Skoda Superb (2001)

The WetCase umbrella pocket in the left rear door is an original Škoda solution included as standard for Comfort and Elegance models. The large umbrella with the symbol of the Elegance model can be opened/folded by pushing a button on the handle. The pocket has a drainage hole so that the umbrella can be stored even when wet. This WetCase can also be used for storing other things when it is not occupied by the umbrella; it has a folding partition for storing small items, which keeps them in an easily accessible place under the lid and prevents them from falling deep into the door.

The boot has a large volume and an exceptionally useful design. Taking into account the three-compartment body design of the Škoda Superb, access to the luggage compartment is easy, the lid has a wide opening angle and the special parallelogram-shaped hinges do not intrude into the boot interior.

The luggage compartment is equipped with four chrome lashing eyelets for securing luggage using a flexible net, for instance, and two tilting hooks for shopping bags. Behind the folding armrest is an opening into the interior for transporting long items such as skis, which can be placed in a special removable bag. This Ski-sack is available as standard in Comfort and Elegance models.

Another original solution is the flexible CargoFlex transport system, which is available as an option with all specifications. CargoFlex is a sophisticated foldable system, which enables the optimum use of the luggage space and does not take up any space itself. When folded, it is placed behind the backrests of the rear seats and allows the full extent of the luggage space to be used. It is simple to take it out to the loading edge, unfold and lock it in the unfolded position, where it can then be loaded. The separating partitions of the transport box ensure that the items do not move. When the CargoFlex is pushed back to the rear backrests, there is more than ample space for other luggage. The CargoFlex, in its unfolded position, does not block the opening in the rear backrests, it still enables skis to be carried, and leaves enough room to store ski boots.

Comfort and Elegance models that are factory-fitted with additional lights on the lower edge of the front doors, to make it easier to get in and out of the car in the dark, have another original solution. Integrated into the exterior rear-view mirrors is an illumination system for the entry space, Boarding-Spots. These diodes illuminate an approximately 1m semicircular space at the sides of the car even when the doors are closed.

Equipment

The new Škoda Superb model is available in three equipment specifications - Classic, Comfort and Elegance. Even the entry Classic specification is generously equipped and the difference between individual specifications consists rather in the level of comfort, concept and styling. This philosophy is demonstrated by the absence of any external visible identification of individual specifications. Individual specifications can be distinguished according to the wheels, the addition of chrome body parts, interior styling, and the design of upholstery fabrics on seats and door panels.

The generous standard equipment starting with the basic Classic specification is consistent with the classification of Škoda Superb as an upper medium-class car. All Škoda Superb cars have the following equipment as a standard:

• Four airbags (a front and side airbag each for the driver and the front passenger);
• Three head-restraints and three-point seat belts in the rear (with pre-tensioners on both side seats);
• Immobiliser;
• Audible and visual "fasten-seatbelt" warning for the driver's seat;
• Fog lights integrated into the headlights;
• Warning triangle on the inside of the boot lid;
• Four-spoke height and reach-adjustable steering wheel;
• Multi-function indicator (with dot-matrix display in cars equipped with V6 engines);
• Illuminated front legroom;
• "Lights-on" and "open door" warnings;
• Windscreen washer liquid level indicator;
• Remote-control central locking;
• Air-conditioning with vents for the rear seats;
• Coming-Home function;
• Height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with adjustable lumbar supports;
• Radio preparation with a tilting roof antenna and eight-speakers;
• Tinted glass;
• Electric windows front and rear with a bounce-back feature and a child safety latch on the rear doors;
• Electrically-adjustable and heated external mirrors.

The Comfort and Elegance specifications also include:

• Bi-Xenon headlights;
• Ski-sack for transporting skis;
• Automatic wiper operation sensors;
• Electronically controlled Climatronic air-conditioning system;
• WetCase umbrella pocket;
• Electro-chromatic interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle screening;
• (Sun)glasses compartment;
• Decorative plinths on the door sills.

Optional equipment

Other optional equipment items can be added to all standard specifications to satisfy the needs and wishes of even the most demanding customers. Optional equipment includes:

• curtain airbags;
• mechanical rear window sunshade;
• towing device with a removable hook;
• special package for poor driving conditions;
• multi-function steering wheel;
• electric sunroof with a bounce-back feature;
• electric sunroof with solar panels;
• parking sensors;
• Škoda audio-systems - the Škoda MS 303 stereo radio with cassette player, the Škoda Symphony radio with cassette/CD player and Škoda Rhapsody radio with CD player and Sound-System;
• telephone preparation, that can now also be installed in the rear central console;
• navigation systems;
• TV receiver;
• SunSet.

