SKODA has released more information about this jumbo wagon, the coveted estate version of its latest Superb, says William Scholes.
Long a favourite with taxi drivers, Stormont executive ministers and newspaper photographers, the new Superb can be ordered this month, with the first cars expected to hit the road in September.
The estate gets an even bigger boot than before - just under 2,000 litres with the seats folded, 660 litres when upright - as well as more interior space. As anyone who has ever sat in the current Superb can attest, space is not something exactly lacking in the big Skoda, so making it even larger is something of an achievement.
Prices start from under £20,000 - remarkable, given how much metal is on offer - and seven engines, with power outputs between 118bhp and 276bhp, will be available at launch with a mix of manual, double-clutch automatic and front- and four-wheel-drive transmissions.
At £19,840, the cheapest Superb estate is a 123bhp 1.4-litre petrol S; the most expensive model, at £35,940, is a 276bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo with four-wheel-drive and DSG double-clutch gearbox in Laurin & Klement trim.
"With the new Skoda Superb estate, we have further developed the existing strengths of the Superb and once again set a benchmark," said Skoda board member Dr Frank Welsch.
"With its expressive, dynamic design, we are emphasising and complimenting Skoda's expertise in the estate segment.
"The combination of aesthetics, top-of-the range technology and the highest practical benefits makes the new Superb estate an outstanding vehicle within its segment. With the new flagship, we will attract new customers to our brand."
The Superb comes with what Skoda describes as a "veritable armada" of assistance systems "for increased safety, eco-friendliness and comfort".
Meanwhile, elsewhere in its range Skoda has shaved almost £2,000 from the prices of Rapid Spaceback models.
The range now starts from £13,500 - £1,355 less than before - with all three trim grades featuring exceptionally high equipment levels.
The engine line-up is all-turbocharged and CO2 outputs start from just 94g/km.
