Latest Skoda Superb builds on 90 years of innovation

New Launches 

What were you doing 90 years ago? Probably busy not being born yet - at least for most of us. In human terms, 90 years is quite a long time to be around. The same is true for the automobile, which goes to show just how much heritage you could get with the latest Skoda Superb.

The new fourth-generation Skoda Superb will be introduced this autumn, 90 years after the launch of the first model that was produced between 1934 and 1949.

Ok, the Superb hasn't been around for the entire ninety years but it does demonstrate how well established the Skoda name is. And when the original Skoda Superb went out of production after 17 years of success it left a few innovations that are still around to this day.

The onboard wiring worked with a new-fangled 12v system that is now the norm. An innovatively designed chassis allowed the driveshaft to be housed in the tubular frame to create more room for independent suspension for superior ride comfort. Single-circuit hydraulic brakes with equal action on all four wheels improved safety. It was even available with a range of engines including a V8, and it came in a variety of body styles too.

Unfortunately, we then had to wait more than 50 years for the second generation to arrive.

2001 saw Skoda celebrate its 10-year anniversary as part of the Volkswagen Group, as well as the return of the Superb saloon. Given the gap between them, the second generation boasted features that were barely dreamed of all those years ago.

The first modern generation of the Superb offered both petrol and diesel powertrains, ranging from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo to a 2.8-litre V6 with almost 200bhp. It also brought with several firsts for the Skoda brand, including bi-xenon headlamps, Tiptronic automatic transmission, the ‘Coming Home' lighting system and electronically controlled brake assist.

By the time the third generation appeared in 2015, it was being built on VW's modular MQB platform that allowed Skoda to add a whole lot more to the mix.

For the first time, the Superb was benefiting from a DCC Adaptive Chassis, tri-zone climate control and assistance systems such as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist. Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Lane Assist and Travel Assist were also available. Skoda were also offering a virtual boot release pedal, a 230v socket for rear seat passengers and umbrellas in the panels of both front doors.

After the 2019 facelift, the third-generation Superb was given even more state-of-the-art equipment, such as Matrix-LED headlights, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, and keyless opening for all doors. The range was also expanded to include a new variant – the plug-in hybrid Superb iV with a 1.4 TSI PHEV engine.

And now there's a brand-new version of the Skoda Superb.

The all-new Skoda Superb is heading our way in the autumn. We don't know anything about it yet, and we probably won't until the world premiere is announced in a few months' time. What we can do is take an educated guess though. With nine decades of experience to call on, it will be spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and offer a wide range of options. Essentially, the next Skoda Superb should be exactly what the name suggests.

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