Škoda Superb wins UK’s ‘What Diesel’ COTY award
April 9, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Škoda’s flagship Superb model has won the Best Large Car category at this year’s “What Diesel” Car of the Year Awards.
The Superb beat 17 other contenders, including the Ford Mondeo and Citroen C5, to win the number one place with its overall design, unique Twindoor boot system, outstanding fuel efficiency and great range of diesel engines giving it that winning edge.
“It’s a fine drive, with a good choice of TDI engines and the unique Twindoor system adds to its versatility,” said Ian Robertson, Editor of What Diesel. “With its spacious, airy cabin, huge boot and limousine ride, it is a superb choice.”
The new Superb was launched in the UK in September last year and effortlessly combines cavernous interior space with a striking design and the latest technology. The Superb has now won nearly 30 top awards across Europe since its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Most recently it has been named Car of the Year 2009 in the Czech Republic.
“This is another prestigious award for the Superb,” said Robert Hazelwood, Škoda UK Brand Director. “What Diesel is a well-trusted and much read publication, and, along with the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year accolade that Superb won last year, this confirms what we already know – that the Superb is a fantastic car – a great choice for fleet and retail buyers alike.”
Škoda has sold over 20,000 new Superbs across Europe since launch. Its performance has been strong in the UK with sales performing ahead of target ever since launch.
The Superb is due on sale in Australia later this year with prices ranging from $42,990 to $56,990.
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I think this is a very viable alternative to a Falcon or Commodore. Neither the Falcon or the Commodore are really that good and the Skoda is a big car. It may be externally smaller than the Falcon or Commodore but the interior is massive and probably bigger than either of them. Much better quality too.
More Australians seem to be going toward diesel and I think the 2.0 diesel would get this car along very nicely. Looks good too. I little frumpy around the back but then, so is the Falcon. And the Commdore is too high at the back which makes visbility terrible. Much more practicle than either as well with the liftback/sedan tailgate.
And whats all this about it having bad dynamics? The Falcon and Commodore are hardly winners there either
Looks good, has great fuel economy and is massively spacious. Seems like a winner if you’ve got a family or do long trips.
Alex
Yeah but it’s a Skoda, what the hell is that?? Is it from the old Eastern Block countries, like the Lada?
I promise you it won’t sell well here, unless of course it is pitched at around $25K drive away..
Skoda are not a mainstream brand here.
Millatime – thank you Captain Obvious! Only people who know cars know what Skodas are, and maybe you don’t fall into that category?
For Your Information, Skoda comes from the Czech Republic and all Skodas are made there unlike the Volkswagens they’re based upon. My Octavia RS for example is made in the Czech Republic but the VW Golf and Jetta on which it’s based are made in South Africa (well they were, I think the horrible new model has switched back to Germany) and the Jetta is made in Mexico!
So you can the quality is better and the engines are the same – bloody fantastic! Promise us it won’t sell here unless it’s $25k? What a stupid statement. Skoda has only been here 18 months and one knows that it takes alot longer than that for the brand to really take off, for more models to be introduced and for more cars to be sold. Fiat and Dodge, other car brands to Aus, offer cars a million more times as crap as any Skoda and yet people on here think they’re rubbish!
Go have a look at one! Might change ages or your attitude problems!
jake02
No need to get so worked up on Good Friday morning :-)
“Only people who know cars know what Skodas are..”
That’s my point precisely. Most people will overlook Skoda, no matter how good they are, because they know nothing about them. However, everyone loves a bargain, so if it’s priced right, maybe there’s hope! Given the Octavia is priced above Focus and Astra, the Superb will no doubt be similarly priced to it’s competitors, and then they’ll wonder why it isn’t selling….
I’m not knocking the car, but where are Seat now???
Happy Easter!
Don’t think this car will sell very well.
If I want something this size that’s reliable and economy, I will just get an Honda Accord or Toyota Aurion.
If I want to show off prestige, I will get Merc E class or BMW 5 or AUDI A6 or Lexus GS, or, even VW Passat.
Yes I know it’s basically the same car as Passat, but at least Passat is branded under VW – Brand is very important for this kind of car isn’t it? Who would buy a Korean luxury car even if it’s really good?
And I think the resale value of this car will be terrible.
Good grief Millatime, your ignorance is reflected in your use of hyperbole…Skoda/Lada. And as for, ‘what the hell is that’…do your homework and explore a few Euro sites. On second thoughts don’t bother, go out and buy an Astra, and don’t forget to watch Neighbours.
ChinesseDriver, buying a new car as a fiscal investment is very stupid. You will go broke applying that bar to an investment strategy, with any new car. Best to stay with banks and commodities.
It will take time to establish the brand here, we know that.
“If I want something this size that’s reliable and economy, I will just get an Honda Accord or Toyota Aurion.”
Since when did the Accord or Aurion come with a diesel engine? When it comes to economy, the Accord and Aurion pale in comparison to the Skoda Superb TDI. Furthermore, the Accord and Aurion are FWD, whereas the Superb V6 3.2FSI is AWD. You have to get out there more, Chinese Driver. There’s more to the industry than boring-as-bat-sh*t Aurions and nasty Thai assembled Accords.
