Currently reading: Skoda sketch previews facelifted Superb flagship

Refreshed executive hatchback will offer a plug-in hybrid option for the first time

A new sketch released by Skoda previews the design of the facelifted Skoda Superb flagship ahead of a reveal later this month. 

The preview image hints at a subtle evolution of the Mazda 6 rival’s front fascia, which retains Skoda’s trademark grille design, alongside redesigned headlight clusters and a reworked lower bumper. 

Like the recently launched Scala hatchback, the revised Superb will feature the marque’s name in letters across its bootlid, in place of the Skoda emblem. 

More significant is the fact that the new Superb will be the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option, likely the same 1.4 TSI petrol-electric powertrain that features in the Volkswagen Passat GTE, with which it shares a platform.

In the similar-sized Passat, this hybrid set-up produces a combined 215bhp and can emit as little as 39g/km of CO2. Like the Passat, the Superb can be expected to run in electric-only mode for up to 31 miles. 

Inside, the Superb will benefit from similar interior revisions to those received by theSkoda Rapid-replacing Scala hatchback. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is likely to be made standard across the range, with an enhanced focus on simplicity and ergonomics differentiating the new model from its predecessor. 

Skoda’s revamped infotainment system will also feature, enabling over-the-air updates and new mobile app functions. Increased personalisation is likely, with Skoda currently offering new microfibre interior materials and backlighting lower down the range. 

Last year, Skoda design chief Oliver Stefani pledged to roll out a new, bolder design language for the Czech firm in the run-up to mass electrification of its line-up. 

“Skoda values have always been functionality, usability and practicality,” he said. “We’d like to add more emotion.” 

The new Superb will be revealed in full during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, of which Skoda is the long-standing main sponsor, in Bratislava later this month.

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The Skoda Superb never had a problem with space but this latest generation gets even more. It's also lighter, cleaner, more frugal and better equipped than ever before

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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prynne 8 May 2019

skoda

the sketch reveals very litle and what you see is ho hum- like any other car on the road. Why are cars styled so awfully?   This is merely another example.

ZenBass 7 May 2019

1.5ltr Engine

I've read this too somewhere...and would make total sense

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/superb/105441/new-skoda-superb-15-tsi-2019-review

I am currently looking to move my 65 Plate Superb Estate L&K on soon and I am intrigued to see what is on offer with this (2nd) Facelifted model.

The one thing they didn't mention though will the PHEV be an 'engine choice' or will it be a stand-alone model ?, I hope it's the former ....

pist0nbr0ke 7 May 2019

ZenBass wrote:

ZenBass wrote:

The one thing they didn't mention though will the PHEV be an 'engine choice' or will it be a stand-alone model ?, I hope it's the former ....

It will be an engine choice available with different trims:

according to Auto Express, Skoda’s marketing boss Alain Favey said wrote:

the Superb PHEV will be the only hybrid in the range. He said: “It will be one powertrain, the hybrid, and it will be offered on different trims. Of course, electrified vehicles have a slightly higher price point, but we want to make it as accessible as possible so we think it’s good to offer this variation.”

Richardha 7 May 2019

Skoda Surperb PHEV

Hi I read somewhere that the Surperb would have an electric range of 44 miles (claimed) and the new 1.5L engine