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Skoda, which recently exhibited the new 'Superb' luxury car at the Autocar Performance Show 2008, is all set to launch the car by February 2009. The 2009 Skoda Superb has a smart, contemporary styling, host of safety features, full range of electronic gizmos and more interior space than its predecessor.
The new Skoda Superb will be offered as three variants - The 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol, 3.6-litre V6 petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel coupled with Skoda’s seven-speed DSG gearbox. We feel that, the 2-litre diesel will be the one to go for.
Pricing for the 2009 Superb is yet to be announced, nonetheless, we expect atleast a Rs 22 lakh price tag. Since it’s as big as the new Accord and larger than the Camry, and equipped with high-tech gizmos, the Superb would be a brilliant deal at that price.
Speaking of gizmos, we were very interested in a few of them. For a start - Skoda's New Bi-Xenon headlights and Adaptive Front Light System (AFS). These headlight systems significantly improves driver visibility and makes the Superb an easier and safer car to drive in the dark. The system also benefits other road users as it limits the dazzling effect of headlights to oncoming traffic.
2009 Skoda Superb Image Gallery
Lots of 'Superb' Gizmos after the break
Bi-Xenon headlights provide a long, bright and well adjusted beam in both low and high mode while the AFS system, unique to Škoda, automatically adjusts the alignment and illumination of the front light beam depending on vehicle speed and weather conditions. The following modes are used while driving:
* Interurban – default headlight position for speeds between 0 – 9 mph and 31 – 55 mph.
* Urban – light beam shortens and widens for better illumination of pavements and junctions in built-up areas; active between 9 – 30 mph.
* Motorway – light beam gradually lengthens and narrows as vehicle speed increases to improve distant vision; light beam lights the lane to the right of the car to facilitate overtaking; active above 56 mph.
* Cornering lights – headlight geometry changes and light beam illuminates the curve of the road depending on vehicle speed and steering wheel angle (active from 6 mph); activated by indicators, the fog light strengthens and fades during tight cornering, increasing visibility and highlighting hazards and obstacles in the road.
* Rain function – headlight modules rotate down and light beam shortens to limit the glare from the road; activated by windscreen wipers (after two minutes) at speeds between 0 - 43 mph.
* Tourist function – using the maxi-dot computer, driver can switch between right hand drive and light hand drive headlamp angle when abroad.
The latest optional extras includes headlight washers, rain sensors and maxi-dot computer. The vehicle also comes with Škoda’s unique ‘Twindoor’, which turns the car from a hatch to a saloon at the touch of a button, and optional Park Assist, which assists the driver during parallel parking.
