Škoda Superb

The Škoda Superb is an executive car built by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto. It is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat (but was elongated by convert|10|cm|in) and shares its mechanicals with that model. It is currently the largest and most luxurious model in Škoda's lineup. The Superb name is a resurrection, originally used by Škoda for a similarly large 1936 model.

History: 1930s and 1940s

The brand continues in the tradition before the World War II when the following luxurious models were produced:
* 1934 - Škoda Superb (type 640)
* 1936 - Škoda Superb (type 902), Škoda Superb (type 913)
* 1938 - Škoda Superb OHV (type 924)
* 1939 - Škoda Superb 4000 (type 919)
* 1941 - Škoda Superb 3000 - KFZ 15 (type 952)
* 1942 - Škoda Superb 3000 - KFZ 15 (type 956)Several historical cars Škoda Superb can be seen in the Škoda Auto Museum [http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/about/tradition/museum/Pages/Museum.aspx] .

B5 Superb (2001-2008)

Infobox Automobile
name = Škoda Superb I (B5)


manufacturer = Škoda Auto
production = 2001–2008
class = Executive car
platform = Volkswagen Group B5 platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
related = Audi A4
Volkswagen Passat
engine = 1.8L I4 Turbocharged
2.0L I4
2.8L V6 30 valve
1.9L I4 TDI
2.0L I4 TDI
2.5L V6 TDI
transmission = 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic
layout = FF layout
predecessor =
successor = B6 Superb
length= Auto mm|4803|1
width= Auto mm|1765|1
wheelbase= Auto mm|2803|1
height= Auto mm|1489|1
fuel_capacity=Convert|62|l|usgal impgal|1|abbr=on

Characteristics

The modern Superb is available with several petrol and diesel engines. Based on 1999 chinesse Passat lgw -long wheel base- aka Passat Lingyu B5 PL45+ platform .The base model, the Classic, is available with a 1.9 litre TDI turbodiesel rated at convert|74|kW|PS|0|abbr=on, or a 2.0 litre straight-4 engine rated at convert|85|kW|PS|0|abbr=on. The Comfort and Elegance models are offered with a with a 1.8T (110 kW) petrol or either a convert|142|kW|PS|0|abbr=on V6 2.8 litre petrol engine, or a 2.5 litre TDI rated at convert|120|kW|PS|0|abbr=on. Transmissions available are a six-speed manual or five-speed tiptronic. As well as offering Volkswagen's older 1.9 litre PD engine, the Superb also uses the new convert|103|kW|PS|0|abbr=on 2.0 litre TDIs found in other cars of the Volkswagen Group.

The Superb was facelifted in 2006 to incorporate Škoda's new grille, headlights and tail lights. A Laurin and Klement model became the top of the range, deposing the Elegance model from that position. A range of new engines was introduced and the interior featured real wood as part of some trim levels. Akin to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Comfort, Elegance and Laurin & Klement models even have an umbrella secreted in the rear door panel.

Although the Passat upon which it is based competes with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407, the Superb is marketed as an alternative to the more prestigious likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, though it is actually cheaper than the Passat.

The Superb got minor facelift in August 2006 - a new radiator grille, additional blinkers have been integrated into the vehicle's wing mirrors, the tail lights were C-shaped in style of Roomster and Octavia and interior was redesigned. [cite web |url=http://www.worldcarfans.com/rsslink.cfm/article/2060726.005/skoda/2007-skoda-superb-minor-facelift|title=2007 Škoda Superb Minor Facelift| author=WorldCarFans.com | accessdate=2007-07-19 | date=2006-06-26 ]

B6 Superb (2008-present)

Infobox Automobile
name = Škoda Superb II (B6)


manufacturer = Škoda Auto
production = 2008-
platform = Volkswagen Group B6 platform
class = Executive car
body_style = 4-door sedan
related = Volkswagen Passat
Škoda Octavia II (post-facelift)
SEAT Toledo
engine = Petrol:
1.4L TSI Convert|92|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
1.8L TSI Convert|118|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
3.6L FSI 4motion Convert|191|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
Diesel:
1.9L TDI PD Convert|77|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
2.0L TDI PD Convert|103|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
2.0L TDI common rail Convert|125|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
transmission = 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic DSG
7-speed automatic DSG
layout = FF layout
predecessor = B5 Superb
successor =
length= Auto mm|4838|1
width= Auto mm|1817|1
wheelbase= Auto mm|2761|1
height= Auto mm|1462|1

A replacement for Superb was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in early March 2008. [cite web |url=http://www.autoweb.cz/ekonom-novy-superb-bude-v-breznu-2008/articles.html?id=10975|title=Ekonom: Nový Superb bude v březnu 2008| author=autoweb.cz, ČTK | accessdate=2007-07-19 | date=2007-06-07 ]

Based on the Passat/Octavia II platform, it will be a hatchback with an innovative tailgate that can double as a regular separate sedan boot and full hatchback known as Twin-Door.

Petrol options will include five VW-sourced units including an entry-level convert|125|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on 1.4-litre TFSI, a convert|160|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on 1.8 TFSI, a flagship 3.6-litre V6 complete with four-wheel drive. Diesel options will include 2.0TDI convert|140|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on PD, a 2.0TDI convert|170|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on and a 1.9TDI called Greenline with reduced fuel consumption.

Gearboxes include 5 and 6 speed manual gearboxes and 6 and 7 speed DSG gearboxes and an option on almost all engine/trim combinations.

Trim levels available are the S, SE and Elegance, with Elegance being top of the range.

References

External links

* [http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/model/superb/look/Pages/Look.aspx Škoda Superb official website]