Safety

The key element during the development of all Škoda cars is the safety of passengers in case of an accident. The Škoda Superb complies with all the relevant safety specifications, particularly in terms of front, rear and side impact. The model also complies with standards that will come into effect during its technical life cycle, i.e. during the production period of this model, which emphasizes the high quality of the Škoda Superb's passive safety.

An essential safety element of any car involved in a crash is the rigidity of the body design, with progressive crumple zones in the front and rear. The extremely high rigidity and torsion strength of the body also helps to reduce interior noise. The doors have triple reinforcement and special foam pads to absorb the energy of a side impact.

Restraining systems are an indispensable part of any modern car. They are designed to hold an occupant's body firmly in place, to prevent it colliding with the interior of the car. Standard equipment of the Škoda Superb includes four airbags: two large airbags for the driver and the front passenger, which are activated during a frontal collision, and two side impact bags, which protect passengers during a side impact. Curtain airbags (standard in EU countries) provide a "safety curtain" between occupants and the side windows - from the front A-pillar to the rear C-pillar. From the beginning of this year this modern passive security item has been included in the standard equipment of all versions exported to EU countries.

All seats have three-point seat belts, those in the front are height-adjustable and except for the rear centre seat, all seat belts are fitted with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners. In addition, rear seats have three head restraints. Fixtures for an Isofix child seat are standard.

Special engine mountings prevent it from being forced into the passenger compartment in the case of a collision and, similarly, the design and mounting of the steering column reduces the risk of impact with the steering wheel. The plastic material used on the lower part of the dashboard also reduces the risk of leg injuries by absorbing the impact energy.

If the airbags are deployed during a crash, an automatic sequence of strictly defined operations will be activated via the CAN-Bus on-board network. The interior illumination will be turned on, the central locking system will be unlocked (if locked) and some power circuits will be switched off to prevent short circuits and fire. The fuel pump and fuel supply pipe will be immediately switched off.

For increased driving safety in difficult conditions or critical driving situations, all Škoda Superb models with V6 power units have the latest-generation ESP as standard (available with other engines as an option). In addition to ABS, EDL, ASR, MSR and ESP, the system includes electronic braking assistance, which is extremely useful when intensive braking is needed.

All Škoda Superb models are equipped with an immobiliser and a VIN code label on the windscreen frame. The immobiliser uses a variety of "floating code" combinations, rejecting any combination that has already been used. Options include an alarm system that monitors the interior of the car and a backup alarm horn.

Engines and transmissions

Škoda Superb engines are mounted longitudinally in front of the front axle. The transmission system - the gearbox and the axle drive - is connected directly to the engine and drives the front wheels. This front-wheel system is designed to guarantee optimum loading of the front axle, which is beneficial for transmitting the force from the wheels to the road.

Three petrol and three diesel engines are available with the Škoda Superb. The petrol engines produce 85 kW (115 bhp) and 110 kW (150 bhp). The top of the range of engines is clearly the V6 engine producing 142 kW (193 bhp). The range of economical diesel engines consists of four-cylinder engines producing 74 kW (100 bhp) and 96 kW (130 bhp) with high-pressure injection with joint injectors (the pump-nozzle system). The third diesel engine is the new six-cylinder developing 120 kW (163 bhp). Both six-cylinder engines are available with "Tiptronic" five-speed automatic transmission with a manual control option.

All petrol engines comply with the most stringent EU IV standards. They are fitted with an electronic engine management system including electronic fuel injection and ignition. They also have two three-way catalytic converters and two lambda probes (V6 engines have four catalytic converters and four lambda probes - two for each cylinder section).

Overview of petrol engines for the Škoda Superb:

• 2.0 MPI/85 kW (115 bhp);
• 1.8 20V Turbo/110 kW (150 bhp);
• V6 2.8 30V/142 kW (193 bhp).

The advanced TDI diesel engines, with direct fuel injection, turbo-charging, inter-cooler, oxidising catalytic converter and exhaust gas re-circulation, provide a unique combination of high power and low fuel consumption. Diesel engines fitted in the Škoda Superb comply with EU III, the new V6 2.5 TDI/120 kW engine complies with EU IV.

An overview of diesel engines for the Škoda Superb:

• 1.9 TDI PD/74 kW (100 bhp);
• 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW (130 bhp);
• V6 2.5 TDI/120 kW (163 bhp).

