21.07.2008

High expectations for Skoda Superb



Interesting to read in UK publication 'Company Car Driver' that Skoda believes that a calculated positioning in the market of the new Superb will help it become a mainstream fleet player. In the UK, it is intended as a rival to the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall (Opel) Insignia, the Superb has been positioned as a five-door hatchback and had its trim levels redefined in an effort to appeal to fleets. “Superb is key in terms of us becoming a serious fleet player,” said a senior Skoda UK executive.

The Superb looks like a saloon car, its new TwinDoor boot system means it can also be described as a hatchback. And Skoda UK says that “Because of the twin tailgate we have got the car positioned as a five-door hatch, so that gets us entry into the largest sector for fleet. It’s an area where we have not really had a product offering before. We have been on the outside looking in with great products but not quite on everybody’s list.

Company Car Driver also reports: The arrival next year of the Yeti small SUV will broaden the range and, Skoda hopes to introduce yet more people to the Czech marque. The new Škoda Superb has also received five stars in independent crash tests performed by Euro-NCAP.  One of the factors to have contributed to the highest possible rating is a knee airbag.  Commenting on the new Škoda Superb, Euro-NCAP points out that the protection of the occupants' knees and thighs is excellent.

Skoda's intentions for the Superb in Ireland may be different, and Irish automotive journalists have not yet driven in the new model. It becomes available in right-hand-drive in September. 

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