If the first generation of Superb was something like “A New Hope”, the Skoda Superb II is “The Empire Strikes Back” and is revolutionizing the entire Skoda brand. Here’s what you need to know when buying one of the most important Skoda cars in recent history.

Much like the first Star Wars episode, “A New Hope,” the Skoda Superb I was more of a curiosity in the automotive world. It wasn’t necessarily a resounding success, but it certainly laid the groundwork for a successful brand. And the Skoda Superb II comes with a correct sequel to the Czech-German limousine.

What makes Skoda Superb II a classic success?

A poker kit, some quality wine bottles and some sexy nurses for fun. An unbeatable recipe, which brought Skoda Superb II to be frequently compared with much more expensive steel such as the E Klasse or the Audi A6. If the previous Superb fought in the “who charges less” segment, the second generation of Superb came to rectify the situation and give more for less, without cheapening out.

How did it do it?

First of all, Skoda Superb II came with acres of interior space. In the station wagon version, the Skoda is comparable to the E Klasse station wagon, itself being the largest in its class.

A brand new, fresh design, updated for 2008. The first generation of Superb was already a typewriter in a world laptop world at launch, so the second generation had to receive some of the newer technology, not whatever was left in the VW parts bin and got approved by the board.

That famous door umbrella and the look of a premium car raised the overall image of the Skoda brand. You didn’t exit the car holding a sack of potatoes in your hands anymore, now you were holding a cognac leather bag that you bought with your annual bonus. Because Superb II is very, very corporate. Or atleast was.

The price didn’t explode as much as the number of noir citizens in my neighborhood. It has remained at a level where even eastern europeans can afford to buy it new.

Skoda Superb II Engines

Petrol

  • 1.4 TSI of 122 horsepower – A decent engine for the city, capable enough to haul the boat with a decent momentum. Now all the diesel fans will come out of the woodwork and throw stones at me and say that the engine is undersized. History has shown that it is not undersized but it’s really only suited for city driving. And don’t stray too much from the city, as timing chain versions of this issue have timing chain tensioner issues. 
  • 1.8 TSI of 150 or 160 horsepower – the same established engine, launched in 1996 with the Coldplay band. A spectacular engine that tends to chugg down oil like Ozzy chuggs down on drugs. And they are both as incoherent. Also, models manufactured before 2011 have issues with the timing chain tensioner.
  • 2.0 TSI of 200 horsepower – 1.8 TSI’s slightly bigger brother, this literal Ronnie Coleman in 4 cylinder version is ready to offer strong perfroamnce. Legend has it that it can be tuned up to 270 bhp with minimal modifications. Legend also has it that it needs as much oil as a serving prepared by Barret Beyer.
  • 3.6 V6 of 256 horsepower – I don’t know if there is a Skoda Superb II with this engine in Europe, or this universe for that matter. In any case, it is a large and heavy engine which causes understeer but what a beast. Usually found moving about heavier stuff such as the Q7 or the Panamera, this engine is a true kick in the nads, effective only in a straight line.

Diesel

1.6 TDI of 105 horsepower – What was intended to be the successor to the eternal 1.9 TDI proved to be a pseudo-continuation of the small, reliable and economical engine ideology. It succeeded in being small sure with insufficient power for the Skoda Superb II. It was economical, sure. But not necessarily reliable. Constant flywheel, EGR, injectors, DPF and soot issues made it that this engine was not the return of Pamela Anderson which I was expecting.

1.9 TDI of 105 horsepower – The final hurrah for the legendary 1.9 TDI, the Skoda Superb II was able to enjoy the 1.9 TDI until 2010 and then it finally got taken away and sent off to an retirement home. An engine that needs no introduction, only a final salute.

2.0 TDI of 140 and 170 horsepower – No, we don’t have the good ol’ faulty PD diesels which made the Passat such a reliable platter of dog food, we are in 2008. Which means that the Skoda Superb II got the new Common-rail technology right off the factory, this TDI got rid of the classic issues with failed injectors and oil pumps shutting down whilst the engine running. Instead, there were some issues with the high pressure fuel pump and some soot deposits, but not as tragic as the olden days. Despite all these disadvantages, the 2.0 TDI CR remains the engine that best suits the character of the car.

Skoda Superb II General Issues

  • The alternator belt also has the habit of making hocus pocus, followed by expecto patronum and expensive petroleum. Your Christmas tree lights up on board, you run out of power brakes, that sort of stuff.
  • The chrome windows sills were manufactured in 5 minutes, somewhere behind the factory. That is why everything will deteriorate, if it bothers you. Yes, the same problem is with the Skoda logo which exfoliates and sometimes falls off. Most probably a sign that this car is too good for the Skoda logo.
  • You turn the wheels at max angle standing in the parking lot and you will enter a new dimension and you will be granted superpowers that will allow you to hear the squeaks which rivals those of Machine Gun Kelly . If this happens to you, then the gearbox oil must be replaced. 
  • A well-known issue with saloon is that the trunk can no longer be opened from the inside. That’s because the wirings bought were previously used on the coffee machines over at HQ and this was all that Skoda was allowed to use.
  • Should you consider the estate version, well then you better be awake as this car is larger than the average american food serving. In fact, the Skoda Superb Estate is frequently compared to the E Class Estate, and it doesn’t get much bigger than the E Class Estate.

Skoda Superb II Verdict

Even if it still has inferior quality materials for the interior, the Skoda Superb II is a much more mature and luxurious car than before. Especially since it also received a hefty facelift in 2013, which further inflated the feeling of a premium car. Skoda Superb II ended up being in the same conversation with Mercedes E-Class, VW Passat or Audi A6 when it came to value-for space-for money, while before it was in the same conversation with Mirya. Not necessarily as luxurious or strong, but as a more affordable alternative, but almost as good as some of the biggest players in the sedan segment and especially the station wagons. 

So yes, the second generation of Superb is really “The Empire Strikes Back” for Skoda, taking a good recipe but executing it modestly, and bringing it to a level where it has remained in our collective memory as an elegant car and good taste, at an affordable price.