Downsizing? Not for Skoda's full-size estate car, the Superb, thank you. The new fourth-generation model being launched in New Zealand has grown by 40mm in length (now 4902mm) and now sits a little taller (only by 5mm). Luggage capacity has increased by 30 litres, to 690l.

While Superb sedan continues in Europe, for NZ it's a wagon-only; or "combi" if you like. There are two models, both powered by the familiar 195kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with AWD. The standard wagon is $74,990, while the more highly specified Sportline wagon is $83,990.
What might come in the future remains to be seen. Skoda NZ is still listing the outgoing Superb iV PHEV ($79,990) and there is an updated version of the plug-in powertrain available in Europe with the new model, which offers EV range of up to 120km.
But it's ICE-only for now, with some new chassis tech. The Sportline has DCC Plus adaptive suspension as standard, a first for Skoda. It uses two control valves per shock absorber instead of one, with separate control of compression and rebound.

The new interior is based around a "clean centre console" says Skoda, with a free-standing 13in infotainment display. The gear selector is now located on the steering column. New features include a ventilated "phone box" with 15W wireless charging and Ergo front seats with 10-cushion massage function.
Multifunctional "Skoda Smart Dials" can be turned and pressed for various cabin functions; each also has a 32mm integrated display.
Skoda claims there are 28 "simply clever" features in the cabin, ranging from familiar items such as the A-pillar ticket holder and mobile phone pockets on the front seatbacks, to new developments such as a sliding rear centre-armrest with tablet holder and the "Jumbo Box" under the front centre-armrest containing a tray with display cleaner.
Aside from DCC Plus (with 15mm-lower ride height), additional equipment for Sportline includes 19-inch alloy wheels (up from the standard 18in), LED Matrix beam headlights and LED rear lights with animated indicators, exterior accents in gloss black and Sportline badges on the front wings.
The Sportline interior features heated front sports seats with integrated head restraints and a new, Smart Comfort entry aid.
Progressive steering and a sports chassis lowered by 15 mm as well as LED Matrix beam headlights and LED rear lights with animated indicators are included as standard.
Of the eight colours, only two are carried over: Energy Blue and Graphite Grey. Purity White, Pebble Silver, Ebony Black, Cobalt Blue, Carmine Red and Ice Tea Yellow are all new.