The Skoda Superb I (facelift 2006) 1.9 TDI represents a significant iteration of Skoda’s flagship sedan, produced between 2007 and 2008. Positioned within the mid-size segment, the Superb aimed to offer a spacious and value-oriented alternative to more established European brands. While not officially sold in the United States, the Superb was a key model for Skoda, particularly in Europe, where it competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, and Opel Vectra. The facelifted version brought styling updates and refinements to the original Superb, enhancing its appeal and competitiveness.
Skoda Superb I (Facelift 2006) 1.9 TDI: Overview
The Superb I, launched in 2001, was Skoda’s first attempt at a large family car. The 2006 facelift brought revised front and rear styling, interior upgrades, and powertrain refinements. The 1.9 TDI variant, powered by a Volkswagen Group-sourced diesel engine, was a popular choice in European markets due to its fuel efficiency and respectable performance. This model catered to buyers seeking a comfortable, practical, and relatively affordable sedan with a focus on long-distance driving.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Skoda Superb I (facelift 2006) 1.9 TDI is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated EA188 / BPZ. This engine produces 115 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,900 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a pump-nozzle (unit injector) system, a technology common in Volkswagen Group diesels of the era. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to balanced weight distribution.
Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.7 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 11.1 seconds. The Superb 1.9 TDI achieves a maximum speed of 198 km/h (123.03 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l). CO2 emissions are rated at 153 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Skoda Superb I (facelift 2006) is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. The facelift brought a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper, along with updated taillights and rear bumper. The interior offers seating for five passengers and boasts a spacious cabin and a large trunk. The trunk volume is a generous 462 liters (16.32 cu. ft.).
Key features of the Superb 1.9 TDI include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic power steering, and a five-speed manual transmission. The suspension utilizes an independent multi-link setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The car’s kerb weight is 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs). The Superb also offers a respectable maximum roof load of 100 kg (220.46 lbs) and a permitted trailer load of up to 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs) with brakes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Superb |
| Generation | Superb I (facelift 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 TDI (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp, 82.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 179.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1900 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA188 / BPZ |
| Engine displacement | 1896 cm3 (115.7 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 19:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 660 kg (1455.05 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 462 l (16.32 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4803 mm (189.09 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1895 mm (74.61 in.) |
| Height | 1469 mm (57.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2803 mm (110.35 in.) |
| Front track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 16 |
The Skoda Superb I (facelift 2006) 1.9 TDI offered a compelling package for European buyers, combining spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and a reasonable price point. While never officially available in the US market, it represents a significant chapter in Skoda’s development as a modern automotive manufacturer.
