2019 Skoda Superb: prices, specs and release date

The facelifted Skoda Superb has a price of £24,655 and will arrive in dealerships later this year. Estate and saloon versions are available from launch, with buyers able to choose from two petrol and two diesel engines. A plug-in hybrid model based on the Volkswagen Passat GTE will arrive in 2020.

The hybrid, which is Skoda’s first plug-in model, costs between £31,970 and £40,240, and is available in SE Technology, SE L, SportLine Plus and the top-spec Laurin & Klement trim levels. You’ll be able to pick it in both hatchback and estate versions.

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Styling differences between the outgoing model and the new one are small; the headlights have been tweaked and are now slimmer, plus the grille and front bumper have been reshaped. Around the back, changes are limited to slightly different tail-lights and a new chrome strip.

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The interior has been retrimmed and slightly tweaked, while there’s a new digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. For the first time, the Superb will be available with Matrix LED headlights, which give high-beam light without dazzling other drivers. As the cosmetic changes are minor, there’s no change to the amount of passenger or boot space available.

The most significant change is under the bonnet, as in 2020, Skoda’s largest saloon will be available as a PHEV plug-in hybrid for the first time. It’ll use the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Passat, with a 13kW battery and 1.4-litre petrol engine for a combined power output of 215bhp. The PHEV version manages up to 35 miles of pure-electric driving and the Passat’s urban driving setting (limiting it to electric power) will be carried over to the Superb. Official CO2 emissions are under 40g/km, while the car is said to be able to travel 578 miles on one tank. Charging takes three-and-a-half hours with a 3.6kW wallbox. Fuel consumption figures are yet to be revealed.

At launch, buyers can choose from four conventional engines. The two petrol options are a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two power outputs. The lower 188bhp version starts at £30,575, while the more powerful 268bhp version costs £38,470. Both engines can only be specced with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, with the most powerful version only available with four-wheel-drive.

The diesel engine options, and the entry-point to the entire Superb range, start with a turbocharged 118bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder. It costs £24,655 in S trim and can only be specced with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive, with Skoda claiming fuel economy of up to 44.8mpg.

A turbocharged 188bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine is also available, starting at £32,140, and is available with front or four-wheel-drive and a DSG automatic gearbox only.

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The engine range for the new Superb will be expanded later this year with the addition of a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Skoda Scala hatchback. A mid-range, 148bhp version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine will also arrive later.

The facelifted Superb is available in six trim levels starting with the S model, which costs £24,655. This comes as standard with LED front and rear lights, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and voice control. For £26,165, buyers can step up to the SE model, which features 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and electronically folding door mirrors.

The SE L trim level starts at £30,575 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, upgraded Matrix LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and an Amundsen infotainment system with integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. The Sportline Plus trim level is priced from £34,295 and gets 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black trim accents and a sporty looking rear diffuser. On the inside is a pair of Alcantara sports seats, a sports steering wheel and a 9.2-inch infotainment system.

At the top of the Superb range is the luxury L&K model, which starts from £35,240. This flagship model has model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather interior, three-zone climate control, a premium stereo system and a digital dial cluster. It also features additional safety tech, including lane keep assist, parking assist and a rearview camera.

The updated Superb range will include a Scout model for the first time. Like other Scout variants, it’ll feature raised suspension, plastic body cladding, underside protection and four-wheel drive. It’s only available as an estate, and the engine range is limited to the two most powerful engines. Prices for the Superb Scout have yet to be confirmed.

Read about Skoda’s first electric car, the Citigo-e iV, here...