The Skoda Superb II 1.8 TSI (160 Hp) is a liftback automobile produced by the Czech manufacturer Skoda between 2008 and 2013. Representing the second generation of the Superb, this model aimed to elevate Skoda’s presence in the mid-size executive car segment, particularly within Europe. While Skoda vehicles weren’t widely sold in the United States during this period, the Superb II offered a compelling combination of spaciousness, practicality, and performance, positioning itself as a value-oriented alternative to more established German competitors like the Audi A6 and Volkswagen Passat. The 1.8 TSI engine variant was a popular choice, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate power for comfortable cruising and everyday driving.
Skoda Superb II 1.8 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Superb II marked a significant departure from its predecessor, moving away from a shared platform with the Volkswagen Passat to a dedicated design. This allowed for a larger interior and a more distinctive exterior styling. The liftback body style, essentially a hatchback with a sedan-like profile, provided exceptional cargo capacity and versatility. The 1.8 TSI engine, part of Volkswagen Group’s advanced engine family, was a key component of the Superb II’s appeal, offering direct fuel injection and turbocharging for improved performance and efficiency. In Europe, the Superb II competed directly with other mid-size liftbacks and sedans, attracting buyers seeking a roomy, well-equipped, and relatively affordable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Skoda Superb II 1.8 TSI is the EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated CDAA. This engine produces 160 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in tandem to deliver responsive acceleration and a broad torque curve. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.2 seconds, and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds. The Superb II 1.8 TSI achieves a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). Fuel economy figures are rated at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) combined, with 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) in urban driving and 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Skoda Superb II is a five-door liftback, offering a unique blend of sedan aesthetics and hatchback practicality. Its design emphasizes spaciousness and comfort, both for passengers and cargo. The interior is well-appointed, with a focus on functionality and ergonomics. Key features include a large trunk with a minimum capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu. ft.) expanding to 1670 liters (58.98 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, typical for vehicles of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis design. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4838 mm (190.47 in.), width 1783 mm (70.2 in.), and height 1461 mm (57.52 in.), with a wheelbase of 2761 mm (108.7 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Superb |
| Generation | Superb II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 TSI (160 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 2008 |
| End of production | May, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CDAA |
| Engine displacement | 1798 cm3 (109.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1454 kg (3205.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2074 kg (4572.39 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 565 l (19.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1670 l (58.98 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4838 mm (190.47 in.) |
| Width | 1783 mm (70.2 in.) |
| Height | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2761 mm (108.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1545 mm (60.83 in.) |
| Rear track | 1518 mm (59.76 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 16 |
The Skoda Superb II 1.8 TSI offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a spacious, practical, and well-equipped mid-size vehicle. Its combination of a turbocharged engine, comfortable ride, and generous cargo capacity made it a popular choice in the European market.