“If I want to show off prestige, I will get Merc E class or BMW 5 or AUDI A6 or Lexus GS, or, even VW Passat.”
VW Passat as a “show off prestige” vehicle? You’ve just lost all credibility…
Again, this comparison is null and void when one considers the price advantage the Superb holds over the E-Class, 5 series and A6. Many European publications have compared the Superb to the above three Euro marques; and the Superb always receives a favourable result.
Love the Car, Would’nt mind one as my second car…
“Yeah but it’s a Skoda, what the hell is that?? Is it from the old Eastern Block countries, like the Lada?”
It’s from a country that had the built the 2nd automobile in Europe,3rd in the world.And through it’s history had many different vehicle Brands.
Lets not forget Ferdinande Porsche came from that country, and VW Beatle that made VW, was a Tatra t97 knock off!!
That is one ugly car, from every angle just…yuck.
Got pig right! I am looking to trade in my Passat R36 on a Superb V6 in July after being disappointed with the VW quality and service. I’m one of 100+ people who has ordered a Superb and after driving it, it’s name doesn’t disappoint! It drives just as well as a Falcodore if not better! Very crisp and in-limo like! A true revelation in large cars couldn’t be more true!
Exterminator – my thoughts exactly, I’ve got the Passat TDI, the superb seems to be filling a big void in the aussie market. VW service – hehehe, I think that’s a contradiction of terms. I knew I wanted to buy the Passat, the sales man either knew that from the second he saw me, or was the laziest person in the country. This woeful performance was replicated by the subsequent staff I encountered. Service? Bollocks. VW Australia ought to sack the lot of them.
Skoda Australia, good car! Get the service right and you will gain a loyal following.
My goodness Will, what exactly is the point of your post?Such a sensitive little soul you are! Are you a Skoda owner like Jake02?
I freely admitted to not knowing all there is to know about Skoda. And your point is…? Do you know all there is to know about every auto manufacturer? I can tell you Skoda have a glorious history of failure in this country.
Wait, it’s becoming clear now, yes – I can truly see that you are an intellectual giant. You know everything there is to know about cars, and then this..
“..buying a new car as a fiscal investment is very stupid. You will go broke applying that bar to an investment strategy, with any new car. Best to stay with banks and commodities..”
Oh my GOD, I think we have found our next Einstein everyone!!
Millatime:
Unfortunately you can breed and vote. Such is life.
You do not even have a remote insight into contemporary Skoda. Don’t think too much, although in your case this is a given.
Will
Full of abuse as usual you sad stupid little boy.
I was wrong to call you Einstein and I must apologise to the Einstein family, you are about as far away as is humanely possible from the great man. In fact I think in you we’ve found the missing link.
So Forest, it’s not Skoda now, it’s Contemporary Skoda is it? You idiot.
You didn’t answer my question, are you a Skoda owner? Judging by how emotional and upset you are the answer seems obvious. Your anger and frustration no doubt caused by fellow motorists openly laughing and mocking you. You wanker..
You did manage to ALMOST get one thing right though Gump. Yes I do practice the act of breeding, and if you don’t believe me, just ask your mum.
Classy Millatime. If all else fails, go the mum joke. Why would anyone want to brag about going out with a significantly older woman?
What I think Will is trying to say is that you have no idea about Skoda, but seem happy to pay out on them as if you are an expert. Of course the Ocatvia is priced higher than a Focus or Astra, its a bigger car.
Just reading some of the comments.I don’t understand why dealers don’t give top notch service?
As for sales people I’ve had some really attentive ones while a couple have been very lazy,almost seemed a chore to get out of their seats!
Some have failed the basics like having reasonable knowledge about the product they are selling.
It is a group effort starting from the sales people right through to the service department.
I’m sure that dealerships want new AND repeat customers.Even if a car has had a few problems it still may not mean the dealership has lost a repeat customer.Retaining a potential repeat buyer can still “boil” down to how they have been treated by the service department.
SteveH
If you go back over my posts, originally I was seeking clarification on the engines in current Skoda’s, and the Superb in particular. At no point have I claimed to be an expert, even asking for my ignorance on the brand to be pardoned.
But, like everyone else I do have opinions and views on the industry and the market, but heaven forbid if you dare to express them as Skoda owners seem to be feisty.
I know the mum joke is terrible, but hey, why the personal insults?
BTW, Top Gear mag lists Focus and Corolla as alternative drives.
Cheers
To clarify, I havn’t rubbished the brand, I just don’t think the Superb will sell well, even though it is well credentialed. Simply because very very few people will be familiar with the brand. It was a bargain basement brand so it’s not a prestige badge, so what is the compelling reason to buy? Because it’s better? That’s perception, and thats what this car and Skoda have to overcome.
Cupid,
If you are going to but in on the size of the Superb vs Falcon at laest try to get the facts right.
The superb is only 1817mm wide (It’s foolish to look at the mirror widths).
