The Skoda Superb isn’t a natural choice for those looking for a performance saloon, but throw sharp looks, comfort and practicality onto that list and its prospects soon improve.
The presence of 217bhp and 276bhp versions of the VW Group 2-litre TSI engine – much like you’ll find in a Golf GTI or Leon Cupra – also helps its case, and new Sportline trim makes those engine choices all the more appropriate.
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You’ll still not be worrying BMW M5s, but the SportLine-equipped Superb is undoubtedly a handsome thing: available in both hatchback and estate forms, it’s most notable for a set of 19-inch ‘Anthracite Vega’ alloy wheels, as well as a sportier bumper design front and rear, tinted glass and black gloss trim elements for the grille, door mirrors and window surrounds.
The hatchback version also gets a small lip spoiler on the trailing edge of the boot lid (also painted gloss black), while the estate’s unique features include black gloss roof rails and a body-coloured spoiler. A new colour is also available: Dragon Green metallic.
Inside the cabin there’s now a three-spoke ‘Super Sport’ steering wheel with silver stitching, as well as quilted Alcantara trim for the sports seats, carbon-effect dashboard trim, and aluminium-finished pedals.
There’s also a black headlining, and standard kit includes navigation, Bi-Xenon headlights, keyless entry and a sports chassis setup, which drops the ride height by 15mm. An XDS electronic differential lock – like that found in cars like the Octavia vRS – also makes an appearance, while all-wheel drive is available on both the 276bhp TSI and the 187bhp TDI.
DSG is widely available – standard on the all but the 1.4 TSI with cylinder deactivation and the 148bhp 2.0 TDI, which each get a six-speed manual as standard (and DSG as an option).
SportLine pricing begins at £26,490 for a 1.4 TSI hatchback with the manual ‘box, and rises to £34,495 for the full-fat petrol in estate form. All are available to order from July.
> Read our full review of the Skoda Superb
