Nigeria - Skoda Auto Introduces Twin-door Superb
By Phillip Oladunjoye
Daily Independent
Skoda Auto, an affiliate of Stallion Group, distributors of Skoda range of vehicles in the country, has introduced Skoda Superb, which with its twin-door concept, is poise to set a new standard in the compact sedan segment.
At the media launch of the vehicle recently, the marketing director of Skoda World, Sanjay Rupani, noted that the Superb has been engaging people since its debut thanks to its outstanding exterior design and outstanding performance. He said the Superb has won numerous comparison tests and awards, which was not merely by merit of its exceptional value for money but has also, had its prestige proven by its Golden Steering Wheel award and the title of 'Best Midsize Car' in Germany and Austria.
He noted that in the Czech Republic for instance, it was the undisputed winner as 'Car of the Year in 2009,' adding that the new Superb is also a leader in terms of safety, technology and performance, while its short stopping distance and the achievement of the maximum Euro NCAP crash test rating of five stars underlines the car's high-tech nature.
He said the Superb's balanced proportions, timeless elegance and stylish lines incorporate a feature that would become a benchmark in the automotive world, noting that although most vehicles in this sector retain a traditional sedan concept, the Superb's tail section hides a tailgate that allows a very large luggage compartment capacity, adding that the unique, patented twin-door variable boot opening, designed by Skoda engineers for the sedan, offers a practical and functional solution.
He explained that the driver could choose to open just the boot lid for loading smaller items into the car, or the entire tailgate at the press of a button, noting that by operating two small switches on the edge of the boot lid, the driver could activate an electro-mechanical release, which lifts the boot lid and the rear window as one, using a well thought-out and easy to handle, explaining that the rear opening almost doubles in size so even bulky items could be loaded easily.
He also explained that the third brake light under the rear window flashes to indicate that electric motors have locked the closing mechanism of both tailgate parts, while with rear seat backs in an upright position, the boot, he said, could accommodate 595 litres of luggage, and with rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1,700 litres.
Rupani said excellent visibility is afforded in the vehicle not only by generously proportioned front windows and large wing mirrors but also by the Adaptive Front Light (AFS) System headlight system, which adapts front illumination to actual conditions, improving visibility and enabling the driver to recognise obstacles in the road sooner and react more quickly.
In term of safety, he said there was no compromise on the roads and everywhere, saying that the Superb's level of passenger protection is extremely high as crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP have demonstrated, noting that the Superb achieved highest possible marks in simulations of side impact and impact against a post, scoring 35 points for the protection of adults and 40 for children, collecting five stars, the highest possible number.
"Excellent crash test results achieved by the Superb are due to a highly-developed body design. For instance, a combination of hot-formed high-strength sheet metal and normal steel with increased ductile strength is used in the chassis and in the A and B pillars, ensuring a predetermined course of deceleration and sufficient space for passenger survival in a head-on or side collision thanks to planned energy absorption.
"Up to nine airbags are available on the Superb depending on vehicle specification and version. Two front and two side airbags combined with front and rear head airbags provide comprehensive protection. The driver knee airbag and side airbags in the rear further improve the effectiveness of the restraint systems. The Superb does everything to make sure that, even in serious accidents, the smallest possible risk of injury remains. Pyrotechnical belt tensioners and belt force limiters also help reduce injury in the event of a collision. Pedestrian protection measures also considerably reduce the danger to unprotected pedestrians in the case of an accident.
"A number of systems are in place to help prevent an accident occurring in the first place. Anti-spin regulation (ASR) is standard in all versions of the Superb, while ESP is part of the standard equipment in many markets. The hill start assist prevents the car from rolling backwards when the brake is released, therefore helping with uphill starts," he said.
He also noted that the 118 kw (160 bhp) 1.8 TSI, which sits in the middle of the Superb's petrol engine range, provides peak torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 - 4,500 rpm, and combined fuel consumption of 7.2 litres per 100 km (39.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.
"All new Superb offers a very high standard of equipment for this class. Additionally, an extensive package of optional equipment is available. Rain sensors, Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS, tyre pressure monitoring, braking and hill-start assistants as well as a parking distance signal and Park Assist are just a handful of the features on offer. The parking assistance system has been developed by Volkswagen Group and adapted especially by Škoda Auto to comply with the demands of the Superb. It employs a set of 4/8 ultrasound sensors to assist the driver during parallel parking," he explained.
