2016 Skoda Superb vs 2015 Toyota Camry Comparison

Skoda recently launched the all new Superb in India, with a facelift. The Superb is the Czech carmaker's flagship offering in India. Like any other car sold, the Superb faces stiff competition from another carmaker, Toyota, with the Camry.

So how does the 2016 Skoda Superb compete with the 2015 Toyota Camry in terms of pricing, specification, features, and safety? Let's find out.

Pricing

• 2016 Skoda Superb: Rs. 26 lakh onward
• 2015 Toyota Camry: Rs. 34 lakh onward

Note: Prices are approximate on-road values (Delhi)

Design

The new Skoda Superb looks a lot more angular than the previous generation model. The overall design resembles the Skoda Octavia that is sold in India, but in bigger proportions. Two of the most prominent design elements are the large vertical slatted front grille and the headlights, which looks sleeker and sharper than before.

The Toyota Camry has received a mid term facelift than major upgrades. Notable design changes are less chrome up front, and a revised bumper. Although Toyota decided to remove a bit of chrome from the front, the carmaker has made up for it by adding more chrome towards the rear of the car.

Engine, Gearbox & Specifications

The 2016 Skoda Superb comes with a choice of either a petrol or a diesel engine. The petrol motor is a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine that produces 177 bhp and 320Nm of torque, while the diesel mill is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit that produces 174bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox, while the diesel variant is offered with a 6-speed DSG gearbox only.

Powering the Toyota Camry is available with a petrol only model or as a Hybrid. The petrol motor is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit that produces 178bhp and 233Nm of torque. The Camry Hybrid variant is powered by the same engine, but produces 158bhp and 213Nm of torque. Both engines come paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Mileage

• Skoda Superb Petrol: 14.12km/l
• Skoda Superb Diesel: 18.19km/l

• Toyota Camry Petrol: 12.98km/l
• Toyota Camry Hybrid: 19.16km/l

Features

The new Skoda Superb comes with features such as three zone climate control, 5-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Skoda Mirror Link system, umbrella holders in the front door, LED Daytime Running Lights and tail lamps, three power outlets, front and rear parking sensors with camera guidance, cruise control, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, leather interior, cooled glovebox, and one-touch up and down window function for all four windows.

The Toyota Camry boasts power recline rear seats, rear armrest with controls, power sunshade for rear windshield, three zone climate control, LED headlamps, 17-inch wheels, a back monitor with corner sensor, Reverse linked ORVMs with memory function, front seat ventilation system, and a collapsible headrest for the front passenger seat.

Safety

The 2016 Skoda Superb comes with 8 airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill hold control, and Traction control with ESC. The Camry is equipped with 7 airbags, impact absorbing body, hill start assist, and vehicle stability control.

Verdict

The Superb clearly edges over the Camry in every aspect, be it pricing, engine specs, style, features, and safety. But the Camry has the Hybrid system, which to an environmental conscious person, is the strongest factor. Also, after VW's emission scandal, many would think twice about choosing a 2.0-litre diesel engine. On an overall basis though, the Superb is a sensible car.