9 February 2011
New car report; Superbly styled Combi
We've been impressed by the superb Superb from day one. It offers everything a luxury vehicle should; is full of innovation and standard equipment that many rivals only supply as optional extras, has interior space to burn and as a comfortable cruiser, they don't come much better.
Styling has always been on the conservative side though, with the rear end treatment considered by some to be a little awkward. But now it's been turned into a wagon, or Combi in Skoda speak, the lines have been balanced up well and the Superb Combi looks even more superb than before.
Launched in New Zealand initially with a 125kW, 2.0 TDI litre turbo diesel driving the front wheels, or a 191kW 3.6 litre FSI V6 petrol driving all four wheels, both models use a six speed DSG transmission.
Two further models will be offered later in the year; a six speed DSG 103kW 2.0 TDI and a 118kW 1.8 litre TSI petrol version with a seven speed DSG transmission. The 103 TDI will now be a common rail diesel, where previously only the 125 TDI offered this 21st century technology.
All models are Euro 5 emission compliant.
Specification level is dependent on model, with two spec levels on offer. An entry level spec for the 118 TSI and 103 TDI and an upgraded level for the 125 TDI and V6 FSI.
All models have Bluetooth connectivity with phone control buttons on the steering wheel, a chilled glovebox, cruise control, dual zone climate air conditioning, rain sensing wipers, rear parking aid and front fog lights.
High grade models include Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Bi-Xenon headlights, corner function for the front fog lights, front parking aid, leather upholstery, electric front seats with memory for the driver.
Innovative, practical and well thought out.
A rechargeable LED lamp in the rear cargo area doubles as a removable flashlight which is magnetic so can be attached to the vehicles bodywork - handy when changing a tyre in the dark.
Other neat features include an umbrella storage compartment in the left rear door and aluminium rails in the cargo area, with a sliding divider and fixing straps, enabling luggage to be stowed securely in the cavernous luggage area, which offers up to 1,865 litres capacity.
An optional electrically-operated tailgate is available with a retractable luggage compartment cover, which automatically rolls back to the middle position when the tailgate is opened. This feature also includes a sliding false luggage floor, which can extend over the rear bumper when the tailgate is openned to make moving objects in and out easier.
The list of safety features is extensive, with all models having a minimum of seven airbags, including driver's knee airbag, two Isofix child seat anchorages in the rear and one in the front passenger's seat, ESP and activation of hazard lights during panic braking. The high grade models go from seven to nine airbags with the addition of side airbags in the rear.
Towing weights depend on model. The petrol 1.8 TSI is rated at 700kg unbraked and 1,500kg braked, and the 3.6 V6 is 750kg unbraked and 2,000kg braked. Diesel models are rated at 700kg for the 103 and 750kg for the 125 unbraked, and both are 1,800kg braked.
The Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 125 retails at $62,000 and the 3.6 V6 4x4 is $69,000. When further models arrive in September, the 1.8 TSI will be priced at $48,000 and the 103 TDI will be $51,000.