Year of Skoda Superb

The Škoda Superb is an executive car built by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto. It is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat (but was elongated by 10centimetres (3.9in)) and shares its mechanicals with that model. It is currently the largest and most luxurious model in Škoda's lineup. The Superb name is a resurrection, originally used by Škoda for a similarly large model, between 1934 and 1942.

The name Škoda Superb builds on a tradition established before the Second World War, when the following luxury models were produced:

• 1934 - Škoda Superb (type 640)
• 1936 - Škoda Superb (type 902), Škoda Superb (type 913)
• 1938 - Škoda Superb OHV (type 924)
• 1939 - Škoda Superb 4000 (type 919)
• 1941 - Škoda Superb 3000 - KFZ 15 (type 952)
• 1942 - Škoda Superb 3000 - KFZ 15 (type 956)

Several historical Škoda Superb (Cars on Nina )cars can be seen at the Škoda Auto Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

Characteristics

The modern Superb is available with several petrol and diesel engines. The base model, the Classic, is available with a 1.9L TDI turbodiesel rated at 74kW (101PS), or a 2.0L straight-4 engine rated at 85kW (116PS). The Comfort and Elegance models are offered with a with a 1.8T (110 kW) petrol or either a 142kW (193PS) V6 2.8L petrol engine, or a 2.5L TDI rated at 120kW (163PS). Transmissions available are a six-speed manual or five-speed tiptronic. As well as offering Volkswagen's older 1.9L PD engine, the Superb also uses the new 103kW (140PS) 2.0L TDIs found in other cars of the Volkswagen Group.

The car used the B5 PL45+ platform from 1999 Volkswagen Passat LWB, "long wheel base" 10 cm longer- from Shangai Automotive-. This car appeared two years before the release of the European Superb and is still available, now updated, as Volkswagen Passat Lingyu.Passat LWB and Passat Lingyu

The Superb was facelifted in 2006 to incorporate Škoda's new grille, headlights and tail lights. A Laurin and Klement model became the top of the range, deposing the Elegance model from that position. A range of new engines was introduced and the interior featured real wood as part of some trim levels. Akin to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Comfort, Elegance and Laurin & Klement models even have an umbrella secreted in the rear door panel.

Although the Passat upon which it is based competes with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407, the Superb is marketed as an alternative to the more prestigious likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, though it is actually cheaper than the Passat.