Skoda Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp)

The Skoda Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) represents the third generation of Skoda’s flagship executive sedan, a vehicle that solidified the Czech automaker’s reputation for offering exceptional value, space, and refinement within the competitive European D-segment. Launched in March 2015 and produced until 2018, this iteration of the Superb, while not officially sold in the United States, played a crucial role in its primary markets, particularly across Europe and parts of Asia, by providing a compelling alternative to more premium offerings from brands like Volkswagen and Audi, thanks to its shared MQB platform technology. The Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) was a testament to Skoda’s “Simply Clever” philosophy, blending sophisticated engineering with highly practical design, all wrapped in a package that offered impressive fuel efficiency and robust performance, making it a popular choice for both families and business fleets.

Engineering Excellence: The Skoda Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) Powertrain

At the heart of the Skoda Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) lies a highly regarded 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine, identified by the EA288 / CRLB code. This inline four-cylinder unit is mounted transversely in the front, driving the front wheels through a precise 6-speed manual transmission. Delivering a robust 150 horsepower at a versatile 3500-4000 rpm, the engine is engineered for both spirited driving and remarkable efficiency. Its true strength, however, lies in its impressive torque output of 340 Nm, or approximately 250.77 lb.-ft., available across a broad rev range from 1750 to 3000 rpm. This wide torque band ensures strong, responsive acceleration and effortless highway cruising, a characteristic highly valued in a vehicle of this stature.

The engine’s sophisticated architecture includes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for combustion efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a high-pressure Commonrail injection system, which, combined with a turbocharger and intercooler, ensures optimal power delivery while minimizing turbo lag. The compression ratio of 16.2:1 is typical for a modern diesel, contributing to its efficiency. With an engine displacement of 1968 cm³ (120.09 cubic inches), this powerplant achieves a power per liter rating of 76.2 Hp/l, showcasing its engineering prowess.

Performance figures underscore the Superb III 2.0 TDI’s capabilities: it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds) and boasts a maximum speed of 136.7 mph (220 km/h). These numbers are particularly impressive given the vehicle’s size and focus on practicality. Furthermore, the Superb III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) was designed with environmental consciousness in mind, complying with Euro 6 emission standards. It features a Start & Stop system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban traffic, along with a particulate filter to capture harmful soot particles, aligning with the stringent European regulations of its time.

One of the most compelling aspects of this powertrain is its exceptional fuel economy. Under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) combined test, the Superb III 2.0 TDI achieved between 4-4.2 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to an outstanding 58.8 to 56 US miles per gallon. Even in urban settings, it managed 50-48 US mpg, and on the highway, it could reach an impressive 65.3-60.3 US mpg. These figures, coupled with CO2 emissions ranging from 105-111 g/km, cemented its reputation as a remarkably efficient and environmentally responsible choice for its class.

Design, Comfort, and Features of the Superb III

The Skoda Superb III adopted a sleek and modern design language, diverging from its more conservative predecessors. Its body type is a five-door liftback, a clever design choice that combines the elegant profile of a sedan with the immense practicality of a hatchback. This configuration provides a massive trunk opening, facilitating easy loading and unloading of bulky items, a feature often lauded by owners. With five seats and five doors, the Superb III offers generous interior space, making it an exceptionally comfortable vehicle for long journeys for all occupants.

Dimensionally, the Superb III is a substantial vehicle, measuring 4861 mm (191.38 inches) in length, 1864 mm (73.39 inches) in width (2031 mm or 79.96 inches including mirrors), and 1468 mm (57.8 inches) in height. Its long wheelbase of 2841 mm (111.85 inches) is a key contributor to its expansive cabin space, particularly for rear passengers, where legroom is often compared favorably to much larger, more expensive luxury cars. The vehicle’s aerodynamic profile, indicated by a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.291, further contributes to its fuel efficiency and quiet ride at higher speeds.

The chassis of the Superb III is engineered for a balanced blend of comfort and dynamic handling. It features an independent McPherson-type front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear utilizes an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer. This setup ensures a refined ride quality, soaking up road imperfections, while also providing stable and predictable handling. Stopping power is provided by ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety and control under heavy braking.

Steering is managed by an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, offering precise control and ease of maneuverability, particularly in urban environments, despite the car’s size. The minimum turning circle is a respectable 11.7 meters (38.39 feet). The Superb III was available with a range of tire and wheel options, including 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17, and 235/45 R18, mounted on corresponding wheel rim sizes of 6.5J x 16, 7J x 17, and 8J x 18, allowing for customization of both aesthetics and driving dynamics.

Practicality remains a hallmark of the Superb. The trunk space is exceptionally generous, offering a minimum of 625 liters (22.07 cubic feet) with the rear seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 1760 liters (62.15 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. This cargo capacity rivals many station wagons, making it incredibly versatile for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or even furniture. A substantial fuel tank capacity of 66 liters (17.44 US gallons) provides an excellent driving range, further enhancing its suitability for long-distance travel. Furthermore, the Superb III is a capable hauler, with a permitted trailer load of 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs) with brakes, underscoring its robust construction and utility.

Technical Specifications