Fourth-generation Skoda Superb doesn’t disappoint with new additions to a super motor

Diesel is dead? I don’t know who came up with that phrase but it’s the furthest thing from the truth.

In fact, the old fossil fuel is actually making a comeback according to some motoring insiders — especially in Ireland.

One firm believer of this theory is Czech brand Skoda. This week in Prague, a stone’s throw from the manufacturer’s Czech Republic HQ, the Volkswagen-owned group took the covers off its fourth-generation Skoda Superb. And it is exactly what it says on the tin — Superb.

Anyone who reads this column will know that I am a massive fan of the Skoda Superb and have been for years. And I am not the only one it seems, because since it was first launched back in 2001 more than 1.6 million units have rolled off the assembly lines.

Here in Ireland, close to 9,000 Superb models have been delivered to customers across the country in the last seven years alone.

So what’s new for this new fourth generation model, you might ask.

Well, the first thing that struck me when the cloth came off was the fact that this is a ‘saloon/hatch family’ car.

Believe it or not, these models have not been put out to pasture just yet, and Skoda believes that there is still a huge demand for one of the brand’s most popular cars to ever roll off its production lines — and I do too.

At first glance, let me say that my jaw didn’t actually hit the ground when the covers came off in terms of the exterior design.

That’s not to say that the Czech brand hasn’t done a brilliant job on the latest model — maybe I just expected it to be a bit more radical. It’s extremely stylish nonetheless.

What it does have in abundance over its predecessor is more space and comfort and state-of-the-art technology.

On the outside, the front of the all-new Superb is defined by the new octagonal grille, the Skoda logo on the bonnet and new trim strips. It will also be available with neat-looking second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights, which will come as an option.

The fourth-generation Superb will be available in six metallic and two solid colours.

Six of these colours are new — White (solid) and the metallic finishes will include Pebble Silver, Black, Cobalt Blue, Carmine Red and Ice-Tea Yellow.

On top of that all variants will come with alloy wheels as standard, ranging from silver 17-inch rims to optional 19-inch wheels.

Out back, the rear lights are significantly more slender than in the predecessor and will also be available in two versions.

The (optional) top version adds dynamic turn signals and an animated Coming/Leaving Home function.

But it’s on the inside where the Skoda magicians have really put a spell on me. The first thing that struck me when I sat inside was that the selector for the automatic gearbox has been transformed from the traditional stick shift to a more American-styled column change, which is now housed behind the steering wheel.

This frees up a lot more space in the centre console to house that morning coffee and other odds and ends we carry with us these days.

However, it’s the fact that the designers have stuck to the traditional circular dials to control the car’s temperature and air conditioning that really put a smile on my face.

I can’t stand digital temperature controls that move up and down half a degree with each touch of a screen. Fact!

Another impressive stat is that the new model is actually bigger too — as if it wasn’t big enough.

The hatch and estate versions are both longer and taller than their predecessors, yet their wheelbases remain unchanged.

The estate’s total boot capacity with the rear seats folded would fit half of an under-8 GAA team with a massive 1,920 litres on offer.

As for the leg room in the rear, well anyone who has ever been in the back of a Superb will agree that even an NBA basketball player wouldn’t have his knees in his mouth.

Technology too, is at the forefront in this fourth-generation model.

Depending on spec, the central touch-screen display measures 10 or 13 inches.

The 10-inch central multi‑touch display is part of the standard infotainment system and features DAB+ radio reception as well as gesture and voice control.

The navigation function including online radio and a 13-inch screen are available as an optional package. A 10-inch Virtual Cockpit comes as standard, while an optional head-up display will be available for the first time.

On the engine front, new Superb customers will have a choice of three petrol engines with outputs ranging from 150bhp to 265bhp and two diesels with either 150 bhp 193 bhp.

There will also be an improved plug-in hybrid model with a ‘claimed’ electric range of more than 100 kilometres as well as a mild hybrid for the first time ever.

Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid will only be available on the Combi (or estate) model, which is a bit of a let down for me.

But, according to Skoda Ireland, 95 per cent of the sales will be taken up by diesel buyers anyway, so it seems that many motorists still have a grá for the old reliable internal combustion engine.

I’m told too, that this diesel engine can run just as smooth on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel, but I’m not sure Irish customers are ready to take that leap just yet. Probably best kept to make the morning fry up for the missus instead.

The new Skoda Superb is due in Ireland before next summer.