Although the new Superb (like its predecessor) has a 1.8-litre TSI petrol variant, the one we got our hands on was powered by VW Group’s 1,968 cc turbocharged diesel engine mated to a six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox with Tiptronic manual function. The engine’s peak output of 177 PS is available from 3,600 to 4,000 RPM but far more importantly, its maximum torque of 350 Nm is available from as low as 1,500 RPM and stays with you right till 3,500 RPM. As a result of this flat torque curve you can easily cruise at medium double digit speeds in top gear all day or you can just push the throttle down a bit to get past others. Stamp on the throttle hard for some committed driving and you’re rewarded with a strong and linear pull from low down in the rev range all the way to the top of the tacho till you feel the gear shift up. Given its torquey nature the TDI engine should also prove quite fuel efficient. Refinement levels are high too and there isn’t much by way of engine noise that filters into the passenger compartment. Nor are there any notable vibrations. To boot, there are four driving modes as well – Eco, Normal, Dynamic and Individual, which change engine maps, gear shifts and steering response with Eco being the softest setting and Dynamic being the crispest.
