The Skoda Superb I (facelift 2006) 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) represents a significant iteration of Skoda’s flagship sedan, positioned as a spacious and value-oriented alternative to more established European executive cars. Introduced as a facelift to the original Superb I, launched in 2001, this model aimed to refine the vehicle’s aesthetics and enhance its mechanical reliability. While not officially sold in the United States, the Superb held a prominent position in the European market, particularly in countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Kingdom, appealing to buyers seeking a large, comfortable, and practical sedan with a focus on affordability. The 2.0 TDI PD variant, equipped with a turbocharged direct injection diesel engine, was a popular choice due to its blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
Skoda Superb I (Facelift 2006) 2.0 TDI PD: An Overview
The Superb I, and specifically the 2006 facelift, was Skoda’s attempt to move upmarket and compete with brands like Volkswagen, Ford, and Opel (Vauxhall). Built on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Passat platform, the Superb offered a significantly larger interior and trunk space than its donor vehicle. The facelift brought subtle styling changes, including revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and improvements to the engine range. The 2.0 TDI PD engine, a mainstay of the Volkswagen Group’s diesel lineup, provided a compelling combination of power and economy, making it a popular choice for long-distance drivers and fleet operators.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2006 Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI PD is a 1968 cc (120.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, designated EA188 / BSS, utilizes pump-nozzle (unit injector) fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver 140 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1900 rpm. This configuration provides a broad torque curve, resulting in strong acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 71.1 Hp/l. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds. The Superb 2.0 TDI PD achieves a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l). CO2 emissions are rated at 169 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 facelifted model features a more refined front grille, updated headlights, and a revised bumper. The interior is characterized by its spaciousness, offering ample legroom and headroom for all five occupants. A key selling point of the Superb is its exceptionally large trunk capacity, offering 462 liters (16.32 cu. ft.) of space. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and ventilated front disc brakes with disc brakes in the rear. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent multi-link setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Superb |
| Generation | Superb I (facelift 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1900 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA188 / BSS |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1443 kg (3181.27 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2103 kg (4636.32 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 (brakes 8%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (brakes 12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (no 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 track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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) 2.0 TDI PD offered a compelling package for European buyers, combining spaciousness, practicality, fuel efficiency, and a reasonable price point. While never officially available in the US market, it remains a noteworthy example of Skoda’s ambition to establish itself as a major player in the European automotive landscape.

