| New Model Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Skoda Superb |

The new Skoda Superb is going all out to offer the most space of any car in the family sector. Longer and wider than the first generation of Superb, the new car is set to offer class-leading passenger accommodation, even if the roof line is a fraction lower than the old car's.

Skoda is keeping most of the new Superb's specification a closely guarded secret until the car is properly unveiled at the Geneva motorshow in March, but we can tell you it will come with a new electronic air conditioning system and nine airbags in the cabin, which Skoda says will make the Superb one of the safest cars in its class.

Other new equipment for the Superb includes adaptive headlights that help the driver see further round corners at night and automatic parking assist as seen on other Volkswagen Group cars. Skoda also promises other new technology to make driving easier.

The engine range will consist of three petrol and three diesel units. Entry level engines are expected to be the 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 105bhp 1.9 turbodiesel, but most UK sales will be of the 138bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. There will also be a more powerful 170bhp turbodiesel and a 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol, while a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine will round off the range with a DSG gearbox as standard.

Skoda will reveal prices for the new Superb closer to the car going on sale in the UK in September this year, but expect to pay from £14,500.

Alisdair Suttie - 10 Jan 2008