As a world premiere, Škoda Auto is going to present a facelifted version of the Octavia at this year’s Paris Motor Show (2-19 October, 2008).
Produced or assembled in altogether eight countries, the Octavia is Škoda’s bestseller. The rejuvenated version is now coming with a more emotionally powerful design. ‘The Octavia has always had a special position among Škoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide. Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology,’ said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member responsible for technological development.
When looking from the front, the key enhancements include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The innovation of the rear part of the vehicle is mainly about new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated cat eyes.
The interior offers an innovated line of Škoda audio and navigation systems. The steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), the air conditioning controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels (Classic, Ambiente and Elegance).
In spite of being almost identical in overall length to the previous generation Škoda Superb, the new Superb exceeds the already generous interior measurements of its predecessor in almost all aspects thanks to the transverse engine design. This begins in the front, where space has been gained by moving the gear position. The central tunnel has been designed in a much leaner form. And, in the rear, the knee space has been increased by 19 millimetres, affording the passengers unique travelling comfort. The new Škoda is 4,838 millimetres in length, 1,817 millimetres in width and has a height of 1,462 millimetres.
The interior, with its finely tuned mix of materials and excellent workmanship, satisfies the needs of even the most demanding customer. The dashboard with its wave-shaped design groups the operating elements into sensible individual functional units. All of the primary functions are concentrated around the steering wheel and quick access is guaranteed because of the logical location. Thanks to the unique design, erroneous operation is practically eliminated. In certain trim levels, the steering wheel includes multi-function buttons for the operation of the radio unit, MFA and a mobile phone. Chrome inlay in the centre of the newly designed, leather wrapped steering wheel reflects the clear V-shape form of the car's front.
This design cue is also reflected in the look of the central console. It includes the new Columbus navigation system with advanced, operator-friendly, touch screen technology and a 30 GB hard disk for rapid data access and also the dual-zone climate control system. In addition, there is the large capacity glovebox. Further storage space can be found to the left of the steering wheel, attractively designed door storage spaces, drink holders on the central tunnel and pockets on the rear of the front seats.
One new item is found when switching on the engine. The speedometer and tachometer dials move from their starting positions to the top of the dials and then return to zero, a quick and simple indication that they are functioning properly.
The foam cushioned dashboard surfaces, all friendly to the touch, are available in three different colours and three different versions of the decorative strips. Depending upon the model chosen, these ensure an exceptionally elegant, a stylishly sporting or a simply timeless ambience.
| 2011 Skoda Superb | ||
| Base Price | n/a | |
| Vehicle layout | Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door, hatchback | |
| Engine | 1.4L/125-hp/148-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4, 1.8L/160HP/185-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4, 3.6L/260HP/258-lb-ft V6, 1.9L 105HP/250-lb-ft turbocharged 8-valve I4 diesel, 2.0L 140HP/236-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4 diesel, 2.0L 170HP/258-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4 diesel | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto-clutch manual, 7-speed auto-clutch manual | |
| Curb weight (dist f/r) | 3150-3700 lb (mfr) | |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in | |
| Length x width x height | 190.5 x 71.6 x 57.6 in | |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5-12.5 sec (mfr est) | |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | n/a mpg | |
| CO2 emissions | n/a lb/mile | |
| On sale in U.S. | never | |
FWD versions have enough traction, but AWD is optional with the torque-rich 170-horsepower diesel. On the 260-horse V-6 all-wheel drive is standard, as is a DSG transmission, but no one will buy the V-6 because a top-end car from a low-end brand is a route to massive depreciation. It's the diesels that will do the business in Europe, but I rather enjoyed the sweet, torquey gas-fueled 1.8 turbo. It's engine downsizing done well.
Well proven and unique fittings afford the new Škoda Superb the same user-oriented character which is a feature of all Škoda automobiles. Thus, the solution for holding a wet umbrella has lost none of its functionality. The water resistant storage space is in the inner panel of the left rear door. A drainage system draws off the rainwater so that the umbrella undergoes "self-drying". When the door is closed, the umbrella storage space is invisible. The straight line design of the door does not break the line of the door panelling.
New round instruments with clear glass white numerals guarantee best legibility both during the day and at night. Diodes for the diffusion interior lighting, CatVision, are incorporated in the head liner. As opposed to their predecessors, these LEDs are now white, providing the car with an even more exclusive interior atmosphere. The clearly organised and easily recognisable gauges glow in a soft green light, the Škoda Auto brand colour. In addition, the colour green now has an additional important significance: Škoda takes environmental protection seriously in all areas. One way we protect the environment is by making nearly 95 percent of the new Škoda Superb recyclable at the end of its functional life. source:www.zulva.com,www.motortrend.com
