Superb world debut from Skoda

Skoda is looking to offer the best of saloon and hatchback styles in its new Superb.

It has an innovative double action-opening boot called 'Twindoor' that allows the boot to be opened like a normal saloon's or fully like a hatchback's.

This is achieved by a hinge where the boot meets the rear window and the user then has the option of choosing whichever best suits the load.

The new Superb is slightly smaller on the outside than the outgoing model, but it's larger on the inside.

As well as more space for passengers, there's more boot space and the Superb offers maximum cargo capacity similar to many estate cars.

The cleanly styled Superb is on sale in the UK from September and prices are expected to start at £15,000.

There will be a choice of 1.4- and 1.8 petrol engines, or 1.9- and 2.0-litre turbodiesels.

A 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine will top the range and come with standard four-wheel drive and six-speed automatic gearbox.

Safety is a key feature of the new Superb and it will come with a driver's knee airbag in addition to the other six airbags in the cabin.

Skoda is also confident the Superb's cabin quality will set it apart from its rivals when it reaches the UK in September.

Alisdair Suttie