Škoda Superb 1.5 TSI m-HEV: the Czech E-class with many talents (TEST)

We tested the base version of the Czech sedan with a bargain price - is the starting engine worthy of the large coupe magazin de piese auto online.

Škoda Superb 1.5 TSI m-HEV: the Czech E-class with many talents (TEST)

Looking for a spacious sedan at a decent price? Then your first association will undoubtedly be with the sales leader in this class – the Škoda Superb. In truth, with the imposition of SUV culture, the model’s segment has shrunk dramatically – and this has further strengthened its leadership position. In its latest edition, the “Czech” stretches to a length of 4.9 m – and continues to welcome us with an umbrella in the driver’s door and a seat like in the S-class in the back.

If you want (and can!) get a Superb into your garage, you will have to prepare at least 67,330 leva for the basic version 1.5 TSI m-HEV with a 7-speed DSG transmission and 150 hp/250 Nm. For this money you get quite generous equipment with a wide range of assistance systems (for pedestrian protection, for lane keeping, for cross traffic from behind, for preventing a crash when turning at an intersection and many others). In addition to 2-zone automatic air conditioning, you will also be able to count on a keyless entry and start system, heated front seats, a reversing camera, a wireless charging pad – and an infotainment system with a 10.4-inch touchscreen.

The increase in size in the new generation is also reflected in the trunk volume - the Superb can absorb up to 690 liters. The Superb's interior has been completely redesigned, but in no way does it look cluttered - there is no display for the passenger next to the driver or other such treats. The cockpit relies on a traditional layout with a 10-inch digital dashboard and a free-standing 13-inch touchscreen (standard - 10-inch). Skoda finally offers a Head-up display for its flagship.

Completely new to the model are the so-called Smart Dials above the center console, familiar from the Kodiaq. The temperature and seat heating/ventilation can be controlled using the two external rotary buttons (each with a small display with a diameter of 32 millimeters); and the central controller can be assigned various functions selected by the user. The Smart Dials impressed us from the first contact with the model, because they are intuitive and easy to work with. They could have become the icing on the cake if they were really metal, not plastic – but that is grumbling at a high level. And grumbling with such a spacious and well-equipped interior is downright sacrilege!

The lavish interior space and rich equipment are clear... but is the 1.5-liter unit enough for the nearly 1.5-ton machine or did the manufacturer include it in the range simply to achieve the high price? The machine with technology for turning off 2 of the 4 cylinders actually drives the car quite decently and will meet the expectations of established customers who use the car to get from point A to point B - and probably even exceed them, after all, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds and the car is not that heavy (under 1.5 tons).

Even at high speed, at certain moments the internal combustion engine is completely switched off and the digital tachometer shows 0 – both for economy and comfort. In fact, the petrol unit only annoys with its acoustic intrusion when operating at high speeds – but we are inclined to forgive it for this in view of the consumption – about 6.5-7 l/100 km in a combined cycle. And if you “caress” the gas pedal, you will be able to achieve a value below 6 before the decimal point. The low consumption is largely due to the 48V “mild hybrid” system with a belt-driven starter-generator and a small battery under the front passenger seat. Unfortunately, despite its presence, the DSG sometimes gets annoying with its pulling.

Conclusion

Even in its base trim, the Superb offers a lot for its money. No other sedan comes so close to the high-end for such a bargain price. Still, if you want more power, the extra 3-4 thousand leva shouldn't be a problem given the overall value of the car.

Technical data: Skoda Superb Combi 1.5 TSI ACT

Engine 4-cylinder, turbo, front transverse Displacement 1498 cm3 Power 110 kW (150 hp) at 5000 rpm Max. torque 250 Nm at 1500 rpm Drive front/7-speed automatic with dual clutch L/W/H 4912/1849/1481 mm Weight (empty) 1458 kg Boot 645 l 0–100 km/h 9.3 sec Max. speed 225 km/h Fuel consumption 5.2 l A95H/100 km (WLTP) CO2 emissions 120 g/km Price from 67,330 BGN

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Looking for a spacious sedan at a decent price? Then your first association will undoubtedly be with the sales leader in this class – the Škoda Superb

If you want (and can!) get a Superb into your garage, you will have to prepare at least 67,330 leva for the basic version 1