as a one-off it isn’t going to change sales figures drastically nor give other brands a fright, but it’s a prime example of a brand going a little off-course and creating something worth celebrating.
The only sad part is that more of these Sleepers haven’t been made. Surely there’s space for a new one, Skoda?
- Model as tested: Skoda Superb Sleeper Edition
- Price: £NA
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
- Power: 470bhp
- Torque: 661Nm
- Max speed: NAmph
- 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds (est)
- MPG: 42mpg (est)
- Emissions: NA
