Superb rival for Ford and Holden
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Saturday, July 4, 2009 – The Age By Bruce Newton
AS UNLIKELY as it may sounds, Škoda’s newly launched Superb could offer a blueprint for the future of the large car in Australia.
Holden’s managing director, Mark Reuss, is among those who argue it is better economy – not smaller size – that attracts buyers away from the Commodore and its locally produced arch rival, the Ford Falcon.
The confidently named Superb (pictured) puts that contention to the test. It measures up only slightly smaller than the Commodore but offers new-generation drivetrains that are much more frugal and eco-friendly than the traditional big sixes that power the locals.
Included in that line-up are two front-wheel drive four-cylinders: a TSI 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine that averages 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres; and an even more thrifty TDI 2.0-litre turbo diesel that claims a 6.9L/100km combined average. Škoda has hedged its bets with a 3.6-litre V6 all-wheel-drive as well.
While the Superb has just gone on sale, some advance orders have been gathered and the head of Škoda Australia, Matthew Weisner, said a big body combined with a small thirst had proved attractive. “They are able to downsize engines without going to smaller cars,” Wiesner said of the advance purchasers.
“These people need and want the room, while they are also trying to do the right thing without losing performance. There will be traditional large-car buyers to whom this concept won’t appeal but those who get it will love it.”
Drive-away pricing for the Superb starts at $46,766 for the Ambition TSI and tops out at $63,162 for the V6. The TDI commands a $3000 premium over the TSI.
The baseline specification list includes nine airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. Dual-zone climate control, trip computer, MP3 auxiliary input socket, cruise control, front foglights with cornering function, parking sensors, chrome interior trim and leather multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever and handbrake grip are all part of the Ambition package.
The Elegance and Elegance AWD offer bi-xenon headlights with beams that follow the curve of the road, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats with driver-seat memory function, alarm system and sound system with 400W, 10-channel amplifier and 10 speakers. The AWD gets standard leather.