Design sketch previews next-gen Skoda Superb ahead of international debut

The latest design sketch released by Skoda gives us a glimpse of its next-gen flagship, the Superb, which is set to make its international debut later this month in Bratislava at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

After revealing the Scala hatchback and the Kamiq SUV, Skoda is now gearing up for the global unveiling of the next-generation of its flagship sedan – the Superb. The new design sketch represents a much sharper-looking front end, courtesy of reworked headlight units (which now seem to be full-LED units) and a re-designed lower bumper with a narrower, more aggressive-looking air dam draped in a chrome strip running through its entire length. The chrome strip continues to outline the new, slimmer LED foglamps as well. However, signature Skoda design elements like the trademark grille design and the mid-rib sculpted bonnet have been retained.

Following Skoda's new design philosophy, the new Superb will also ditch the iconic Skoda badge at the rear for the marque's name lettered across the boot lid. While Skoda has not revealed any specific details about the new Superb pertaining to its powertrain and features, reports suggest that it could be introduced with a plug-in hybrid option for the first time, borrowed from its VW sibling – the Passat GTE. In the Passat GTE, the 1.4-litre petrol-electric powertrain develops about 215bhp and offers an electric-only range of up to 50km.

In terms of features, expect the new Superb to feature Skoda's new 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit Display, available with the Scala and Kamiq, along with the seats and door panels finished in the brand's new microfibre-finish materials.