2016 Skoda Superb scores Golf R drivetrain

Both the Skoda Superb 206TSI 4x4 sedan and wagon can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds thanks to a Golf R powertrain for Golf R prices.

The latest large car from the Czech Republic is priced from $50,990 for the 206TSI 4x4 sedan and $52,690 for the 206TSI 4x4 wagon, both plus on-road costs. Each are as large as a Holden Calais but with V8- rather than V6-rivalling performance.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a Golf R-matching 206kW and Golf GTI-alike 350Nm, replacing the previous Superb’s 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6, itself poached from the Passat R36.

It also means the all-wheel drive flagship’s 5.8sec 0-100km/h beats the forthcoming four-cylinder Porsche Macan medium SUV by nine-tenths to that performance benchmark.

There’s also a front-wheel drive Superb 162TSI with a Golf GTI drivetrain (162kW and curiously the same 350Nm as the Superb 206TSI) priced from $39,990, and claiming a 7.0sec 0-100km/h, while a Superb 140TDI diesel sits in the middle. A DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic is standard across the range.

On recent form, however, it appears Australians may well prefer the Superb 206TSI wagon. Of Skoda’s entire range, the most popular model is currently the Octavia, of which almost half of all buyers choose the sporty RS flagship, of which the wagon is favoured over the sedan.

Choosing the 206TSI over its lesser brethren also buys 235/40 19-inch tyres with sports suspension, keyless auto-entry and start, steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters and LED interior lighting.

That’s in addition to the 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and sat-nav tech, tri-zone climate control air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, Alcantara/leather seat trim, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats standard across the range.

It isn’t exactly wanting for kit, though ride quality may be improved with the optional adaptive suspension, which is bundled with 12-speaker premium audio, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, auto park assist and electric tail-gate for $3400 extra. Time will tell.

Perforated leather, electrically adjustable passenger’s seat, front seat ventilation and rear seat heating, and even a function for the rear outboard passenger to fold up the front passenger seat, all comes part of a further $1500 package.

Optioned as such, you’re looking at one very large, very brisk, 1573kg/4861mm-long sports-luxury sedan or wagon.