Skoda India has been promoting the Superb as a ‘seven-star’ car. No, it doesn’t have a banquet hall or heated swimming pool, but the Czechs are just using hospitality industry theory – the more stars a hotel has, the more luxurious it is. So in the Superb, the (self-awarded) stars are related to design, safety, security, comfort, convenience, engine and transmission.

We’ve already featured the Superb TSI petrol version earlier, but as Skoda offers the Superb in three different guises, two of which are petrol versions (one a 160bhp, 184lb/ft 1.8TSI, and the other a 260bhp, 260lb/ft 3.6 litre V6), we decided to have a look at the third sibling, which is what will probably lead the Superb sales – the diesel. It’s a PD diesel – PD standing for Pumpe-Deuse, which is German for a unit injector that incorporates a high-pressure pump within it. It is not as refined as a Common Rail unit, but it does offer remarkable fuel economy. The Superb’s 2.0 litre PD diesel develops 140bhp of power and 235lb/ft of torque.

Just to remind our readers, the Superb has measurements of 4831mm x 2009mm x 1482mm, while the wheelbase is 2761mm. Comparing those dimensions to that of the Merc C and E Class, as well as the BMW 5 Series, one will not fail to note that the Superb is more in keeping with the E Class and the 5 Series! This is accentuated by the very bold styling, especially at the front end.

The TSI’s party trick rear-end, or boot and lid, is repeated here too, and that’s because the Superb is essentially a bustleback – a term applied to a hatchback that looks like a saloon car at the rear. The PD’s exterior is garnished with a chrome package that is seen all over – the front air dam, door strips, boot lid and even the window frame, as well as the top of the radiator grille. Externally, the overall look is complemented by 205/55 R16 tyres that are mounted on a smart, if not slightly unassuming, set of alloy wheels.

Being a European car, the Superb is a pleasure to drive, even though visually speaking it looks a little intimidating and bulky. Moreover, cars in this category are actually aimed at Mr. Moneybags – the owner who’s usually found occupying the rear seat, which is covered in Nappa leather for his seating comfort. The two overhead lights at the rear provide ample illumination for going through business reports or newspapers in the evening, and, if one needs a bit of privacy, you can pull out screens from the door to block the rear windows. There is a rearward pointing AC vent console that also has a display showing the time & outside temperature. Two things about the rear though – one is if the rear seat headrests are not adjusted correctly, it can cause discomfort to the neck, while the rear window aperture is small thanks to the fastback styling.



At the front, one has to make a mention of the Superb’s Bolero music system. It’s based around a 6.5 inch LCD TFT touch panel that doubles as a distance display while reversing. I spent many kilometers on the road enjoying a variety of music thanks to the 6-CD changer as well as the radio. The touch-screen obviously spoiled me, because subsequently I drove a car twice-as-expensive and got irritated by the lack thereof! The driver can also adjust the volume and select tracks/radio channels via the multifunction three-spoke wheel. Adding to the comfort levels is the dual-zone climate-control system, which is quite effective. Even in 47deg C outside, I was enjoying the comfort of a cool 21deg zone, while the occupant of the passenger seat was relaxed at a warmer 24 degrees.

Should Mr. Moneybags decide to play chauffeur at any time, he’ll find the Superb extremely accommodating in this task. It starts with the very comfortable, multi-adjustable driver’s seat. Then there’s the steering wheel, which is very easy and comfortable to grip, and offers excellent tactile feedback. Finally, there’s the engine and suspension.

Coming to what gives the Superb its drive – the 16V DOHC 2.0litre turbocharged PD diesel engine is helped by a turbocharger with self-aligning blades and the high-pressure direct injection system to develop 140bhp of power. But what gives the Superb acceleration in keeping with its name is the fabulous 235 lb/ft of torque that comes in from as low as 1750rpm. Above 2500rpm, the engine tends to be a bit noisy, but fortunately it’s not very audible from the rear seat. Gear changes are quick with very little lag thanks to the DSG gearbox. While cruising at 120km/h with the autobox in D6, the engine is well under the noise threshold at 2000rpm, which is good in terms of in-cabin noise, and it helps fuel economy too.

Despite its bulk, the Superb handles rather well. No, it will not turn into corners as sharply as a Fiesta 1.6S perhaps, but darting through traffic and changing lanes at speed is accomplished easily. The Superb has a lot of safety systems incorporated like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to detect wheelspin and prevent it with ASR (Anti Skid Regulation) and TCS (Traction Control System). At the Euro-NCAP crash tests for occupant protection, the Superb (in Euro-spec form) was awarded five stars. Of course, all that can amount to nothing if the nut at the wheel has a death wish!

You can drive the Superb three ways – you can stick the autobox in D, and cruise around town all day. You can also put the gearbox in Tiptronic mode, at which point the best fun is derived when using the paddle-shifts on a twisty road, as the Superb lets you pretend you’re in control. Kick-down is a little slow to respond in D, but stick the lever in S and the 235 lb/ft of torque goes to work!

The Superb 2.0 TD PD is available in Black Magic, Rosso Brunello, Cappuccino Beige, Diamond Silver & Candy White. The ex-showroom price in Delhi is Rs. 22.05/ lakhs, which should ensure that anyone interested in buying an Accord, Sonata or even a C Class will want to take a long hard look at the diesel Superb.

	Engine	:	1,968 cc / in-line 4 cylinders / 16 valves / Pumpe-Deuse Direct Injection / Turbocharger with self-aligning blades
	Fuel	:	Diesel
	Transmission	:	6-speed DSG / Front-Wheel Drive
	Power	:	140bhp @ 4000rpm
	Torque	:	235lb/ft @ 1750rpm
	Price	:	22 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)