The facelifted Skoda Superb is finally in Australian showrooms, albeit only in limited-edition Scout form for the time being – with just “several hundred” available.
Decked out with standard kit and the flagship 200kW powertrain, the Skoda Superb Scout is equivalent in value to the outgoing model’s 206TSI Sportline variant – though with off-road styling instead of a sportier blacked-out package.
In addition to minor design changes inside and out, the facelifted Skoda Superb debuts new technologies to the brand’s range including matrix LED headlights – a first for the brand.
The 200kW engine is also the first from Volkswagen Group Australia to be imported with a petrol particulate filter.
Pricing
- Superb Scout – $59,490
Price excludes on-road costs
Engines
The Skoda Superb Scout will launch with just one engine, a 200kW/350Nm version of the 2.0-litre ‘EA888’ four-cylinder turbo petrol used in a range of Volkswagen Group models including the Golf R hot hatch and Passat mid-sizer.
You’ll notice the power output is slightly down on the pre-facelifted model’s 206kW, and that’s because this version of the engine has revised components including a petrol particulate filter in line with some of the latest European emissions regulations.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed ‘DQ381’ DSG automatic.
Claimed fuel economy is rated at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle, while the 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in a claimed 5.7 seconds.
As mentioned earlier, the Superb Scout comes fitted with a petrol particulate filter, and strictly requires premium unleaded as a minimum.
“This particulate filter can withstand petrol with 50 parts per million of sulfur, but it must be understood that these cars can run only on premium unleaded,” said Michael Irmer, Director of Skoda Australia.
“At point of sale the vehicles will feature mirror hangers emphasising this point. Additionally we have developed high visibility fuel cap stickers. Sales teams will reinforce this message. Our view is that all Australian motorists would benefit by the mandating of premium petrol as standard.”
Safety
The current-generation Skoda Superb wears a five-star safety rating based on 2015 testing protocols.
In crash tests conducted by sister firm Euro NCAP, the Superb managed 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for safety assist, and 71 per cent for pedestrian detection.
Some key feedback included marginal protection for the driver’s chest in the full-width frontal test, as well as marginal whiplash protection for rear passengers.
A range of assistance and active safety features are standard, including city and interurban autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian protection, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic assist, lane assist, emergency assist, a reversing camera, passenger protection assist, as well as tyre pressure monitoring and nine airbags (incl. driver’s knee).
Dimensions
The Superb Scout wagon measures 4863mm long, 1864mm wide and 1511mm tall, with a 2841mm wheelbase. In Scout guise, the Superb rides 151mm above the ground – 15mm higher than the standard wagon.
Weighing in with a tare mass of 1638kg, the Superb Scout offers 660L of cargo capacity with five seats in play, expanding to a massive 1950L with the second row folded.
Optioned with a tow bar, the Skoda Superb Scout is rated to tow a maximum of 2200 kilograms.
Standard Equipment
The Skoda Superb Scout comes with a comprehensive list of features as standard, including:
- Matrix LED headlights (Skoda first)
- LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
- Front fog-lights with cornering function
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- 9.2-inch Colombus navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Canton premium sound system
- 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit
- DAB digital radio
- Adaptive Chassis Control with Drive Mode Select
- Electric tailgate with gesture control
- 18-inch ‘Braga’ anthracite polished alloy wheels
- Electric front seat adjustment with memory function
- Tri-zone ‘Climatronic’ air-conditioning
- Heated front and outboard rear seats
- Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with heating and paddles
- Automatic Park Assist with manoeuvre assist
- Underbody protection
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Hill start assist and hill descent control
- Privacy glass
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Stainless steel pedals
On top of the above standard specification, the Superb Scout can also be had with the following options:
- Metallic/pearl effect paint – $770
- Velvet Red special paint – $1100
- Tangerine special paint – $1700
- Panoramic glass sunroof – $1900
Servicing
Skoda covers the Superb Scout with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
The Czech subsidiary of the VW Group also offers bulk-buy service packages for either the first three or five years of ownership – costing $900 and $1700 respectively.
A used car service pack can be purchased after the first 15,000km scheduled service for $1600, and is valid for the next four visits.
