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Pros: Sporty style, generous equipment, touch screen tech
Cons: Not a performance car, expensive with options
As its name suggests, the Sportline is the sportiest Superb in Skoda’s range with eye-catching styling upgrades and desirable interior upgrades to stand out in the range. Skoda has recently added Sportline specification to the Kodiaq SUV range which means it is proving popular too. But the question remains, is the Superb Sportline worth the extra investment over the standard offering? We spent a week driving it on Irish roads recently to find out.
What is it like?
So how does the Superb Sportline differ to the regular Superb from the outside? Up front, the grille and wing mirror housings are finished in black for a sleeker finish. The Superb Sportline also sits 15mm lower to the ground thanks to upgraded sports suspension, and there is also a black rear spoiler to complement the look. Our test car is finished in a striking white colour combination.
Various wheels are available as part of the Sportline package with 18-inch Zenith alloys featured as standard, while our test car wears striking 19-inch Vega alloy wheels which contrast against the white metallic paint scheme. The Superb Sportline looks every bit a performance car in similar style to the Skoda Octavia RS, but with added space and practicality inside.
The sporty theme continues inside with black roof lining, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, upgraded seat covers and soft-touch finishing on the side panels and dashboard. The Superb Sportline’s BOLERO touch screen infotainment system is a pleasure to use, and it even includes a performance monitor to showcase driving information such as g-force acceleration, coolant temperature and oil temperature.
Other features include tinted rear windows, a panoramic sliding sunroof and sports seats finished in Alcantara upholstery. The great thing about the Sportline is that it remains an incredibly practical daily family car, with enough room to ferry five adults and their luggage comfortably.
In Ireland, the Superb Sportline is available with a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine (150hp), a larger 2.0-litre TDI diesel (150hp or 190hp) and a barnstorming 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine (280hp). We drove what is likely to be the mass market choice, the 2.0-litre TDI with 150hp. Although it doesn’t perform as ferociously as the uber powerful 2.0-litre TSI, it is an accomplished and frugal option nontheless.
The 2.0-litre TDI can cover 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds and cruises comfortably at higher speeds. We achieved circa 6.0l/100km in fuel economy during the week-long road test and annual motor tax is listed at a very reasonable €200. We also sampled the range-topping 2.0-litre TSI Sportline some time ago and while it is a hoot and thrilling to drive, it's ather expensive to buy and run. Read the full review for the 2.0-litre TSI here.
Out on the road, the Superb Sportline drives with aplomb. The drop in ride height lends is evident during cornering as there is less body roll than in the standard Superb. That said, ride quality isn’t as plush as the standard Superb due to lower suspension and the large alloy wheels and low-profile tyres. That said, the Superb Sportline makes a great cruiser and is very refined and comfortable at motorway speeds.
Prices for the new Skoda Superb Sportline start from €38,095 in Ireland for the entry specification 1.5-litre TSI. The Sportline boasts a strong range of equipment as standard, including Vega alloy wheels, tinted windows, a black grille, black rear spoiler and black mirrors, the BOLERO infotainment system, ambient interior lighting and a Panoramic sunroof. Buyers can also choose from all-wheel-drive and DSG automatic transmissions.
Carzone verdict: 4/5
The Superb Sportline offers more pizzazz than the standard Superb and is the standout specification in the range. With sportier styling and generous levels of standard equipment, the Sportline is an enticing package, although it is considerably more expensive to buy. While competition in the space is limited, the new Opel Insignia GSi puts up a strong case at a similar price point.
Test Car Details:
Model driven: Skoda Superb
Prices from: €38,050
Annual Road Tax: €200
Engine: 1968cc four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Power: 150bhp
Top Speed: 220km/h
0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Body style: Hatchback
Boot Space: 625 litres