Look around and one might be able to notice the fall in demand for sedans in India. According to the data, carmakers are selling a whopping number of SUVs, hatchbacks and crossovers on a daily basis. So what can be the major reason behind this? Firstly, there are multiple factors that can justify the answer.
To begin with, all three of them are mostly under four meters in length. Well, that means they are easy to manoeuvre inside the city and will even occupy less space for parking. To be precise, they are even under a specific budget that is reachable by the masses. Further, if the SUVs are large enough then the overall purpose is entirely different. For instance, these kinds of SUVs can carry more occupants and will offer better ground clearance and offroad capability.
Are sedans still relevant in today’s world? Again, it totally depends on customers’ personal choice and preferences. However, just to name few pros – sedans are aerodynamic efficient, luxurious and offer precise boot space on offer. Not only this, they are even better at handling as well. Coming straight away to the executive sedan – the 2021 Skoda Superb. Does this car stand up to its name? Or is it better than any other SUV that costs the same? Let’s head forward to answer that.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-litre Turbocharged
- Engine Displacement: 1984cc
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Power: 190HP @ 4200-6000RPM
- Torque: 320Nm @ 1450-4200RPM
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 Litres
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG
- Body Type: Executive Sedan
Dimensions
- Length: 4869mm
- Width: 1864mm
- Height: 1469mm
- Wheelbase: 2841mm
- Ground Clearance: 156mm
Design & Exterior
Keen observers will only be able to find the difference between the updated and pre-facelifted model. The 2021 Superb will continue to draw attention on the road with its elegant design language that does not feel outdated at all. It is still longer, wider and looks more premium from every nook and cranny.
Just to begin with, there is a new pair of slim headlamps that comes with an all-LED treatment while excluding the indicators. Interestingly, the washers are still there to clean them flawlessly. Further, take a look at the lower end of the bumper and there one might be able to notice a chrome line running across from one end to the other while wrapping the fog lamps. Not much has changed on the side profile. But, subtle tweaks such as chrome line on the L&K variant and chunky 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels gives the sedan an overall fresh look.
At the back, the boot lid now comes with wide ‘SKODA’ badging instead of the logo. Further, the carmaker has also introduced dual fake exhausts treatment on the rear bumper.
Interior
Nothing fancy but still the cabin of the 2021 Skoda Superb feels plush while following the minimalistic approach. Starting with the driver’s seats, one might be able to witness the all-new two spoke multi-functional steering wheel behind which sits the Virtual Cockpit. Earlier, this fully digital instrument cluster was only available with the Sportline variant.
Coming back, both the front seats of the Superb are now 12-way electrically adjustable with the driver’s seat getting the memory function. The fit and finish, when compared to the luxury cars such as Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, might not feel at the par. However, it is still practical enough to compete against Toyota Camry Hybrid in the Indian market. For entertainment purpose, Skoda has introduced the updated 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is slick to use. In fact, this updated system now gets wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.
Feature-wise, it is quite well balanced with three-zone climate control, electric sunroof, multiple charging ports, wireless charger, sun shades, vanity mirrors with lights, 360-degree parking camera and a cooled glovebox. Interestingly, the length and width of the Superb translate remarkably inside the cabin as well. So basically, three people can easily sit at the back but the transmission tunnel at the centre makes it best for two.
Engine & Performance
No diesel motor. Neither does the updated executive sedan comes with the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine. So what exactly powers the all-new Superb? Well, under the hood, it gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor that churns out a massive 190HP @ 4200-6000 RPM and 320Nm of peak torque @ 1450-4200 RPM. Talking about this unit, it is extremely refined and is ready to offer the right amount of punch whenever required. Surprisingly, even the 7-speed DSG transmission does its job quite well. Also, the driver can use partial manual control using the steering-mounted paddle shifters as well as the Tiptronic gear knob. Wondering why we are using the ‘partial’ word here? The gearbox is smart enough to protect itself from any wear and tear. Just to be precise, it upshifts on its own according to the need and requirement.
Anybody will ask for multiple drive modes on a luxury car costing this much. Undoubtedly, Skoda does offer it on the top-end L&K variant. Sadly, it is the Sportline trim that misses out on this particular feature.
Coming back to the performance, the all-new 2.0-litre TSI motor is very impressive. With a weight of 1579 kgs, the all-new Superb accelerates from 0-100kmph in just 7.7 seconds. Similarly, the top speed from the same stands at a whopping 207kmph alongside a claimed mileage of somewhere around 15.1kmpl (ARAI). Further, the fuel tank capacity is 66 litres just to return a better overall range.
Safety Features
European carmakers are very particular about the safety of the occupants. And, without a doubt, even this one gets a green light regarding the same. For now, keep the checklist ready as it comes with eight airbags, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, 360-degree camera, hill assist control, multi-collision brake (MKB), mechanical brake assist, electronic differential lock, fatigue alert, ABS with EBD and ESC to name a few.
To conclude, the 2021 Skoda Superb is undoubtedly the safest car available in the Indian market. Also, we feel that the Czech carmaker personally abides by this phrase – “The price of greatness is responsibility”. Kudos Skoda!
After-Sale Services
Skoda Auto is well established and is active for over 19 years in India now. The weakest point for the European brand has always been the after-sales service. For now, the company had worked on it and it is better than ever. However, factors such as parts availability and lack of dealership in Tier 2 & 3 cities still remains a matter of concern.
Price List – Skoda Superb
| Variants | Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Sportline | Rs.31.99 Lakhs |
| Laurin & Klement | Rs.34.99 Lakhs |
Rivals
The entry of compact SUVs has disrupted the entire sedan market. In terms of price, Superb does compete with many full-size SUVs such as Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster and Mahindra Alturas G4. However, Toyota Camry Hybrid is the only executive sedan that compares with Skoda Superb in India. For more details on Camry Hybrid click here.
VERDICT
“Skoda Superb is indeed one of the best executive sedans available in India.”
No doubt, Skoda Superb is one of the best sedans in India. But even in terms of space, it is the best in its segment. Is it better than a similarly priced SUV? Well, it totally depends upon your personal choice and preferences as this much money can get you the best in segment SUV like Toyota Fortuner as well as the best in segment sedan like the 2021 Skoda Superb.