The 2024 Skoda Superb is a sensible car in the world of SUVs

It has 28 smart features, including an electrically operated load cover for the stroller.

Skoda has flourished under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, so much so that some people actually prefer Mladá Boleslav models over Wolfsburg models. The fourth-generation Superb was revealed today, and it overlaps with the Passat to a lesser extent because the latter no longer comes as a sedan. The Czech flagship can still be used as a sedan, although it is technically a hatchback because it has a more practical tailgate.

As with every Skoda out there, the 2024 Superb is an unassuming car that meets the needs of families and fleet operators by offering plenty of space and phenomenal practicality unparalleled in this shrinking segment. The new entrant will not have to worry about the Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo or Renault Talisman as they have all been excluded. Mainstream midsize sedans are few and far between in Europe where Peugeot still sells the 508, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry.

Skoda Superb 2024

Although billed as a next-generation car, the Superb’s design is evolutionary and embodies the definition of a facelift. While the wheelbase remained intact at 2,841 mm (111.8 in), there were some noticeable changes to the model’s proportions with both body styles now 15 mm (0.6 in) narrower. The liftback is 43 mm (1.7 in) longer and 12 mm (0.5 in) longer than its predecessor while the carriage has been extended by 40 mm (1.6 in) and 5 mm (0.2 in) higher.

It may look instantly familiar but the body is noticeably sleeker than before since the hatchback’s drag coefficient was reduced by 10 percent to C_Dr From 0.23. As for its long-roof counterpart, the wagon offers a 15 percent reduction in the cost of the C_Dr to 0.25.

The repack has paid dividends in headroom for both front and rear passengers, while cargo volume jumped by 20 liters (0.7 cu ft) to 645 liters (22.7 cu ft) for the rear lift and by 30 liters (1 cu ft) to 690 liters ( 24.3 cubic feet) per camper. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 16 to 19 inches, and you can choose from eight body colours, six of which are new: Pure White, Snow Tea Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Ebony Black, Crimson Red and Pebble Silver.

While the exterior design is very similar, the cabin has been revamped by eliminating most of it (but not all) Traditional controls. You still get a few of the old buttons for quick access, although you’ll be using the screens most of the time to access functions. The infotainment system will measure either 10 or 13 inches depending on trim level while a 10-inch digital driver display will be standard. For an additional cost, a head-up display will be offered for the first time on a Superb.

The center console’s trick will be those three knobs that include 1.25-inch displays. Skoda calls them Smart Dials and states that they are configurable meaning you can choose what they do. The outer parts are used to adjust the seat heating and ventilation as well as the interior temperature.

The one in the middle provides access to volume, driving modes, smart air conditioning, fan speed, and air direction. However, you can only select four of them from the infotainment menu. Surrounding this central smart dial are traditional buttons for windshield ventilation, rear window heating, air recirculation and automatic air conditioning functions.

The engine list includes the usual VAG suspects, starting with a 1.5-litre petrol unit with a mild-hybrid setup. It produces 150 hp (110 kW) and is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. The larger 2.0-liter mill can be had with 204 hp (150 kW) or 265 hp (195 kW), with the latter offered with all-wheel drive.

On the diesel side, there’s only a 2.0-litre engine with 150 hp (110 kW) and front-wheel drive or 193 hp (142 kW) and all-wheel drive. No matter which engine you choose, Skoda installs a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Speaking of the gearbox, the lever has been moved to the steering wheel column to save space between the seats.

The Superb plug-in hybrid, a wagon, combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 204 hp (150 kW). Also in common with the new Kodiaq, the electrified setup is front-wheel drive only and comes with a six-speed DSG. Thanks to its 25.7 kWh battery pack, it can travel more than 62 miles (100 km) without sipping any gasoline. It can be charged at up to 50 kilowatts, in which case it will take 25 minutes to go from 0 to 80 percent. You can also get some power back into the battery thanks to brake energy recovery.

It wouldn’t be a Skoda without a wide range of Simply Clever goodies, and the 2024 Superb has no less than 28. Some of them are new, like the aforementioned Smart Dials and an electrically operated load cover for the wagon. Yes, the ice scraper inside the fuel filler flap is still there, as is the sunshade inside the driver’s door. Other items include fold-out luggage hooks in the cargo compartment, a parking ticket clip on the windshield, a rearview camera washer, and a USB port in the rearview mirror for connecting a dash camera.

The new Superb gets a technology boost as it uses more advanced LED headlights with 40 percent additional light output. It’s also available with upgraded adaptive dampers, which come standard on the flagship Laurin & Klement trim level. Available with all engines and body styles, the L&K luxury sedan offers a standard 14-speaker Canton sound system, massaging front seats, and unique leather/suede upholstery.

The facelifted Skoda Superb will no longer be manufactured in the Czech Republic, and will be built in Slovakia alongside the dedicated Volkswagen Passat only.