Czech manufacturer Skoda has called on its past to head into the future with it's latest offering, a Superb wagon. Skoda Superb sedan was launched in 2009 and has now been joined by a wagon variant of the practical family sedan. Families who want - or perhaps need - plenty of space in their daily driver will be impressed. The wagon boasts a cavernous 633 litre boot with all five seats in use and that grows to a massive 1865 litres with the second row of seats folded.
While many Australians are not too familiar with Skoda, the company produced it's first station wagon back in the 1920's when it was known by the founders name, Laurin and Klement. Back then wagon bodies were fitted to L & K models 100 and 110. The ancient ancestor of the Superb even had a wagon variant back in the 1930s and more recent offerings include the Octavia (1961-1971) as well as the 1202 STW until 1973.
The back-to-the-future Superb wagon is based heavily on the sedan variant with the front of the vehicle and the cabin identical to the family sedan. Current Superb owners will no doubt be pleased the large cargo area in the wagon does not intrude on the limousine-size rear seat legroom for which Superb has become a genuine option for the limousine industry. Head room for both front and rear seat passengers has been slightly increased.
The Superb wagon story is more than just space for passengers and cargo. It is also a clever vehicle. The wagon features aluminium sliders in the boot which uses an adjustable rail system to lock in luggage and stop it moving about.
In addition there's plenty of lighting including a detachable torch attached to the tailgate which not only shines into the boot, but illuminates the area outside the back of the vehicle. The torch no only detaches but also has a magnetic strip so it can be placed on the car's body - for example to change a flat tyre ar night.
This light is battery powered and is automatically re-charged by the engine during normal running. It has a three hour life before needing a re-charge. If it's raining while we have our imaginary puncture at night, the rear passenger door also contains an umbrella.
At 600mm off the ground the boot floor is easily accessible. Skoda also has on offer an optional extendable boot floor which can jut out over the rear bumper. It has a load rating of 90 kg. As an option it will set you back $370. Also optional is a power tailgate - push button closer - which is $790.
The new Superb wagon has three models: entry level Ambition, Elegance and V6 4X4 Elegance. Each has different alloys moving from 16 inch on the Ambition to 17s on the Elegance and 18s on the V6. Like the sedan the wagon comes with a choice of three engines - two petrol and one turbo diesel - and two DSG – dual clutch - transmissions one six speed and one seven speed.
The 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine generates 125 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque and is linked to the six speed DSG. The 1.8 litre petrol, 118 Tsi engine is the entry level power plant and offers 118 kW or power and 250 Nm of torque. This engine gets the seven speed DSG. The 3.0 litre V6
4X4 puts out 191 kW of power and the same torque as the diesel, 350 Nm, run through a six speed DSG.
Across the range Superb comes with hill hold control while the 4X4 variant has a variable torque split between the front and rear wheels to gain the best possible traction in slippery conditions such as in snow at this time of the year. Superb wagon variants add $2000 to the bottom line over the sedan range. The two entry level Ambition Superb Sedans were reduced by $1000 each to fit in with the new Superb range pricing.
At launch we road tested two variants, the 2.0 litres diesel and the 1.8 litre petrol. This car is all about family practicality, but neither engine disappoints – much the same as the Superb sedan.
Superb wagon is up against vehicles such as Holden's Sportwagon, VW Passat wagon, Subaru Liberty wagon and Volvo V50. In terms of style, comfort, value for money and practicality it is well worth a test drive if you're in the market for a wagon.
SUPERB RANGE PRICING
Sedan/Wagon
Ambition 118 TSI $38,990/ $40,990*
Ambition 125TDI $41,990/ $43,990
Elegance 118 TSI $44,990/ $46,990
Elegance 125TDI $47,990/ $49,990
Elegance 4X4 V6 191 FSI $55,990/ $57,990 |
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