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A new generation Skoda Superb is currently in development and we have a new spy photo showing an early test mule. What you see in the gallery below is a prototype of the next-generation flagship model driven by an Incredible body. There’s plenty of camouflage covering the front, though there’s already stuff worth talking about.
First and foremost, this prototype confirms the new Superb will be available as a sedan or, rather, a massive liftback, which will join the Superb wagon that was spied on in October last year. As a reminder, the Volkswagen Passat, which will share the foundation with the new Superb, will be sold exclusively as a station wagon. Both Volkswagen Group D-segment models will be built on the assembly line at the renovated Bratislava plant in Slovakia, meaning the Superb will not be made in the Czech Republic and the Passat will not be assembled in Germany anymore.
6 Photo
Coming back to this prototype, we can’t say much about the design of the new Superb based on the test car alone as it clearly features the body of the current generation model. The camouflaged front end could provide some clues about the vehicle’s new design language with a more angular front bumper, though, again, with so many disguises, it’s almost impossible to predict the Superb’s appearance. However, Skoda Exterior Design Coordinator Petr Matušinec released preliminary design sketches of the car last year, which hint at an evolutionary design influenced by the current Octavia.
This is likely the last generation Superb to be available with a combustion engine. A range of gas and diesel mild hybrids are expected, as well as two plug-in hybrid versions. While brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said last year that PHEV is not the future, PHEV setup still makes sense at Octavia and Superb for fleets. The next-generation Passat is rumored to be only available with an automatic gearbox, which likely means the new Superb will lose its clutch pedal as well.
The Superb and Passat will face weak competition in the European D-segment as the Ford Mondeo, Citroen C5, Opel Insignia, and others have been or will soon be discontinued. Their successors will be positioned as SUV-like models with raised suspension and a tougher look, while the Superb and Passat are expected to retain their classic D-segment look.
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