Spec comparo: 2016 Skoda Superb vs Toyota Camry vs Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA

Skoda has launched the new generation Superb in India. Launched at Rs 22.68 lakh, ex-Mumbai, the Superb is available in five variants. The Superb is the second car after the Octavia to be based on the new MQB platform. This flagship offering from Skoda is a direct contender to the Toyota Camry. However, the other important contender in this segment is the new Honda Accord, which is expected to launch by the end of this year in India. This price range also features entry level premium sedans such as the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Here's a look at how these rivals compare against each other on paper.

The 2016 Skoda Superb comes with a choice of 1.8 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines. The petrol makes 180PS/320Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Mated to the 7-speed DSG automatic, the 180PS petrol makes 250Nm. The diesel churns out 177PS/350Nm and is offered with a 6-speed DSG automatic only. The 2.5-litre in the Toyota Camry makes 181PS/233Nm and is offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA comes with a 2.0-litre petrol that makes183PS/300Nm, whereas, the 2.2 diesel generates 136PS/300Nm. Both the engines come mated to a 7-speed automatic. The Audi A3 gets the same 1.8 TSI petrol as the Skoda Superb in the same tune. The A3's 2.0 diesel motor though produces 143PS/320Nm.

The official fuel efficiency figures for the Skoda Superb are 14.12kmpl for the manual and 14.67kmpl for the automatic petrol whereas the diesel delivers 18.19kmpl. According to Toyota, the Camry hybrid delivers 19.16kmpl. Audi claims that the A3 petrol and diesel deliver 16.60kmpl and 20.38kmpl respectively.

In terms of features, the Skoda Superb gets bixenon headlights, LED daytime running rights and tail lights, sunroof, electrically adjustable driver seats, 6.5-inch LCD TFT infotainment screen, steering mounted controls, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, hill hold control, anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution, hydraulic brake assist, anti slip regulation, electronic differential lock, traction control system, electronic stability control, reverse parking sensor with camera, and six airbags as standard on both Style and L&K variants (Read variants-wise pricing for the 2016 Skoda Superb here). The Camry on the other hand doesn't feel as loaded in terms of features. The niche entry offerings, the CLA and the A3 do come with numerous features but fall short on space and practicality.

Skoda Superb Interiors

Toyota Camry

The Skoda Superb is 4,861m in length, 1,864mm in width and 1,483mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,841mm. The Toyota Camry though is smaller at 4,850mm in length, 1,825mm in width and 1,480mm in height. It has a shorter wheelbase of 2,775mm in comparison to the Skoda Superb. The CLA and the A3's compact dimensions might be a challenge for them in this segment.

Skoda has priced the new Superb competitively with the range starting at Rs 22.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The Toyota Camry is priced considerably higher at Rs 29.11 lakh. The ex-Mumbai prices for the Audi A3 start at Rs 26.30 lakh while that of the Mercedes-Benz CLA begin at Rs 30.12 lakh.