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Story: Sarmad Kadiri
Photography: Sanjay Raikar

Let me introduce you to the two colossus’ in this bout. On one side is the most formidable saloon of the ‘D’ segment of cars, pride of Czechoslovakia – the Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR. And on the other is the oven-hot 2011 version of the uncompromising Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI, the latest example of fine German engineering.

External appeal
Although the Passat was introduced in India in 2007, the new Passat is in its seventh generation internationally. Even at a glance the saloon resonates the VW design philosophy. Though based on the same platform as the out-going model, the company claims that every panel in the 2011 Passat is new. The front design looks sharper now and is more appealing, especially the stylish headlights. They light up using Bi-Xenon lamps and are equipped with LED running lights that convey a fresh contemporary look. The chrome louvres of the radiator grille and front air intake with chrome trimmed surround lend elegance to the front design. The sleek Barcelona alloy wheels look ravishing and are inspired by aeroplane’s propellers. Like most VW designs, the Passat also has a prominent shoulder line that runs from front to back. However, the rear styling is too understated and leaves me desiring for more. This resembles its elder sibling – the VW Phaeton, even more.

Coming to the Superb now, it carries forth the Skoda design heritage yet manages to look distinct due to its wide piercing headlights. The chrome radiator grille and chrome smile around the lower air dam make it unmistakably Skoda. There are a few more chrome blings, like on the side of the doors and on the window frames which highlight the design. The rear design looks more engaging, with the polished dual exhausts that hint at the sporty motor. The tail-lights continue over the boot-lid which proudly holds the Skoda emblem with ‘Superb’ written below it, and the chrome stroke on the lower edge of the boot-lid makes a solid statement. The dimensions of the Superb are visibly larger than the Passat as the specs show that the Skoda is 69mm longer and has a 50-mm longer wheelbase. Which translates into good interior space and legroom. Having said that, the length of the Superb is a double-edged sword and we’ll explain that a little later. Now let’s get in the cars and check them out.

Interior styling and comfort
The Superb cabin has plush beige interiors, the seats have the right contours and are wrapped in fine leather. The elegant dual-coloured dashboard is complimented by a dash of technology with a centrally mounted touch screen control system. There are a host of other uses of technology and safety aids like eight airbags, adaptive front xenon lamps, ABS with EBD, and traction control with anti-slip regulation. The Superb is also equipped with an electronic differential lock to enhance grip in tricky road conditions, hill hold control, tyre pressure monitoring and an optical Parktronic system.