Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI

The Skoda Superb has been around for a while now and is now one of the best buys in its segment, recently Skoda introduced the 1.8 TSI Petrol version of the Superb which is aroumd Rs. 1.5-lakh cheaper than the Automatic 1.8 TSI version. With the new price the Superb 1.8 TSI is now more tempting in comparision to the other cars in the D segment.

The Superb has always been known for its hugely spacious cabin and the best in class rear seat with a very generous business class like leg room at the back. Comfort and performance have always been given upmost importance.The 1.8 TSI with manual shifter makes Superb is a much better performer.  Superb comes in 3 engine options these are, the performer1.8-litre TSI petrol, the very refined and frugal and efficient 2.0-litre TDI diesel and the nerve shattering 3.6-litre V6 petrol with four-wheel drive.The 1.8 TSI engine Superb is fun to drive.

Let’s start with the engine first, the 1.8 TSI Superb runs on an 1798cc 16-valve direct injection TSI engine, this is the same engine which also powers the TSI Laura and the new VW Passat 1.8 TSI. This engine develops a good 160bhp @ 4500rpm and has torque figures of 250Nm between 1500-4500. This front wheel drive car has a 6 speed manual gear box which helps maters in a big way.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

The Superb still has the same refined interiors with leather seats and wood inserts on the dash made of a very special soft rubbery material, equipment level still remains the same with the sun-roof and front electric seats standard on all models.  The Superb has always been known to have a  blend of comfortable ride quality and deft handling.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

All thses traits have been inherited to the Superb 1.8 TSI too. In fact, the only difference that we really noticed in the cabin was the inclusion of an extra pedal to the left of the brake (clutch pedal) and a smart looking gear shifter with a 6-speed manual shift pattern inscribed on it in place of the DSG gear selector that the Automatic variant has.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

With the removal of the DSG gearbox and addition of the synchromesh manual gear box the Superb has shredded nearly 75kgs of weight. The manual transmission with its perfectly spaced out gear ratios, offers enhanced fuel economy and distinct improvement in the Superb's performance. The manual gearbox is super slick but the DSG gearbox is a bit faster with perfectly timed up shifts.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

With the new manual transmission Superb, we managed to touch the 100km/h from a standstill in just 9.55 seconds which makes it quicker by a full 0.25 seconds as compared to the automatic Superb. The Superb 1.8 TSI MT offers an average of  9.5kmpl in the city and 12kmpl on the highway dash. Running the car in the sixth gear helps getting much better efficiency results while on long runs at the highways.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

 The clutch pedal could have been a bit lighter that’s what we wish but after some time of driving one gets used to its slight heaviness.

The suspension setup also remains untouched with McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer at the front. The multi-element axle with one longitudinal and three transverse links with torsion stabilizer at the rear that sallow all the bad roads and bumps that come in the way of this car. Braking too remains unchanged with hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking system that is vacuum assisted with Dual Rate system Discs assisted by ABS and EBD as standard. The Superb 1.8 TSI MT runs on 205/55 16 incher tyres that also do duty on the other Superb variants except the 3.6 V6 that gets more rubber and 17 incher alloys.

See More Skoda Superb Pictures                                                                                                                  Read More on Skoda Superb

Skoda has priced the 1.8 TSI MT Superb at a very tempting Rs. 18.28 lakh , available at ex-showroom Delhi. The Superb has got enough specs and gadgetry to really out-spec its smaller sibling Laura by a long long way. What makes this car worth buying at this price is the nimble performing fuel efficient engine along with the twin-opening boot that is very practical while loading and unloading big sized stuff. Adding to the list are the high class interiors  and spacious back seats which give equal leg room as compared to the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S Class making it one of the best buys that one can vouch for at this price.