Estates may be going out of fashion, with SUVs and crossovers taking their place as the default family car, but not for Škoda. The Superb is a testament to this, with 90% of last-generation Superbs in Germany being estates. The new Superb Estate therefore remains Škoda’s flagship model and has been improved thanks to customer feedback. Featuring greater connectivity and new powertrains, Škoda is keeping the estate alive.
A Functional Design
The Superb Estate gains Škoda’s new octagonal grille and LED Matrix headlights with the new Crystallinium design element. Exterior details such as the logo on the bonnet and lettering at the rear are in Unique Dark Chrome. The revised shape has a useful purpose though. With a drag coefficient of cd 0.25, the Superb Estate is 15% more aerodynamic than its predecessor and is the most aerodynamic estate ever built by the Czech brand. Changes include a more streamlined roofline, a longer spoiler, and a more aerodynamic front bumper. The Superb Estate is also 40mm longer than its predecessor, providing an extra 30 litres of storage space. Rear passengers also benefit from 8mm of extra headroom and more legroom. The Škoda Superb Estate comes in eight colours: six of which are new, including some brighter shades like Cobalt Blue, Carmine Red, and Ice Tea Yellow. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch to 19-inch depending on the trim level and options.
Superb Sustainability
The Škoda Superb Estate features a 13-inch free-standing infotainment screen and a tidy centre console. Every textile used in the interior uses recycled polyester and the cognac leather is sustainably tanned. The Superb is now arranged in Design Selections based on trim level. SE Technology has fabric seats in the Loft design and can be specced with the Lounge Selection, which features more adjustable suede seats, with a massage function. The SE L and L&K trim both get the Suite Selection, available in black or cognac. This design has leather or artificial leather Ergo memory seats, with 10 pneumatically controlled air cushions for more advanced massaging. Lounge and Suite have tablet holders, whilst the optional Family/Business package includes rear side airbags, the Sleep package, tablet holders on the front seat backrests, a waste bin and roller blinds on the rear side windows.
A Smart Interior
The Superb Estate has plenty of clever features inside. Some are digital, although 28 of Škoda’s loved Simply Clever features are also present. Starting with the tech, the Škoda Smart Dials are textured in Unique Dark Chrome. The three dials appear on the centre console and the centre dial can be used to control volume, air conditioning, driving modes and map zoom. The two outer dials control temperature, and seat heating or ventilation for the driver and passenger. Perhaps less useful, the voice assistant Laura can now answer general knowledge questions thanks to ChatGPT integration. The Superb has an optional head-up display for the first time, showing its move towards greater safety and connectivity. The wireless fast charging feature also cools your phone as it replenishes the battery and the Superb Estate now features new Simply Clever features. These include a tray with dry display cleaner in the Jumbo Box in the centre armrest, a warning triangle in the boot, and a removable sunglasses compartment – also in the Jumbo Box.
Under the Skin
50% of Superbs are used as company cars, therefore the Superb Estate is available with an improved plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as its first mild hybrid option. Both use the 1.5 TSI engine which can run on just two cylinders when full power isn’t needed, increasing efficiency. The PHEV iV now has 62 miles of electric range and can charge at up to 50 kW. The Superb Estate is also available with two petrol and two diesel engines, with the most powerful variants of each coming with all-wheel drive. All engines are paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The DCC Plus adaptive chassis control system is designed to increase comfort and make handling more responsive.
A Modern Estate
The new Škoda Superb Estate keeps the dying breed alive and continues the legacy of the Superb name, stemming back to 1934. Across its 90-year legacy, more than 1.6 million have been made and the estate has been crucial to its success. Skoda will hope that their modern take on an estate can inspire another 90 years of their Superb flagship.
