THE new Skoda Superb made it Irishdebut at the recent National Ploughing Championships, when sunshineshone down on it in a first for the event.

This new top of the range Skoda modelis destined to strengthen Skoda’s presence at the upper end of thefamily car market.

This new Superb is designed as a crossbetween a saloon and hatchback, thanks to its unique Twindoorfeature. Skoda claims that the new Superb has the looks of anup-market saloon with the versatility of a roomy hatchback. Itsinterior spaciousness and combination of standard specifications andtechnical features make it a real contender in terms of value formoney.

The new Superb comes in a choice of hasten automatic transmission versions, three diesel-powered 4x4s, a lowtax Greenline version, six engine alternatives and choice of threetrim levels included in the mix - Comfort, Ambition and Elegance.This gives a total model of 34 variants.

Amongst its most new features is aunique rear Twindoor tailgate design. Standard on all models, itoffers owners two methods for accessing the boot area. In one, theboot lid alone can be opened when small items are being placedinside. Then, when bulkier items are being carried, the entiretailgate can be raised to provide easy access to a 565-litres largeluggage area, expandable to 1,670 litres when rear seats are folded.

Skoda claims that the new Superb isamongst the roomiest in its segment. Seats are better and moresupportive. It claims that there is a much higher standard ofinterior trim while added rear seat legroom ensures an even higherlevel of stretch-your-legs comfort.

With a 5-star NCAP rating and standardESP, safety items have been enhanced. Seven airbags, including afront knee airbag, are fitted to protect front and rear passengers inthe event of an accident.

Comfort items include standarddual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and radio remote controlson a leather bound steering wheel. A 6.5" touch screen radiowith 6-CD changer is standard on the Ambition range.

Standard Elegance specificationsinclude bi-xenon headlamps with AFS, an adaptive front light systemthat helps drivers to see around corners, full leather interior, fourheated seats. electrically-operated front seats and 17” alloys.Other optional items include a touch screen navigation system and apark assist self parking system that equips the car to park itselfautomatically.

The Superb model will be offered with achoice of six engine offerings - three diesel and three petrol.Diesel versions begin with a Superb Greenline version powered by the1.9-litre TDI PD fitted with DPF whose CO2 emissions come in at a low136g/km. Lower than the previous lowest in class competitor, thispositions the new Superb within the low B-rated €150 annual roadtax band.

Other diesels are a 6-speed 2.0-litreTDI PD DPF 140bhp unit (also with 6-speed DSG automatic) and a6-speed 2.0-litre TDI CR DPF 170bhp version (also with 6-speed DSGautomatic or 4x4) all manual versions of which fall within theC-rated €290 annual road tax band.

Petrol versions begin with the newefficient 1.4-litre TSI 125bhp 6-speed manual unit. This is followedby a 1.8-litre TSI 160bhp 6-speed manual unit (also available withoptional 7-speed DSG automatic or 4x4 format) and a 3.6-litre FSI V6260bhp version standard with DSG and 4x4 transmission

And to top off that specification thenew Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI has won the overall title in the UK CaravanClub Towcar of the Year Awards 2009. The car beat 37 rivals to thetitle, including the defending champion, the Ford Mondeo Titanium X2.5 T Estate.

This latest Superb model is billed asthe most highly equipped Skoda ever produced. The diesel poweredmodels will be most attractive with the entry-level Greenline versionstarting at €25,990 excluding delivery. Two other models within the1.9-litre diesel range check in at €26,895 (in Comfortspecifications) and €28,645 (Ambition).

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