The new Skoda Superb made it Irish debut at the recent National Ploughing Championships, when sunshine shone down on it in a first for the event. This new top-of-the-range Skoda model is destined to strengthen Skoda's presence at the upper end of the family car market.

The new Skoda Superb is now available with a competitive entry price of €25,990 and a UK Caravan Club towing award under its belt.

This new Superb is designed as a cross between a saloon and hatchback, thanks to its unique Twindoor feature. Skoda claims that the new Superb has the looks of an up-market saloon with the versatility of a roomy hatchback. Its interior spaciousness and combination of standard specifications and technical features make it a real contender in terms of value for money.

The new Superb comes in a choice of has ten automatic transmission versions, three diesel-powered 4x4s, a low tax Greenline version, six engine alternatives and choice of three trim levels included in the mix - Comfort, Ambition and Elegance. This gives a total model of 34 variants.

Amongst its most new features is a unique rear Twindoor tailgate design. Standard on all models, it offers owners two methods for accessing the boot area. In one, the boot lid alone can be opened when small items are being placed inside. Then, when bulkier items are being carried, the entire tailgate can be raised to provide easy access to a 565-litres large luggage area, expandable to 1,670 litres when rear seats are folded.

Skoda claims that the new Superb is amongst the roomiest in its segment. Seats are better and more supportive. It claims that there is a much higher standard of interior trim while added rear seat legroom ensures an even higher level of stretch-your-legs comfort.

With a 5-star NCAP rating and standard ESP, safety items have been enhanced. Seven airbags, including a front knee airbag, are fitted to protect front and rear passengers in the event of an accident.

Comfort items include standard dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and radio remote controls on a leather bound steering wheel. A 6.5" touch screen radio with 6-CD changer is standard on the Ambition range.

Standard Elegance specifications include bi-xenon headlamps with AFS, an adaptive front light system that helps drivers to see around corners, full leather interior, four heated seats. electrically-operated front seats and 17" alloys. Other optional items include a touch screen navigation system and a park assist self parking system that equips the car to park itself automatically.

The Superb model will be offered with a choice of six engine offerings - three diesel and three petrol. Diesel versions begin with a Superb Greenline version powered by the 1.9-litre TDI PD fitted with DPF whose CO2 emissions come in at a low 136g/km. Lower than the previous lowest in class competitor, this positions the new Superb within the low B-rated €150 annual road tax band.

Other diesels are a 6-speed 2.0-litre TDI PD DPF 140bhp unit (also with 6-speed DSG automatic) and a 6-speed 2.0-litre TDI CR DPF 170bhp version (also with 6-speed DSG automatic or 4x4) all manual versions of which fall within the C-rated €290 annual road tax band. Petrol versions begin with the new efficient 1.4-litre TSI 125bhp 6-speed manual unit. This is followed by a 1.8-litre TSI 160bhp 6-speed manual unit (also available with optional 7-speed DSG automatic or 4x4 format) and a 3.6-litre FSI V6 260bhp version standard with DSG and 4x4 transmission.

And to top off that specification the new Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI has won the overall title in the UK Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2009. The car beat 37 rivals to the title, including the defending champion, the Ford Mondeo Titanium X 2.5 T Estate.

This latest Superb model is billed as the most highly equipped Skoda ever produced. The diesel powered models will be most attractive with the entry-level Greenline version starting at €25,990 excluding delivery. Two other models within the 1.9-litre diesel range check in at €26,895 (in Comfort specifications) and €28,645 (Ambition).

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