A very good alternative to c class. Review on Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb enjoys an upmarket image in india. It has the image of a company which builds solid reliable luxury cars. This image helped the octy very much. But here, we are in a totally different segment. The superb is much bigger, much more well equipped and is a competitor to the c class. Even though skoda has a good image, it does not have much prestige when compared to the three pointed star.

In india people buy mercs just for that exclusive image. Moreover, since the superb looks like the octy, people will think it is 'just an octavia'. This is the prime reason (or maybe even the only reason) why it hasn't got a good start here in india.that is a pity, because it is definitely a worthy competitor to the c class and offers much more.

When you first look at it, you will be forgiven for mistaking it for an octavia. It looks very similiar to the octavia. When I saw it on the road for the first time, it took me a few seconds to realize that it was a superb (after seeing the length and tail lamps). The headlamps look very similiar to the octy and ofcourse there is the skoda grille.

The superb was built on a different platform anyway (on the passat). The headlamps have integrated power headlamp washers enclosed behind a chrome lid, so that they are not seen easily. The side looks sleek and and very elegant. The alloy wheels are okay, and the superb doesn't look very long even if it is lengthy. The rear has tail lamps which are 'typically skoda' and it also looks classy. The build quality is amazing while the car is finished very well. So when compared to the c class it doesn't look very special, but there is this elegance of all skodas, which it has.

The engine is an excellent 2.8 liter v6 placed at the front. This pumps out as much as 193 bhp @ 6000 rpm. Torque is at a good 26.5 kgm @ 3000 rpm. When compared to the c class, the superb has a much more powerful engine. In fact, it is more powerful than the e 270 and e 240. That is a very good advantage. The engine runs on petrol and is as refined as it gets. DOHC operate five valves per cylinder through variable valve timing. Power is routed to the front wheels through a 5 speed auto transmission which also has tiptronic.

The superb weighs more than 1.6 tonnes compared to around 1.4 tonnes of the c class. But this engine of it is more than sufficient. The superb accelerates enthusiastically without any hesitation. There is no vibration or sound even at high levels on the rev range. 60 km/h comes in a decent 5 seconds while it hits the 100 km/h mark in less than 12 seconds. This is very close to its competitor, the c class. The performance is good enough. Top speed is good 210 km/h. The superb is best while cruising silently on the highway. There is a good amount of power and overtaking is a child's play.

Ride on the superb is not very good at low speeds and feels a little harsh. But as you increase the speed, the superb soaks up all irregularities and even on the pothole infested roads of india, you will feel like you are driving on velvet. The superb's steering is very responsive and provides good feedback. But this is a long, powerful and heavy front wheel drive car and so there is sign of understeer when pushed into a steep turn at high speeds. The c class is a rear wheel drive and handles much better. The superb is more of a relaxed cruiser than a fast sharp sports car. While cruising on the highway, the superb beats all it competitors including the e class.

The superb has an excellent interior. There is leather and wood all around. The seats are very comfortable and leg room is generous. The seats can be adjusted electrically for the best driving position, backed up by the steering which can be adjusted for reach and rake. There are heating elements in the seat which won't be used much in india. The steering is wrapped in leather and the instrumentation is good. The dash gets a lot of high quality wood unlike the plasticky fake wood on the c class.

The materials used are of the highest standards. Everything feels good and you will start falling in love with the interior. There are six airbags in the superb which will keep you alive and kicking even after a hi speed crash. The gear knob has chrome and wood in it. Go to the rear and you will feel like you are in an s class!!! Despite looking compact from outside, the interior is cavernous. There is so much space that I am sure even a 6'5'' man would be very happy. For india, the interior is just perfect. There is much more, which I can't mention in this review, but I assure you it is much better than that of the c class.

A v6 engine powering a 1.6 tonner definitely does not spell fuel efficiency. The superb's engine displaces much more than both the e and c class, but manages to be more efficient than the e class. In the city it returns only 7 km/l, while on the highway it returns 9 km/l. In mixed conditions it can manage a little more than 7 km/l which makes it a rather thirsty car. But at this price it doesn't really matter. Compared to the e class, it is more efficient despite the e class having a lower displacement.

The superb is pitted against the c class, but it can reach the heights of an e class. The looks are understated and elegant and the build quality is solid. The interior is one of the best in its class with hi quality materials being used. It is extremely spacious and comfortable, especially the rear. The performance may not be breathtaking but is adequate. It has excellent ride at hi speeds but the same cannot be said for its handling. In india, most of these expensive cars are chauffeur driven and so the owner sits in the rear. The c class is cramped at the rear. The superb definitely suits such a chauffeur driven owner and it also has more benifits.

Decidedly, the superb can be called a better car than the c class in many respects especially in india. But it does not have the image and prestige of a merc, which is why it hasn't sold well. I would recommend the superb if you are chauffeur driven, and the c class if you are driving. How is that?

STYLE-9/10

BUILD-9.5/10

FIT AND FINISH-10/10

ENGINE-9.5/10

PERFORMANCE-8.5/10

RIDE-9.5/10

HANDLING-8/10

INTERIOR-9.5/10

FUEL EFFICIENCY-8.5/10

VALUE FOR MONEY-9.5/10

GRAND TOTAL- 91.5/100

Be free to express your opinion in the comments section.