Superb news

Skoda has just launched the new Superb in India. There will only be one variant, priced at Rs 18.8 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. The full press release is below. Catch Bertrand driving the car at its international media preview in Austria by clicking the video link on top of the picture. Or read about that drive by clicking here

Speaking from the launch, Bertrand D'Souza said, 'The new Skoda Superb is very comfortable. The acceleration is very impressive too. A powerful engine makes it quick, and the seamless 7-speed DSG allows the performance to come through. The ride quality is on the firm side and the handling is pretty decent. It's a properly sorted out car. The interiors are very spacious and comfortable too. There's an excellent slew of features including a touchscreen music system. At the price, I think the Superb will be a serious contender in its segment.'Watch out for Bert's Superb test in a forthcoming episode of Overdrive on CNBC-TV18. Or wait a bit longer for the video to be published here.

Editor Sirish Chandran was also at the launch, he said, 'It isn't Superb, but it's really very nice, heh heh. Jokes aside, the car feels extremely well built and plush. But it doesn't look expensive, especially from the rear.  But, there's no doubt that this car has what it needs to seriously shakeup its competition. This car might even upset Honda's free run in the segment.' Watch out for the full road test of the new Skoda Superb coming up in new issue of Overdrive.

Press release

Skoda adds a 7 star experience on wheels to your life
- Launches the globally successful, all new Skoda Superb in India-

Mumbai, 10th February ’09: Škoda India, a fully owned subsidiary of Škoda Auto a.s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe, launched the all new Skoda Superb in India at the hands of Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India. With the launch of the new Skoda Superb, the company is set to further strengthen its position in the premium segment through incremental sales volume.

7 star experience- the all new Superb

• Design- Distinctive, elegant & captivating exterior design; leather, wood & chrome package.
• Safety- Eight Airbags; Adaptive Front Light System (AFS)
• Comfort- Best in class rear leg room & headroom space.
• Convenience- Touchscreen infotainment system; gearshift controls on steering wheel.
• Twindoor technology
• Engine- TSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) petrol engine
• Transmission- Seven Speed DSG Automatic
  

With this, Skoda aims at meeting requirements of the Indian Market with innovative luxury, designed to satisfy the customer’s desire for perfection. Through the distinctive, individualistic and exceptional design of the new Superb, Skoda wishes to give their Indian customers a 7 star experience on wheels. The model compliments the value added features associated with the brand i.e. commitment to quality, luxury, safety and advanced technology.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India said, “When we launch new products, we not only focus on giving more choices to our customers but also offer them a new experience coupled with world-class technology. And with the all new Superb, we intend to give a 7 star experience to our customers. Further, keeping in mind the demand of our cars in India, we expect to sell more than 1000 units of the car by year end.”

While explaining the features of the car, Mr. Kuehl said, “The new Škoda Superb has got the best in class fuel efficiency and is equipped with advanced styling, luxurious wood, chrome and leather interiors, enhanced comfort and safety in addition to its time-tested quality and reliability. With features like the Electric Sunroof , 16’’ alloy wheels, Parktronic – front and rear park distance control, the patented Twindoor Technology and 565 litres luggage compartment, the car will be available in TSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) petrol engine.”

Available in an aesthetic array of colors – Black Magic, Rosso Brunello, Cappuccino Beige, Diamond Silver & Candy White, the price range of the car would be:

• Ex-showroom Delhi Rs 18,88,743
• Ex-showroom Maharashtra Rs18,40,001
• Ex-showroom Kolkata Rs 19,05,722
• Ex-showroom Chennai  Rs18,84,498

Globally, the Superb has bagged a bunch of prestigious awards in 2008 like the 2008 Golden Steering Wheel (Goldenes Lenkrad) organised by the German-based magazine Bild am Sonntag and the Großen Österreichischen Automobil-Preis organised by ARBÖ every year, where Experts, VIPs and thousands of readers selected the best and most popular vehicles of 2008 from altogether 36 candidates for the year. The car has done Skoda proud with other awards by being claimed the Car of the Year in Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has also been awarded the Most Beautiful Car at Motorshow Katowice, Poland; the Best Company Car in Croatia and the Auto Trophy (Upper class) in Germany.