The Electrified SUPERB iV and CITIGOe iV Are Here

The Electrified SUPERB <span>i</span>V and CITIGO<span><sup>e</sup> i</span>V Are Here

In Bratislava today, ŠKODA entered the age of eMobility by officially unveiling its iV sub-brand, which will be used to denote all of the marque’s future electrified models. The flagship SUPERB was showcased in both a revised and electrified version. The CITIGOe iV, the brand’s first mass-produced electric car, was also premièred. Take a closer look.

24. 5. 2019 Models

ŠKODA has decided to use the 2019 IIHF Ice-Hockey World Championship, which it is officially sponsoring for the 27th time, as a platform for the première. The first to take the floor was Bernhard Maier, ŠKODA board chairman, who explained what ŠKODA’s electric future would look like: “Long ranges, short charging times and, especially important for us at ŠKODA, affordable prices. In this way, we are actively shaping the transformation of our company from, let’s say, a volume manufacturer to a Simply Clever company for the best mobility solutions.”

Bernhard Maier was followed by Christian Strube, the ŠKODA board member responsible for Technical Development, who introduced the two long-awaited models. The all-electric CITIGOe iV was unveiled first, followed by the SUPERB iV. “It is always a particular challenge to improve what is already a fascinating product. However, for our flagship, the SUPERB, it was a challenge that we accepted with pleasure. Our two electrified vehicles are just the beginning. I can tell you that the electric future of ŠKODA is exciting and full of promise,” announced Christian Strube as he rounded off the world première.

The ŠKODA SUPERB’s upgrade has equipped it, first and foremost, with the most advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Predictive Cruise Control or Side Assist, and state-of-the-art equipment, including the innovative full LED Matrix headlights. From the outside, you’ll be able to tell it apart straight away by the chrome-plated strip between the rear lights.

One of the main innovations in the revised SUPERB is its iV version, which comes with a plug-in hybrid drive. This first mass-produced ŠKODA plug-in hybrid combines a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in an exceptionally eco-friendly ride that – thanks to system output of 160 kW – does not have to compromise on agility. The SUPERB iV also features the latest generation of infotainment systems and the Area View assistance system.

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There’s another first linked to the advent of the revised SUPERB. The SUPERB family has grown to include a robust SCOUT version, which will be offered exclusively as an all-wheel drive estate with increased ground clearance. What’s more, the new metallic Tangerine Orange will be offered for the SUPERB SCOUT only.

Alain Favey, the ŠKODA board member responsible for sales and marketing, says: “The SUPERB SCOUT’s target customers lead a very active life, often have a family, are keen travellers, play sport, and do outdoor activities. They’re looking for a car that is practical, sturdy, and visually bold. They want a roomy car that is powerful enough to cope with any terrain. As the SUPERB SCOUT all-wheel-drive estate meets all these requirements, it has a clearly defined place in our model range.”

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Bratislava also hosted another unveiling – the electric-only ŠKODA CITIGOe iV. This small zero-emission car is ideal for urban mobility. It offers enough space for four people, an above-average luggage compartment for its class, and a range of up to 265 km per charge.

In addition, the parameters of the CITIGOe iV’s electric motor allow for a more dynamic ride than its siblings with internal combustion engines. CITIGOe iV premièred on what is virtually its home turf, as it is made in Bratislava.

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THE NEW SUPERB THROUGH A DESIGNER’S EYES

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INTERVIEW
Karl Neuhold
Head of Exterior Design


How does the SUPERB build on the ŠKODA design language?

Following the introduction of the new “Elegant – Comfort – Dynamic” ŠKODA design principles, the update of our flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, has reached new heights.

What are the characteristic features of the new SUPERB’s design?

The new design of the SUPERB’s front end reveals a new presence with plenty of attention to detailing: the new chrome front grille with vertical slats is very sculptured now and more upright. It is flanked by super-slim, characterful and crystalline-looking headlamps directly attached to and powered by the latest matrix LED technology. The two different front bumpers – one for the base versions, another for the higher-end versions – incorporate a wide-looking and very expressively designed air intake graphic with integrated LED fog lamps and air curtains with chromed edges supporting the width of the car.

The side of the SUPERB is well proportioned, whether as a highly presentable sedan or an estate. The accentuated coupe-like silhouette and the crisp tornado line accentuate the bold wheel houses front back. The crystalline designed sill area benefits the car’s great posture on the road.

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The rear of the new SUPERB has new ŠKODA lettering and new LED rear lights with cut-glass graphics and three crystal elements on each side. In the top versions, the two rear lights are connected with a chrome strip underlining the ŠKODA name.

The Cubist rear bumper has integrated cat eyes and a diffusor element with an integrated deco part contrasting with the chrome strip of the top area.

How does crafting the facelift of current model differ from making a brand new model?

When you create a new car, you start with a blank canvas. A production update is very challenging because the target is to find a new design expression for a car which has already been on the market for four years.

Watch the recording of the event:

Related Stories Based on tags: 2019, Citigoᵉ iV, Icehockey, IIHF, Superb