All Škoda Superb are equipped with the EOBD (European On Board Diagnostics) system. This diagnostic system monitors devices and instruments that influence the composition of the exhaust gas. If the monitored values exceed the set limits, a red warning light on the instrument panel will come on, indicating to the driver that a service is needed as soon as possible.

The innovation in the range of diesel engines is the modern V6 2.5 TDI with direct fuel injection producing 120 kW (163 bhp) at 4000 rpm. This engine replaces the current V6 2.5 TDI/114 kW. The great advantage of this unique six-cylinder power unit is its impressive maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1250 rpm. The sophisticated engine construction gives a combined consumption of 7.1 l/100 km for a car equipped with the six-speed mechanical transmission. These outstanding parameters were achieved by modifications to the fuel system, modification of the cylinder head and the introduction of new software for the engine management unit. The standard engine comes with a new six-speed mechanical transmission. The Tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The automatic Tiptronic transmission, which provides both manual and automatic gear changing, is available with the Škoda Superb. The Tiptronic transmission can be fitted with the V6 2.8 30V/142 kW and V6 2.5 TDI/120 kW power units. It is a five-speed automatic planetary gearbox with a hydraulic torque converter that can be locked depending on the driving situation. This option prevents the converter from slipping, thus increasing overall transmission efficiency and cutting fuel consumption.

Chassis

The Škoda Superb has been built on a chassis with a large wheelbase of 2803 mm, which results in very good driving characteristics and a generous interior. The neutral, or even under-steering, behaviour of the vehicle is an important element of the active safety measures.

The multi-element front axle of the Škoda Superb significantly increases comfort and driving safety, because its sophisticated design eliminates to the maximum possible extent the influence of the car drive on the steering mechanism. Control of the vehicle is light and always accurate.

Each wheel on the front axle is driven by four independent suspended arms, connected by a vertical link, supporting the wheel. This design provides a very small steering axis inclination and thus a small distance between the centre of the wheel and the steering axis. The smaller this distance, the smaller the effect on the steering created by braking and driving forces.

The front axle rests on an auxiliary frame, which has large rubber bearings that help to absorb vibrations. The shock-absorbing unit contains coils and gas-liquid absorbers.

The rear axle has been designed using pilot-pin technology. This reliable concept features a simple design and reduced installation space and, at the same time, excellent wheel control. The rear axle design also includes a transverse torsion stabiliser. In-line coils and dampers do not intrude into the luggage compartment, allowing its full width to be used.

The suspension includes coil springs and telescopic dampers fixed with rubber bushes, which prevents vibrations and impact force being transmitted into the car body. It has been designed to provide the maximum comfort and safe driving characteristics.

The Škoda Superb is factory-fitted with precise rack-and-pinion steering with a hydraulic steering booster.

The diagonally split, two-circuit braking system with a vacuum brake booster has disc brakes fitted on all wheels (front: hollow-disc brakes with inner cooling, rear: full disc brakes). A mechanical hand brake controls the rear wheels.

The braking system includes advanced electronic chassis stability systems. The range of the braking and stability systems for Škoda Superb depends on the power unit installed in the car. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) are standard on all cars. All Superbs are now equipped with the new Dual Rate brake booster with an integrated braking assistant. Additionally, cars with 1.9 TDI PD/74 kW and 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW engines have Anti-Skid System (ASR) and Engine Drag Control (MSR) as standard. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is fitted on all six-cylinder engines (for other models, ESP is available as an option). ESP includes an electronically controlled hydraulic "braking assistant" which dramatically increases braking safety.

A large majority of the equipment designed to provide higher comfort and safety as well as easier driving are inter-connected by electronic systems. Contemporary engines or chassis equipped with stability systems cannot be controlled without a computer unit. In order to provide co-ordinated operation and full use of all the functions, these systems are inter-connected via a CAN-Bus data bus. The CAN-Bus system controls and facilitates data transmission from/to individual electronic systems as well as analysing failures, monitoring functions and implementing new systems and functions.

Colours and upholstery

Škoda Superb comes in wide palette of 13 colours, of which ten are metallic.

Three non-metallic colours:

• Candy White;
• Corrida Red;
• Virtual Blue.

Ten metallic colours:

• Diamond Silver;
• Sahara Beige;
• Sensual Red;
• Mystery Blue;
• Nightfire Blue;
• Deep Sea Blue;
• Nature Green;
• Canadian Green;
• Titan Grey;
• Black Magic with pearl effect.