4 Attachment(s)
Skoda Superb (3U) 2001-2008
[B]Škoda Superb[/B]
The first generation of the modern Škoda Superb used the Volkswagen Group B5 PL45+ platform, which was later also used on 1999 Shanghai–Volkswagen Passat B5 LWB, whose wheelbase is however 10 cm (3.9 in) longer than the standard Passat B5. In 2005, Shanghai Volkswagen imported the Superb B5, rebadging it as the Volkswagen Passat Lingyu.
In 2009, one year after Škoda Superb B5 had been discontinued in Europe, the facelifted SVW Passat Lingyu was unveiled in China. In 2011, SVW Passat Lingyu was discontinued, succeeded by SVW Passat NMS.
Several petrol and diesel internal combustion engines are shared with the rest of the Volkswagen Group range; and like the B5 Passat and B6/B7 Audi A4 which use the same automobile platform, they are mounted at the front, and orientated longitudinally.
The base model, the 'Classic', included the 1.9 litre inline four cylinder (I4) Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel producing 74 kilowatts (101 PS; 99 bhp), or a 2.0 litre petrol inline four rated at 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp). The 'Comfort' and 'Elegance' models offered with a 1.8 twenty valve Turbo petrol I4 rated at 119 kW (162 PS; 160 bhp), or either a 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) V6 2.8 litre petrol engine, or a 2.5 litre V6 TDI rated at 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp).
Transmissions included a five speed or a six speed manual gearbox, or a ZF sourced five speed tiptronic automatic. In addition to the 1.9 litre "Pumpe Düse" (PD) Unit Injector engine, the Superb eventually gained the 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0 litre TDI.
The Superb received a minor facelift in August 2006 incorporating Škoda's new radiator grille, headlights, side repeater indicators integrated into the door mirrors, and C-shaped tail lights in the style of Škoda Roomster and latest Škoda Octavia.
An interior redesign completed the upgrades. A 'Laurin and Klement' model became the top of the range, replacing the 'Elegance' model. A range of new engines was introduced and the interior featured real wood as part of some trim levels. The 'Comfort', 'Elegance' and 'Laurin & Klement' models feature an umbrella stowed in the rear door panel.
Škoda considered an estate version of the Superb, but it never proceeded to production. The reason it wasn't put in production was that Volkswagen feared that an estate would take too much market share from its own Passat Variant and Audi's A6 Avant. When the Superb was released in the United Kingdom in May 2002, the most expensive variant was priced at only £1,000 more than the cheapest Jaguar X-Type.
