Skoda had revealed the 2019 Superb in May this year, and now the company has started testing the new Superb in India. Though this happens to be a facelifted model and not a full-generation upgrade, the Superb still gets some additional changes apart from just cosmetic updates.
As far as looks are concerned, the new Superb gets an updated grille, modified front bumper, redesigned LED tail-lamp design and optional new full-LED Matrix headlamps. Skoda has also introduced some additional driver assistance features like predictive cruise control, however none of that will come to the country due to regulatory restrictions.
Mechanically, the big change is the addition of plug-in hybrid technology, which has been introduced in the Superb for the first-time. It is to be noted that Camry, one of its chief competitor already comes with hybrid tech.
The powertrain options on the 2020 Skoda Superb in the international market now include a new 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine and 112hp electric motor combination, which comes mated to a 6-speed DSG. The combined unit produces 217hp and 400Nm of max torque. The battery pack for this hybrid system has been installed under the floor, towards the rear axle of the car.
The battery is powerful enough to provide an all-electric range of 55km, which is same as that of the VW Passat GTW plug-in hybrid (both the sedans share the same platform). Additionally, there is a new 2 litre 188hp TSI unit which has also been introduced in the line-up. Other existing powetrain options are expected to be carried over. All options will be BS6 compliant.
India currently gets multiple engine-transmission options, however it is unclear as in what all will be offered in the future, especially because the BS-VI emission norms are about to kick-in from next year. In the petrol line-up, currently we have a 1.8 litre petrol TSI unit (180PS/320Nm) which is available with a 6-speed MT and a 7-speed DSG. Diesel powertrain consists of a 2-litre unit (175PS/350Nm) which comes mated to a 6-speed DSG. Future of this diesel unit is currently uncertain.
Once launched in India, the 2020 Skoda Superb BS6 will continue to compete with the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, VW Passat and numerous entry-level sedans from all the big luxury manufacturers. Pricing is expected to be in the Rs 26-34 lakh range, however it might shoot up, if the Hybrid powertrain is brought in by the Czech manufacturer.