Restyled Skoda Superb Breaks Cover With Fresh New Tech

Skoda’s most prestigious four-door saloon model, the Superb, has been thoroughly upgraded both inside and out, gaining new LED Matrix headlights, new driver assistance systems and more.

The automaker is particularly proud of the headlight tech, which can prevent other road users from being dazzled even with the high-beam on at all times. This is achieved through a windscreen-mounted camera which detects oncoming traffic and shuts off individual segments within the light beam.

The lighting units bear ‘Skoda Crystal Lighting’ lettering in their housings and offer different lighting modes for different driving scenarios and weather conditions – there’s an LED module for the dipped and high beam, three other LED high beam segments, a static LED cornering light, a narrow LED strip for the indicators, daytime running and position lights, and needle-like LED structures that make up the animated Coming/Leaving home function.

At the rear, the units are also LEDs and feature dynamic indicators that illuminate in an outward sweeping motion, thus making the signal easier to spot.

A different look

Naturally, it’s not just the lights that are different about this model. The 2020 Superb also comes with a refined front fascia, where the redesigned bumper adds an extra 8 mm (0.31 inches) to the car’s overall length as far as the sedan is concerned, while the wagon version gains an extra 6 mm (0.23 inches).

Other changes include the new grille which now bears double slats and protrudes a little further down into the front bumper, while the headlight design is narrower. At the rear, there’s a horizontal chrome trim running across the trunk lid, and new ‘Skoda’ block lettering, which we already knew thanks to previous leaks. Also new are the LED spotlights that project ‘Skoda’ onto the ground when the doors are open.

Completing the new exterior look are the 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, while Crystal Black and Race Blue have been added to the range of customization options.

Also read: 2020 Skoda Superb iV Is A Plug-In Hybrid With 55 km Of Electric Range

Buyers willing to spend a little extra can opt for the Laurin & Klement trim level, which features chrome detailing on the air curtains, side sills, rear bumper, fog lights and air inlet, plus aerodynamically optimized 18-inch Propus Aero alloy wheels and Dynamic Chassis Control as standard.

A more refined cabin

The interior of the Skoda Superb can be described as more elegant now thanks to the chrome highlights for the instrument panel and door trims, as well as the new seat covers in the Ambition and Style trim levels. The facelifted Superb also comes with new decorative trims for the center console and dashboard.

Then we have the colored contrasting stitching on the leather and Alcantara seats, as well as on the armrests in the doors. Meanwhile, the storage compartments below are illuminated and the KESSY GO start button comes as standard.

On the L&K model, there is now the option of an Alcantara roof lining in black or beige, including lined roof pillars. There is ‘L&K” lettering adorning the passenger side of the dashboard’s Piano Black or Beige decorative trim, as well as on the front backrests. As for optional extras, this trim level offers ventilated front seats and a massage function for the driver’s seat.

Let’s talk tech

Aside from its high-beam Matrix technology, the updated Superb also boasts two other assistance systems in the latest version of Predictive Cruise Control and Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian Protection. The former uses images from the windscreen-mounted camera and data from the sat-nav system to “detect speed restrictions as well as bends, and automatically adjust the speed in anticipation.”

Another clever piece of tech is the new Emergency Assist function, which automatically steers the car to the side of the road in emergencies, even bringing it to a full stop if required. Then there’s Side Assist, which works at a distance of up to 70 meters (76.5 yards), unlike the familiar Blind Spot Detect system, which has a range of up to 20 meters (21.8 yards).

As for Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian Protection, this system gives off a visual warning when it detects a potential collision and gently applies the brakes to slow you down. Finally, there are the new electro-mechanical brake booster and aerodynamic covers on the rear axle suspension, which are said to improve stability.

Aside from its new safety features, the 2020 Superb also boats a multitude of convenience solutions. The car’s new Phone Box now also enables inductive charging, while the optional Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster is joined by a choice of three different infotainment system, two of which also offer a navigation function.

Speaking of which, you have the Bolero radio and the Amundsen system, which feature 8-inch touchscreen displays, while the Columbus infotainment system has a 9.2-inch screen and features gesture and voice control. The L&K model is fitted with a Canton sound system as standard.

Three diesel and three gasoline units

Aside from its plug-in hybrid variant, the Superb also comes with a choice of six other engines, all of which fulfill the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.

“There are ten different engine/drive combinations to choose from. The 1.6 TDI producing 88 kW (120 PS) is fitted with a 7‑speed DSG as standard. For the 2.0 TDI delivering 110 kW (150 PS) – the first TDI from the latest EVO generation – the power is transmitted by either a 6‑speed manual gearbox or a 7‑speed DSG. The top‑of‑the‑range 2.0 TDI diesel offering 140 kW (190 PS) comes with a 7‑speed DSG as standard and all‑wheel drive is optional. All three diesel engines are equipped with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and a diesel particulate filter. The 1.5 TSI outputting 110 kW (150 PS) is the entry‑level petrol engine and is available with either a 6‑speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG. The new 2.0 TSI outputting 140 kW (190 PS) features a 7‑speed DSG as standard; the top‑of‑the‑range 2.0 TSI delivering 200 kW (272 PS) comes with all‑wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG as standard. All three TSIs are fitted with a petrol particulate filter.”

In Europe, the facelifted Skoda Superb will continue to battle the likes of the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Mazda6, Peugeot 508 and Renault Talisman.