Review: Skoda 3T Superb (2009-15)

Review: Skoda 3T.I Superb (2009-13)

Overview

Released in June 2009, the Skoda 3T Series I (3T.I) Superb was initially offered as a five-door liftback with wagons following in May 2011. Manufactured in Kvasiny, Czech Republic, the Skoda 3T Superb was initially available in 118TSI, 125TDI and 191FSI variants, with 103TDI variants following in August 2011. All engines, however, were mated to double clutch transmissions. The full Superb range is given in the table below.

Body and dimensions

The Skoda 3T Superb was based on Volkswagen’s PQ46 platform which also underpinned the Volkswagen Mk.6 Passat . Compared to the Mk.6 Passat sedan, however, the Superb liftback and wagon were 73 mm longer (at 4838 mm), 3 mm narrower (1817 mm), 10 mm lower (1462 mm) and had 52 mm longer wheelbases (2761 mm). Despite their sedan-like styling, the liftback bodies had a unique rear ‘Twindoor’ boot opening which enabled the tailgate to be opened as either a conventional sedan-like boot or as a liftback.

Suspension

The Skoda 3T Superb had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links), multi-link rear suspension (with one longitudinal and three transverse links) and electromechanical power-assisted steering.

AWD system

The Skoda Superb’s all-wheel drive system – available on the 103TDI and fitted as standard for the 191FSI – utilised a Haldex coupling with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, torque was primarily directed to the front wheels; in the event that front wheel slip was detected, the clutch could engage to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels (i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque split).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 3T.I Superb included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, a driver’ s knee airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2008 Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.75 out of 37. The Superb was subsequently re-assessed under Euro NCAP’s updated methodology and received a five star safety rating which included a 90 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Superb received maximum points.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Superb Ambition included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, auxiliary inputs and MP3-compatibility, dual zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, heated front seats, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps with cornering function, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable front seats, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring, 12 volt power outlets, reading lamps, trip computer and immobiliser. Wagon models were also fitted with automated parallel parking (‘Park Assist’) and front parking sensors.

The Superb Elegance was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system, power adjustable front seats with driver’ s seat memory settings, heated rear seats, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, a motion-sensing alarm and rear blind.

The Superb 191FSI was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and, for sedans, a rear spoiler.

May 2011: Superb update

From May 2011, the Superb Elegance edition was also equipped with an upgraded sound system with a satellite navigation system, 30GB hard drive, voice recognition and leather seats (previously restricted to the 191FSI).

Brochures

• Brochure: Skoda 3T.I Superb (October 2011)
• Brochure: Skoda 3T.I Superb (September 2012)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 3T Superb Sedan (June 2009)
• Press Kit: Skoda 3T Superb Wagon (May 2010)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 3T Superb (June 2009)
• Press Kit: Skoda 3T Superb 103TDI AWD (August 2011)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 3T Superb (August 2011)

Review: Skoda 3T.II Superb (2014-15)

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2014, the Skoda 3T Series II (3T.II) Superb introduced a simplified range as the 103TDI and 191FSI variants were discontinued. Both the 118TSI and 125TDI variants had a brake energy recuperation system which increased alternator output when braking to recharge the battery, while the 125TDI engine also had a Start-Stop function which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic.

In October 2014, the 3T.II Superb range was expanded with the introduction of the all-wheel drive 125TDI 4×4 Outdoor wagon.

Visually, the 3T.II Superb could be identified by its wider grille, new bonnet, bumpers, head lights, C-shaped brake lights and alloy wheel designs; Elegance editions also had bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Safety equipment

Compared to its 3T.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Skoda 3T.II Superb was unchanged.

Features: Ambition and Elegance editions

Standard features for the Skoda Superb Ambition included 17-inch ‘Twister’ alloy wheels, ‘Bolero’ sound system with eight speakers, a 6.5-inch display, CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Climatronic’), fabric seat upholstery, cruise control, directional front fog lights, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a leather steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, ambience lighting (‘CatVision’), courtesy lights, auto-dimming rear view and door mirrors, three 12 volt power outlets, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser; wagon models were also fitted with a cargo cover and roof rails.

The Superb Elegance was further equipped with 18-inch ‘Trinity’ alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a digital equaliser and ten-channel amplifier, ‘Columbus’ satellite navigation system with a 6.5-inch display and 30GB hard drive, leather seat upholstery, power adjustable front seats (with driver’s seat memory function), heated front and rear seats, bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm system and Skoda’s ‘Automatic Parking Assist’ which provided automated steering for the entry and exit of parallel parking spaces and when reversing into perpendicular parking spaces. Wagon models also had a power-operated tailgate.

Features: Superb 4×4 Outdoor

Compared to the Elegance edition, the Superb 4×4 Outdoor was further equipped with combination Alcantara and leather upholstery, and a ‘Driver Pack’ which included a proximity key and push-button start (Skoda’s ‘KESSY’), a fatigue detection system and a manually-operated sun shade for the rear windows.

Visually, the Superb 4×4 Outdoor edition could be identified by its 18-inch ‘Trinity’ anthracite alloy wheels, two-tone black and silver bumpers, dark covers for the wheel arches, door sill covers, side moulding strips and a protective strip on the loading edge of the rear boot. Furthermore, the 4×4 Outdoor was available in ‘Candy White’ or ‘Moon White’ metallic paint finishes.

Brochures

• Brochure: Skoda 3T.II Superb (July 2014)
• Brochure: Skoda 3T.II Superb Outdoor 4×4 (July 2014)

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Skoda 3T.II Superb (July 2014)
• Skoda Australia: Skoda Superb
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 3T Superb