2017 Skoda Superb Sportline priced under $52k

Skoda is laying down a $1000 bet on its new range-topping Superb Sportline.

The Czech-based brand has introduced the Sportline model to its flagship sedan and wagon this week, offering a raft of upgrades for just $1000 more the luxury-focused 206 TSI 4x4 on which it is based.

The Superb Sportline costs from $55,290 driveaway as a sedan and $56,990 driveaway in wagon form.

Included among the changes is new-look 19-inch alloy wheels and black exterior highlights on the grille, fog light surrounds, side strips and roof rails on the wagon or boot spoiler on the sedan while interior gets Alcantara (fake suede) on the seats and flat bottomed steering wheel - both of which feature silver stitching - a black headliner and red highlight stripe across the dash. There's also a performance monitor within the touch screen that displays parameters such as instant power and torque readouts and engine temperatures as well as a lap timer.

All that comes on top of the lengthy list of standard equipment already in the Superb 206TSI 4x4, such as tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED interior lighting and an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with sat nav, Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring.

On the safety front, there's nine airbags as well as a suite of electronic driver aids including adaptive cruise control, automated city braking and a reverse camera.

As it is on the regular 206TSI 4x4, the Sportline is available with two option packs. The first is a $3400 Tech Pack that unlocks additional safety functions like traffic jam and lane keeping assistance, self-parking and rear cross-traffic alert as well adaptive suspension, hands-free tailgate opening and a higher-grade 12-speaker audio system. The second is a $700 Comfort Pack that brings heated rear seats and electronic adjustment for the front passenger. Metallic or pearl paint costs an extra $700 and a sunroof is an additional $1700 on the sedan or $1900 on the wagon.

The Skoda Superb Sportline is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo charged four cylinder (the same as that in the Golf R hot hatch) that produces 206kW and 380Nm and drives a part-time all-wheel drive transmission through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Skoda Australia's Managing Director, Michael Irmer, is gambling on whether the Sportline will become the default specification for the range-topping variant of the Superb on the strength of its value for money and more aggressive style. However, he is willing to let customer demand over the next 12 months decide whether the company will continue with two 206kW variants in the future.

- For more information visit our Skoda showroom page