Skoda reveals top-spec Superb Sportline

SKODA will be releasing a new variant of its third-generation Superb large sedan, called the Sportline, which will sit atop the range when it is released in Australia at the end of February.

The Sportline will be mechanically similar to the current range-topping 206TSI, retaining its 206kW turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, but will get subtle changes to its looks and the standard equipment.

Volkswagen Group Australia general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger said that the decision to bring the Sportline to Australia arose from the buying habits of current Superb owners, who were inclined to tick a lot of boxes on the options list.

“It’s essentially a kitted-up 206TSI Superb,” he said.

“We were getting almost all our Superb customers specifying ‘Christmas trees’ as we call them – fully kitted cars.

“A lot of them are going for the 206TSI with all the packs, and the sunroof, and everything you can get. There was obviously some demand for a slightly more visually alluring thing… a visual hint that they’ve specified the top of the tree if you will – a cool looking Superb.”

The Sportline, which is expected to be sold in both sedan and wagon versions, will be priced above the 206TSI, which currently stands at $50,990 before on-roads for the sedan and $52,690 for the wagon.

The changes to the exterior appear to be relatively minor, with the only noticeable differences being a number of black-accented parts, including the front grille, mirrors and boot-lip spoiler, as well as new alloy wheels.

The Superb sold 733 units in 2016 after recording no sales in January and February, surpassing the 264 sales recorded in 2015 for year-on-year growth of 177 per cent.

However, its 2016 figure couldn’t match the strong-selling and mechanically-related Volkswagen Passat with 3090 sales, but was ahead of other rivals such as the Hyundai Genesis (373) and Peugeot 508 (165).

More information concerning exact specification and pricing will be made available closer to the release date.