Your ascertion then that the superb has more rear leg room is not worth anything, given your lack of understanding and the fact that there are no comparable dimensions available, until Skoda Aus gives the figures to Aus specs.
The Superb is NOT a large car in Australia!!!!!
Millatime Says:
“To clarify, I havn’t rubbished the brand,”… It was a bargain basement brand so it’s not a prestige badge, so what is the compelling reason to buy? Because it’s better?”
Millatime, you are obviously a simple man, so please don’t attempt to talk for the rest of Australia!! You are rubbishing the brand just by saying it has no Prestige!! By the sound of your drible, you would’nt know the first thing about Skodas!!
Sure , during a brief period not so long ago the brand might have been in the bargain basement bin, producing fairly uncompetitive products. But that period is over!! And prestige is built from accolades and success!! Recently the brand has won many international awards, and very impressive rankings!! not to mention it’s 112+ year old history!! The build quality is obviously very good!!! Skoda used to be a very prestigous brand, and by the looks of things, it’s back on track!!
Gee 70 hits for skoda superb plus 60 for octavia , wow thats getting into toyata/ford/holden numbers , must be a few people starting to appreciate these well engineered and built cars .
Along with audi one of the few to increase sales over 2008.
Tomas79
Toyota has no prestige, is that rubbishing the brand?
“Sure , during a brief period not so long ago the brand might have been in the bargain basement bin, producing fairly uncompetitive products.” Good to see you agree, however, it does make you a complete hypocrite.
Yet again, there goes your credibility…
Millatime,
No, that does not at all make me a hypocrite!!
I bet you are the type of car salesman that doesn’t really know too much about the cars he sells!! Nor the competitors!! That usually makes up memorable retard statements!!
Tomas79
More personal abuse as usual.. Now stop eating your crayons and pay attention,
1. I said “To clarify, I havn’t rubbished the brand… It was a bargain basement brand so it’s not a prestige badge..”
2. You said “You are rubbishing the brand just by saying it has no Prestige!!”
3. Then you say “Sure , during a period not so long ago the brand have been in the bargain basement bin, producing fairly uncompetitive products..”
Congratulations, it took us a while but we finally got there
Millatime,
Maybe you should take up eating of crayons, instead of sniffing texters!!As it seems it is too hard for you to comprehend that just because skoda wasn’t producing a good products at one period durring it’s 112+ year history, doesn’t mean that it still is the case!!
And lets not forget that was not caused by the firm’s itself, but iron curtain politics!!
Prestige is derived from History, Accolades and Success. All of which Skoda has at the moment!!!
Considered in the UK as a prestige car is the superb .
Also check the j d power results for the UK , skoda rated second , below lexus ,and the octavia rated top family car , 16,000 motorists evaluated , dont ask where GM or FORD came its too embarrasing .
Heading towards a million cars a year production rate , not bad for a “CHEAP” brand which sells most of its cars in the very discerning euro market .
Well, the general debate has been heated if nothing else (though it’s gone off the boil now). I have been researching to buy a car for the past 8 months and find myself surprised to pick a Skoda Superb 1.8 Elegance. The reasons are:
1. Build quality – Skoda are doing this right. Very few others are – including their parent VW AG. Only question marks are parts quality. This is mechanically a sophisticated bit of kit (low blow & turbocharged engine to extract so much from such a small engine). Not to mention the umbrella holder…
2. Driveability – drives well. Plenty of go (8.5sec 0-100) and handling – a nice balance of Euro firmness and cruisy car comfort.
3. Features – unmatched for the price. Even after ticking a few options, you get a lot for your dosh.
4. I like to be a contrarian. Stuff the badge cred. My ego doesn’t need validating with a fancy anything. I’d rather save the readies.
5. Comfort, and space (our 13 y.o. is over 6ft already!). Tried sitting in a larger Lexus and the rear headroom was… well, low. Almost low enough to scratch your ears!
Other Euro cars? Too expensive for features and too unreliable. Lexus? Great but dearer (and that rear headroom contortionist issue). Falcon & Commodore? Good but build quality issues/unreliability bothers me. Aurion? Good, but, well we already own a Vienta wagon. Again, Australian made quality and ‘baked beans’ motoring (Dull having it and way too much gas expelled in the process).
Someone asked who would buy one? Well, try business owners/professionals in their 40s with kids (Hang on, that’s us!).
That’s because we want value, reliability and something extra for our money (oh alright, I confess… it’s the umbrella holder).
We’ll be ordering one next month.
Feegs,
You won’t regret it! My Skoda has not failed me once (and nor do I expect it to), its just as great as when I drove it out of the showroom (although that was only 10 months ago).
Even today whilst driving around Kilara in Sydney, my RS told me that one of the tyres had a low PSI rate, so I went to a servo and one tyre was at 27PSI whilst the others were at the normal rate of 32PSI. How fantastic!
The Superb is an awesome car, and is truly one of the best cars on the market. Base Commodore – 39k + on-roads, base Superb – 42 + on-roads, the Superb is well more worth it. 9 airbags for one!