Skoda Superb Greenline 2009 Pictures

Skoda Superb Greenline 2009 Pictures High Res

           

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Superbly opposed

Fuel-sipping eco-luxury or all-out V6 excitement. We drove two diagonally opposed models from Skoda’s flagship Superb range.

When we first drove the Skoda Superb http://www.covercars.com/cars/Skoda/20668-Skoda-Superb-2009.htm we were thoroughly impressed by the new Czech flagship model. What’s there not to like? A cavernous cabin, topnotch build quality, a clever Twindoor boot system which allows it to open as a 5-door hatchback or 4-door saloon, and a price tag even some supermini’s would baulk at.

Fair enough, we only drove the middle-of-the-range model, so to get a more complete picture we decided to explore the range’s extreme models. In the one corner then, meet the fuel-sipping GreenLine 1.9 TDI; an eco-nised Superb which will trot 70 miles on a single gallon if you nurse it carefully on the motorway. Diagonally opposed is the most extravagant Skoda ever built: A brawny 3.6 V6 4x4 flagship decked out in acres of leather, wood trim and aluminium accents.

We drove both to find out how they size up.

Superb GreenLine 1.9 TDI

In some ways the Superb GreenLine is an anomaly. Its exterior is limo-like, the interior gargantuan (it boasts legroom to rival the best in its own class and in classes for which you’ll have to fork out significantly more) and the level of luxury and craftmanship is high, yet it will only set you back £17,120 and boast fuel consumption and CO2 figures which completely belie its size.

Skoda claims 134g/km for the GreenLine’s CO2 emissions and an extra urban consumption of 67.3mpg. It doesn’t happen often that our real-world experience outshines the claimed figure of a manufacturer but on one long M1 haul we managed just over 70mpg average with the GreenLine. A seriously impressive feat for a car of this size.

The GreenLine is powered by the same 1.9 TDI engine as the Superb S, and SE trim levels, with maximum power of 105bhp and torque peaking at 250Nm, but boasts 12% better combined fuel consumption (55.4mpg compared to 49.6mpg) and a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions (134g/km versus 150g/km) from the standard 1.9 derv engine.

To achieve this, the Skoda engineers reduced the weight of the car (the full-size spare wheel has been swapped with a puncture repair kit for example), increased the length of the gears of the five-speed ’box and remapped the engine. They also improved aerodynamics and added low resistance tyres.

The Superb GreenLine is an individual trim level which slots in between the S and SE models and on the inside it still impresses with its high level of standard equipment, good quality finishes and solid feel. It only costs £780 more than the 1.9 TDI in S-trim, but you get plenty of toys for that: privacy glass, cruise control, four-spoke leather steering wheel, lowered suspension (which helps with the aerodynamics and also benefits the looks) and a small rear boot spoiler.

Verdict: Consumers are ever more on the lookout for greener vehicles. Not only do these eco-models benefit the polar bears, but also buyers’ pockets. The Superb GreenLine manages some decent eco improvements which are passed on to your budget, without sacrificing any of the comfort, luxury or overall appeal which had us giving the Superb a thumbs-up earlier this year. Business buyers who spend plenty of time on the road will find this addition to the Superb line-up especially attractive.



Superb 3.6 V6 4x4

This is the Superb in all its flagship glory. Where other Superb trim-levels impress with their level of luxury, the 3.6 V6 goes all out and really tries to bowl you over. Finishing is at VW’s best levels and very nearly on par with Audi. All equipment is of the highest standards and there really is nothing cheap about this Superb. Unfortunately that also includes the price tag.

The general Superb approach is one of giving you the maximum amount of luxury car for your cash, but the 3.6 V6 takes a different approach. Priced from £26,885, this Superb is taking on the best from the Mondeo, Insignia and C5 ranges head-on. That said, your cash will still get you much more (including a more powerful engine) than in any of this Superb’s direct competitors.

Powered by the same 3.6-litre V6 powersource as VW’s flagship R36 FSI Passat (which incidentally costs nearly £5,000 more), this range-topping engine creates a maximum power output of 260bhp and torque of 350Nm. Linked to the latest fourth-generation Haldex differential four-wheel drive system via a six-speed DSG gearbox, this chunky powersource has the Superb dashing from zero to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. The Superb does feel quick, if not racy, and when you give it some beans the V6 responds with a sensational snarl.

In slow town traffic the DSG system can be annoying though, sometimes not kicking down when you want it to, or kicking down when not really necessary. Steer it onto the motorway, however, and in the Superb’s natural laid-back cruising habitat the DSG shines with smooth and seamless changes.

On decent and dry roads the Haldex system channels 96% of the power to the front wheels, and only shifts power to the rear wheels if one or both of the front wheels loose traction. In the UK this system is really only of benefit on icy winter mornings or very wet roads. The downside to it is the added weight which adds to the V6’s already bulky burden and in quick bends it does feel slightly more wallowy compared to the GreenLine.

Where the 3.6 V6 really scores points, as can be expected, is on the interior front and its reams of standard specification. Electrically adjustable and heated front seats, full leather upholstery, rear mechanical sunblind, hill hold control and a first rate 6-disc autochanger are just some of the items that come as standard on this range-topping model. Our test model was unfortunately not equipped with the optional Park Assist system (£345) which uses sensors to scan for a suitable parking spot, and then actually park the car while you only have to regulate the right pedal.

Verdict: Even with a significantly higher price tag than the rest of the range the 3.6 V6 Superb still represents good value when compared to its direct rivals. But ultimately it will only appeal to a very small group of buyers who are willing to spend more than £2,500 over the second most expensive Superb, the 2.0 TDI CR 4x4, for the luxury of a V6. Much though the 3.6 V6 impressed us with its luxury, ultimately we’d hedge our bets on the GreenLine.

Tech Spec:

Engine: 1.9 TDI / 3.6 V6
Power: 105bhp / 260bhp
Torque: 250Nm / 350Nm
Max speed: 120mph / 155mph
0-62mph: 12.5 seconds / 6.5 seconds
Urban consumption: 43.5mpg / 19.2mpg
Extra urban: 67.3mpg / 38.2mpg
Combined: 55.4mpg / 28mpg
CO2 Emissions: 136g/km / 235g/km