Skoda Superb SportLine Plus added to range

Skoda's great-value Superb hatchback and estate are now available in SportLine Plus trim, offering a cost-saving package of extra equipment compared to the existing SportLine model.

The Skoda Superb competes with the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, Volkswagen Passat and forthcoming Peugeot 508, and the SportLine Plus offers buyers greater choice in the heat of such tough competition.

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Positioned towards the top of the Superb range, the SportPlus offers a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. Most powerful is the 2.0-litre TSI petrol, which comes with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard. It makes 276bhp – enough for a 0-62mph time of just 5.8 seconds.

Company-car users may prefer the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel. It's not as quick, but its 113g/km CO2 emissions make amends, leading to a reasonable 27% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bracket. Its 62.8mpg fuel economy will be good news for private and company users alike, as will a P11D rating that's helped by the cost savings the new trim level provides.

While the price of the regular SportLine has dropped by £470 and its infotainment system has been downgraded to the eight-inch Amundsen system, Skoda claims that the SportLine Plus' £1,500 higher price constitutes a 40% saving compared to adding its extra features individually.

On top of the regular model's bi-xenon headlamps, all-round parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and keyless go, the Plus resurrects the 9.2-inch touchscreen Columbus Plus infotainment system with integrated wi-fi and adds a powered bootlid, 'progressive dynamic' power steering and blind-spot monitoring, together with the comfort of heated front seats.

Externally, all SportLine models are distinguished by its 19-inch 'Anthracite Vega' alloy wheels and sunset glass, as well as a subtle bodykit and gloss-black trim for the grille, window surrounds and door mirrors. There's a black rear spoiler on hatchback models, while the estate gets gloss-black roof rails and a body-coloured spoiler. The sporty style is echoed inside with quilted Alcantara suede sports seats, carbon dashboard trim and aluminium pedals, while LED ambient lighting sets the mood.

The Skoda Superb SportLine Plus is available now, with prices starting at £29,330 for the hatchback and £30,465 for the estate.