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Size has never been an issue for Skoda's flagship Superb sedan - the long-wheelbase four-door has always offered oodles of rear legroom and loads of standard equipment. But image? That's another matter.
Despite many qualities, the Superb has always looked too much like a Volkswagen knock-off. And that's what the outgoing model is - a badge-engineering job, based on a long-wheelbase version of the VW Passat created for the Chinese market.
The new Superb promises more individuality for the Czech brand's flagship. As with the old model, it's based on the platform of the Passat but the styling and execution are uniquely Skoda.
At 4838mm long and 1783mm wide, the new Superb is 35mm longer and 18mm wider than its predecessor. But the proportions are also more mainstream than the outgoing car, with the limo-like wheelbase shortened by 42mm.
Practicality is improved with a fifth door - despite the sedan-like appearance, the new Superb is actually a hatchback.
High-tech will be a feature of the new Superb, with the likes of adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, and automatic parking assist. In the pursuit of a top safety rating, the car has nine airbags.
Internationally, up to six engines will be available in the new Superb - three petrol and three diesel. Outputs will range from 77kW to 191kW and the units will be combined with a selection of manual or direct shift gearbox transmissions.
Skoda's heightened ambitions for the Superb are reflected in plans to expand the range.
It's thought the Czech marque will unveil a spacious wagon version within a year, and may even move on to off-road and people-moving models based on the Superb's architecture.
