Skoda to launch new Superb base variant

Skoda is expected to launch a new stripped-down base version of the Superb during the third week of April 2012. To be christened Superb Ambition, the  new variant will likely sport the same 1.8 litre TSI turbocharged petrol and 2.0 TDi diesel engines as in the existing model. The petrol mill will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox while the diesel will come with the trusted six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. What will perhaps be excluded are some of the frills that come with the current base model. So, the Ambition may miss out on gadgetry like bi-xenon headlamps, electric sunroof, touchscreen system on centre console, Bluetooth function, ESP, hill hold and descent functions. Skoda is unlikely to compromise on safety, so expect driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system with EBD and a basic air-conditioning unit to stay put.

The 1.8 TSI turbocharged petrol model will churn out 160PS of power and 250Nm of torque while the 2.0 TDi oil burner will put out 140PS peak power and 320Nm of torque. The Superb Ambition version is expected to be Rs.1.5 lakh lighter on the pocket compared to the current 1.8 litre TSI Manual ‘Elegance’ trim that is priced at Rs.19.60 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi. While it may not appeal much to well-heeled customers looking at a feature-rich premium sedan, if priced correctly it will offer tremendous value and snob value.

Owned by the Volkswagen group, Skoda’s sales for March 2012 reached 4,822 units growing 60 percent in the domestic market. With the new cheaper Superb, the Czech maker has ‘Ambitions’ to eye an even bigger pie of the market!