Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI - a dragon outside and under the hood

In the case of Skoda's top-of-the-line SportLine variant, it's safe to assume that calling a car a dragon (due to the insane Dragon Skin paintwork) isn't an abuse. Moreover, it's a compliment. It's hard to describe the instance under test without mentioning its color. Aside from the visuals, this is what defines the car as a whole well. The way it rides, the power it offers to the driver, or the emotions it evokes. And there are really a lot of them. What feelings prevail?

An extremely obedient dragon

This is the first impression that, despite the passage of time and miles in the new Skoda Superb, does not leave us. This is an unprecedented vehicle that offers a lot on several levels. First of all, power: all 280 hp. from a 2-litre supercharged petrol engine with the well-known TSI marking. Combined with another number - 350 Nm of maximum torque, this gives electrifying results. The performance of the new Superb becomes even more impressive when we test how much mass the engine has to put into motion. Permissible gross vehicle weight over 2200 kg. And, despite its considerable importance, it is really very pleasant to drive a Skoda Superb in motion. And fast. Less than 6 seconds before the first hundred on the clock and the world becomes more beautiful ... and a little blurry.

All these numbers combined may indicate that the car requires a little more from the driver. In fact, just the opposite is true. In everyday use and with average dynamics, it is very easy to forget about the capabilities of the new Superba. However, if necessary, the release of all available power is possible almost immediately after pressing the accelerator pedal. And while the numbers above seem to suggest otherwise, the Superb's rapid acceleration is impressive, but with 280 hp. you can expect more noise, jerks and nervous vibrations of the steering wheel. Almost none of this is happening, and yet it's easy to miss the point where we've long past 120 km/h. Everything happens smoothly and imperceptibly. This is mainly due to the steering and suspension - the elements are perfectly tuned, soft when needed, and at the same time retain rigidity where the driver needs it. The ideal, predictable cornering behavior is also likely the result of dual-axle drive, which is a perfectly justified solution with such power. The 6-speed DSG transmission is potentially the only reason for any jerks during dynamic driving. There are times when you can be a little late, so the semi-manual gear shift is definitely better. We mentioned that the Skoda Superb does not require much from the driver. With a small, albeit unfortunate exception: the wealth of the wallet with frequent arrivals at the station (fuel tank capacity 66 l). The manufacturer's instructions probably refer to a driver who tries not to touch the accelerator pedal. In fact, a dozen or so liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers is an average. With dynamic driving, a ceiling of 20 liters becomes real. Skoda Superb also offers a special mode that does not require so much fuel, and at the same time gives pleasure to own this particular model. This is the mode of a parked car among neighbors.

Pleasing to the eye from all angles

Moreover, this particular color version that we tested - Dragon Skin - means that when one resident of the estate buys a car, everyone around gets joy. Thing is, such a bold paint job isn't necessarily meant to please everyone, but it's a pretty fun way to bring out the classic silhouette of the new Superb. In fact, this is a set of proven stylistic decisions that Skoda has been accustoming us to for years. The sideline is muted, with no fireworks, though the details can be charming. The extension upwards of the lower window line in the rear door looks interesting. Looking at the car from the front, the characteristic ribbed grille is noticeable: in this version, black, without chrome elements, goes well with sharp ribs on the hood and headlights. The trunk lid is above all a discreet micro-spoiler, an interesting design of the lights and two beautiful irregularly shaped tailpipes. The whole body gives the impression of a coherent and compact, despite its considerable size. The new Superb is 4,8 meters long and over 1,8 meters wide.

Large dimensions are especially felt in the interior. While the front seats offer just a comfortable position, plenty of legroom and excellent lateral support, the rear seat is unmatched in terms of space. The feeling of traveling in the second row can be downright funny. The distance to the driver is so great that when talking to someone in the front seat, you may need to lean forward to hear better. And the point is really only in the amount of space - the interior is perfectly soundproofed, and even when the Superba is spinning to high speeds, only a pleasant purr reaches the cabin, though more due to the exhaust than the engine itself. However, it's still only 4 cylinders. Coming back to space, the trunk is also impressive. Access to it certainly facilitates a decision that Skoda has already become accustomed to. The liftback allows you to raise the trunk lid along with the entire windshield. Out of place - only 625 liters, the correct shape of the luggage compartment attracts attention. This is an almost perfect rectangle with additional notches on the sides. Huge plus. It is very easy to feel at home when you are sitting in the best seat, that is, driving. This is another place where Skoda only offers proven solutions known from other models. These include the Amundsen satellite navigation system, which can be replaced by a slightly more efficient Columbus model, or an air conditioning control panel with a range of physical buttons and knobs. Watches are also a classic set for this brand: they are legible and, importantly, their backlight is not too intrusive. Here's a curiosity: lighting effects in the form of discreet lines, incl. door upholstery is customizable, the color of the backlight can be chosen independently. In the Superba's SportLine version, the steering wheel deserves special attention. Small, slender, cropped at the bottom, with very interesting upholstery. Perforated leather fits perfectly in the hand and provides a more secure grip than smooth material.

Universal dragon

There are many possibilities for using the new Skoda Superb. This is what makes this car a versatile tool. Representative meeting of the company: the classic limousine body line will help here. City weekend break: 280 km on suburban routes will bring a smile to the driver and passengers. How about a longer vacation? With that kind of loading capacity, they shouldn't be a problem. And, finally, the most important thing: the prose of life. Kids to school, shopping on the way home from work? No hassle. Price: in the strongest version over 160 thousand. zloty. The jealous glances of your children's classmates are priceless! Fair offer? Everyone must judge this for himself. And this color is amazing!