Škoda have fi ltered out some of the features of the Superb to create a new low-cost variant of this sedan, called Ambition. We seek to evaluate how ambitious it is
LUXURY IS A SUBJECTIVE TERM, for it depends upon how a person defines and perceives it.
If you ask us, the new Ambition variant of the Škoda Superb is a luxurious car in spite of being shorn of many features found in the Elegance trim.
The changes made to the exterior of this car include newly designed alloy wheels, manually adjustable halogen projectors instead of the bi-xenon adaptive headlights and the absence of parking sensors and the sunroof.
Inside the cabin, the most noticeable change is the modest multimedia system instead of the 6.5-inch touch-screen LCD found in the Elegance. Also missing are the six CD-changer, card reader and the in-car telecommunication system with steering-mounted controls. Convenient features such as key-less entry and engine start/stop button have also been done away with in the Ambition.
Among the more functional features not offered in the Ambition are hill climb control, electronic differential lock, cruise control and tyre pressure monitors while the hydraulic brake assist system has been replaced with a mechanical one.
The engine options in the Ambition variant include a 1.8 TSI petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission that produces 160 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel mill that churns out 140 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque. The diesel engine comes with a six-speed DSG gearbox, but no paddle-shifters.
The rest of the car harks back at the vehicle dynamics and features of the Elegance. It has ivory-coloured nappa leather upholstery, wooden inserts, lounge step, retractable screens for the rear windows and rear windscreen, climate control, electric ORVMs and 12-way adjustable front seats. The list of safety and manoeuvrability features is equally long and includes eight air-bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and anti slip regulation.
To sum up, it is clear that the Superb Elegance is a superior trim, but the Ambition package is also not too much of a compromise and at Rs 21,32,000 for the petrol variant and Rs 26,65,714 for the diesel one (OTR, Pune), it promises good value for money.
Story: Piyush Sonsale
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
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