The Skoda Superb III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2019, represents a significant offering in the mid-size executive car segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Superb has been a popular choice in Europe, offering a compelling blend of spaciousness, practicality, and value. Positioned above the Octavia in Skoda’s lineup, the Superb competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, and BMW 3 Series, though typically at a more accessible price point. The 1.6 TDI variant, equipped with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), was a common engine choice, prioritizing fuel efficiency and reasonable performance for everyday driving.
Skoda Superb III (Facelift 2019) 1.6 TDI DSG
The Superb III, launched in 2015, received a substantial facelift in 2019, bringing updated styling, enhanced technology, and refined engine options. The 1.6 TDI model, producing 120 horsepower, was aimed at buyers seeking a balance between economy and usability. This version of the Superb was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions where diesel engines remain popular due to their fuel efficiency and lower running costs. The facelift included revisions to the front and rear fascias, interior trim, and available driver-assistance systems, solidifying the Superb’s position as a well-rounded and technologically advanced vehicle in its class.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Superb III 1.6 TDI is a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, designated EA288 / DCZA. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a turbocharger with an intercooler to optimize performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This combination allows for relatively quick acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 11.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 10.5 seconds. The Superb 1.6 TDI achieves a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Skoda Superb III is a five-door liftback, offering a unique blend of sedan and hatchback practicality. Its defining characteristic is its exceptionally spacious interior, particularly the rear passenger compartment, which provides ample legroom and headroom. The liftback design allows for a large, easily accessible trunk with a minimum capacity of 625 liters (22.07 cu. ft.), expanding to a substantial 1,760 liters (62.15 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The 2019 facelift brought subtle styling updates, including a revised grille, headlights, and taillights. Inside, the Superb features a modern dashboard layout with a touchscreen infotainment system, offering connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a range of driver-assistance systems, depending on the trim level. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4869 mm (191.69 in), width 1864 mm (73.39 in), and height 1469 mm (57.83 in). The wheelbase measures 2841 mm (111.85 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Superb |
| Generation | Superb III (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (120 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | July, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.1-6.6 l/100 km (46.1 – 35.6 US mpg, 55.4 – 42.8 UK mpg, 19.6 – 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 135-172 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 DG |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3250 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / DCZA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2103 kg (4636.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 648 kg (1428.6 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 625 l (22.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1760 l (62.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4869 mm (191.69 in.) |
| Width | 1864 mm (73.39 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2031 mm (79.96 in.) |
| Height | 1469 mm (57.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2841 mm (111.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1572 mm (61.89 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 147 mm (5.79 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.271 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
