Introducing the New Škoda Superb Wagon: Superb Luxury

May 23, 2010 - PRLog -- Following last year’s successful launch of the five-door Superb Sedan, Škoda premiered the long-awaited Superb Wagon at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt. The Czech carmaker is keen for this large car, delivering exceptional space and comfort, to re-define benchmarks in the segment.

The unique design with the typical Škoda “face”, the expressive rear section and the dynamic silhouette help the new Superb Wagon stand out clearly from market competitors. The car commands respect not just because of its practical qualities, but also on account of its style and elegance. The generous wheelbase and the roofline forming a gentle arc ensure that the car has well-balanced proportions which provide the perfect space for passengers and luggage alike.

In a history of automobile production stretching back over 100 years, Škoda Auto has manufactured numerous wagons in its hometown of Mladá Boleslav. As early as the mid-1920s, when the company was still producing under the name of its founders, Laurin and Klement, it came up with wagon bodies for the L&K 100 and 110 models. These “swap bodies” transformed sedans into commercial vehicles with a loading area, and at the time were regarded as the preserve of traders.

The original version of the Superb back in the 1930s was also available not only as a luxury sedan, but also as a light commercial vehicle. After the Second World War, the Škoda portfolio included wagons as we know them today. Perhaps the best known examples of these cars, boasting the comfort of a sedan and the loading capacity of a commercial vehicle, were the Škoda Octavia Wagon (produced from 1961 to 1971), and the 1202 STW (manufactured until 1973).

The new Superb Wagon is 4,838mm long, 1,817mm wide, and 1,462mm high. Including the roof rails, delivered as standard and available either anodized or black, the car’s height rises to 1,510mm. The outstanding loading capacity is bigger than anything seen yet in the segment: the luggage compartment holds 633 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,865 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

The width of the tailgate is large enough to accommodate bulky items. The low loading sill, a mere 600mm above the ground, makes handling baggage easy.

The wealth of interior equipment and fittings in Superb Wagon match its predecessor. And numerous smart details have been added.

The entire Superb Wagon range comes standard with the innovative Park Assist parallel parking system which includes front parking sensors.

It also is the first time it has been possible to option a Škoda vehicle with the KESSY keyless locking and start system. A transmitter in the body of the key communicates with the control unit in the car and unlocks the doors when the handles are touched. The car can also be locked without using a key or remote control central locking by touching a button on the external handle. The engine can be started and turned off with a button located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel column. To start the engine, the driver first has to press the brake pedal.

Another interesting feature of the new Superb Wagon is the optional electrically-operated tailgate. This is delivered with an automatic retractable luggage compartment cover. When the tailgate is opened, the cover automatically rolls back to the middle position so that there is more room to handle the luggage.

Another clever option in the luggage compartment is the extendable boot floor, which can extend over the rear bumper when the tailgate is open to make moving larger items around much easier. Aluminium strips and hooks in the luggage compartment offer the perfect luggage restraint system, reliably preventing baggage from sliding around when the vehicle is in motion.

The concept of luggage compartment lighting integrated into the tailgate is another innovation. It illuminates not only the boot, but the whole area around the car’s rear section. Another lamp, this time removable, is located on the left side of the luggage compartment. It is battery-powered and when removed from its holder (which doubles up as a charger) it can be used as an economical LED flashlight in the dark. A magnet is built into the lamp so it can simply be placed on the car body – a useful touch, for example, when fixing a puncture.

During the day, the optional electrically-operated, two-piece panoramic sunroof creates a light, airy atmosphere. If the sunshine becomes too dazzling, a protective blind can be drawn across the glass roof. The glass itself blocks heat, letting in only 10%. Another new feature is the roof-mounted shark fin aerial which elegantly rounds off the roofline.

Various audio and navigation systems are available to cater to discerning customers’ different needs and wishes. The vehicle’s data network integrates to a radio with CD/MP3 player and offers a wide range of user-friendly support functions. Satellite navigation (standard in Elegance) is the touch-screen ‘Columbus’ system with voice control and integrated 30GB hard disk - 20GB for Audio and 10GB for navigation - enabling the driver to operate all functions intuitively.

Other audio technology includes a high-quality sound system with powerful speakers, an Aux-In socket, a 6-disc CD changer and an optional MDI (Media Device Interface) in the front armrest to connect external storage media.

The new Superb Wagon, like the Superb Sedan, comes standard with hill-hold control, while the Superb Wagon Elegance 4x4 comes fitted with the fourth-generation Haldex multi-disc clutch all-wheel drive system, which provides a variable torque split to achieve the best possible traction and excellent stability on any surface.

The Superb Wagon’s range of engines is the same as that for the Superb Sedan. There is a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine, all with direct fuel injection and low consumption and emissions.

PRICING    

Superb Ambition 118TSI $38,990*

Superb Ambition 125TDI $41,990*

Superb Elegance 118TSI $44,990*

Superb Elegance 125TDI $47,990*

Superb Elegance 4x4 V6 191FSI $55,990*

Superb Wagon Ambition 118TSI $40,990*

Superb Wagon Ambition 125TDI $43,990*

Superb Wagon Elegance 118TSI $46,990*

Superb Wagon Elegance 125TDI $49,990*

Superb Wagon Elegance 4x4 V6 191FSI $57,990*

OPTIONS

Metallic/Pearl effect paint $990

Bi-Xenons headlights with AFS (Ambition) $1,990

El. Adjustable driver’s seat with memory (Ambition) $1,490

Leather seats in combination leather/artificial leather (Ambition) $2,890

Parking distance control, front (Sedan) $590

Park Assist (inc. front parking distance control) (Sedan) $990

Electric sunroof (Sedan) $1,990

Electric sunroof with solar cells (Sedan) $2,290

Panoramic roof (Wagon) $2,190 Power tailgate (Wagon) $790

Alarm system (Ambition) $590

Satellite Navigation ‘Columbus’ with voice control (Ambition) $2,890

Roller blinds for rear window (Sedan) $290

Roller blinds for rear and rear side windows (Sedan) $490

Roller blinds for rear side windows (Wagon) $290

Privacy glass (from B pillar) $440 False floor (Wagon) $370

6-disc CD changer (in conjunction with satellite navigation) $790

Sound system - 400W, 10 channel amplifier and 10 speakers (Ambition) $1,490

3-spoke multi-function steering wheel for radio with paddles for DSG $440

Sport suspension with 18” ‘Themisto’ alloy wheels (Elegance only) $1,990

Sport suspension for Elegance 4x4 $490

MDI - Mobile device interface $290

Decorative insert ‘Mirage’ - metallic inlays (Elegance) $90 Automatic release of cargo cover (Wagon) $140

For further information, contact:
Karl Gehling
General Manager Press and PR
Telephone: (02) 9695 6003
Fax: (02) 9695 6186
E-mail: karl.gehling@volkswagen.com.au
www.skoda.com.au

Nadine Nethery
Public Relations Specialist
Telephone: (02) 9695 6010
Fax: (02) 9695 6186
E-mail: nadine.nethery@volkswagen.com.au

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For further information about the Skoda Superb Wagon available in Australia, you can visit your nearest Skoda Car Dealer and ask about a test drive.Skoda is very proud of their new Superb Wagon, which is packed with luxury features, and premiered at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt recently.