Skoda Superb Sportline: Just Looks?

The Czech manufacturer Skoda is offering a sporty-looking finish for its large sedan Superb, but the mechanicals are quite modest.

Between crushing eco-tax, environmental consciousness, and the price per liter of unleaded or diesel, the market for truly sporty models has nearly disappeared in France. That’s why the new Skoda Superb Sportline is not offered in all its trims across the Hexagon: only front-wheel-drive versions are sold with the Sedan body, while four-wheel-drive configurations exist with the Combi station wagon (only 230 euros more expensive!).

So, appearance can be deceiving, because for now in France, one must settle for two thermal petrol engines (1.5 liter turbo, €53,080) or diesel (2.0 TDI, €56,580), both producing 150 horsepower for the Superb sedan. Visually, the look is appealing with redesigned front and rear bumpers, aggressive 18-inch rims (19 inches optional), and a lowered suspension of 15 millimeters.

127 km in 100% electric mode

A rechargeable hybrid version is nevertheless available with the Combi station wagon (€59,810). Equipped with 204 horsepower, it is indeed 150 kg heavier than the simple petrol version, but its 19.7 kWh net capacity battery provides up to 127 km of range without using a drop of fuel. And with officially 9 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometer, it is exempt from eco-tax.

Finally, a configuration might appeal to long-distance drivers and mountain enthusiasts: the combination of a 2.0-liter TDI boosted to 193 horsepower and all-wheel drive. But with at least 154 g of CO2/km, a tax of €2,918 will add to the bill of €60,810.

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