What's all this about?
Skoda's biggest model, the Superb, is evolving into its third-generation incarnation and - ahead of a Geneva Motor Show spot - it was given a special premiere in Prague for an audience of 800 guests. And Chaka Khan.
Chaka Khan?!
Yes, the 'soul legend' performed for the audience.
I feel for you...
Stop trying to be clever. Now, back to this Skoda - it claims to be even bigger and better than before. So far, more than 700,000 Superbs have been sold worldwide since it first appeared in 2001.
The design reminds me of the VisionC concept.
Well, it will do, as that car was a showpiece for future Skoda styling. The Superb's wheelbase has gone up by 80mm but the front overhang is now 61mm shorter than before. The now-trademark Skoda grille - featuring the central 'intrusion' from the bonnet that houses the badge - gives the car real definition, while new headlight units are sharp and defined. These can feature halogen, bi-Xenon or LED technology, according to spec. At the back, it's all about bold horizontal lines, plus LED taillights that feature a 'C' motif.
How about the cabin?
Gigantic. Superbs have never lacked for interior space and given this one is larger than its predecessor, it's unlikely you'll ever complain about being cramped inside. There's 39mm more elbow- and headroom in the front, an extra 157mm legroom in the rear and the overall headroom is rated at 980mm - stated as being class-leading. Behind the passenger compartment, the Superb has a 625-litre boot.
Is it just big, though?
No, Skoda is upping the quality levels too. It'll be the first Skoda to feature Dynamic Chassis Control with Driving Mode Select, while three-zone climate control is included. Keyless start and go (known as KESSY in Skoda world), a sliding and tilting panoramic roof, auxiliary heating, heated seats, auto lights and wipers, an electric tailgate - all of this stuff will be either standard or optional, but one of the Superb's defining features is carried over: an umbrella. Previous models had just one in the rear left door, but the third-gen Superb gets one in each of the front doors. Snazzy.
What about the power?
Range-wide, the new Superbs are up to 30 per cent more fuel efficient and cleaner. The Greenline can return 76.4mpg with just 95g/km CO2. Elsewhere, a raft of direct injection turbocharged engines - five petrol and three diesel - are offered, with power ranging from 125- to 280hp in petrol, and 120- and 190hp for the diesels. Apart from the 125hp petrol, all units can be specified with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and four engines are also available with Haldex 5 all-wheel drive.
Matt Robinson - 17 Feb 2015