2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline review (video)

Forget chasing prestige badges, the new Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline delivers genuine European luxury and performance without the inflated price tag. It’s spacious, refined, and swift, with features that are usually only seen in more expensive models.

Now built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, with a 195kW turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive traction, and adaptive suspension, it’s every bit as brisk as it is comfortable. The Sportline variant tested here represents the single flagship grade for Australia, combining premium appointments with that typically practical Skoda twist.

It may not wear a German luxury badge, but spend some time behind the wheel and it’s hard to ignore just how much ground this car covers. In an era overrun by SUVs, it puts real zest back into the shrinking large sedan segment. Let’s explain the details after spending a week with one.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 195kW@5000-6500rpm / 400Nm@1650-4350rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×8.0, 235/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1780kg
Power-to-weight: 9.12:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.6L/100km
Our consumption: 8.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 66L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 25.65kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.60 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.64 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.08 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.95 seconds at 164.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.860g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.23m in 2.98 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.266g*
Decibel at idle: 42*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 81*
Starting price: $73,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: How much does it cost?

The Czech Republic-built sedan is priced from $73,990 before on-road costs. For the space-conscious, a wagon version is available, and commands just a $1000 premium.

There is some decent value here considering what’s now standard. You get features typically reserved for the $90K-plus bracket; including that adaptive suspension, a saucy engine with all-wheel drive, heated and ventilated massage seats, 360-degree cameras, matrix LED headlights, and a 12-speaker CANTON premium sound system. Everything the Superb can offer is offered as standard. The only option is premium paint and a $2000 panoramic sunroof in the wagon only.

Because of the strong packaging, we think the Superb compares sharply against the big three German rivals; the BMW 330i sedan starts from $94,900, the Mercedes-Benz C300 begins at $87,800, and even the Audi A5 kicks off from $79,900 before options. There are cheaper family sedans like the Toyota Camry (from $39,990), and the Hyundai Sonata ($55,750), but they don’t offer the same blend of refinement and performance.

Maintenance costs are slightly elevated against some of the competition. Every Superb comes with a superb seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – unique among European brands. And optional pre-paid service plans give owners peace of mind for the long haul. A five-year service plan costs $3000 and a top-up to seven years for another $700. Those include the scheduled servicing that is required every 12 months or 15,000km; and roadside assistance is included for the servicing period.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Interior & packaging

Starting from the outside, the Superb Sportline projects quiet confidence rather than flashy bravado. Its long, elegant proportions give it a distinctly European grand tourer stance, with sharp creases along the bonnet and sides lending a sense of motion even when parked. The trademark wide grille, flanked by the sleek Matrix LED headlights, adds a commanding presence, while the gloss-black exterior accents and 19-inch Torcular alloy wheels tie in with the Sportline theme.

Around the back, the clean LED taillight signature and subtle boot lip spoiler complete a look that’s athletic yet sophisticated. It’s not a design that chases trends. Instead, it feels timeless, and a refreshing contrast to the wave of SUVs dominating today’s roads.

Then step inside and the Superb instantly feels a cut above its price point. The cabin layout is minimalist yet full of clever touches that make everyday driving easier. Materials, including the leather/artificial leather, are soft, surfaces are tightly finished, and the general ambience feels refined. Even details like the door-mounted umbrella compartment, soft-touch bin inserts, and touch sensors on all four doors reinforce the sense that Skoda sweats the small stuff.

As for comfort, the front sports seats are a highlight; heated, ventilated, and featuring massage and memory functions, they strike a perfect balance between long-distance plushness and lateral support. The rear passengers also benefit from dedicated air vents and temperature controls, and heated outer seats. Both luxuries that are still rare at this price point.

Practicality remains one of the Superb’s strongest cards, keeping in line with Skoda’s roots. There’s generous leg and headroom in both rows, with the rear bench easily accommodating taller adults without knees brushing the seatbacks.

The boot is vast, with 589 litres expanding to 1795 litres with the seats folded. It’s made even more useful by the electrically operated hatch-style tailgate (a rare feature in itself for a sedan), which opens with the boot glass for wider opening space to swallow bulky items. A removable sunglasses compartment in the centre tunnel, a deep glovebox, seatback mobile phone pockets, and door bins make it easy to store everything from laptops to drink bottles. A 12-volt socket in the boot in addition to one in the front is also a rare addition for a sedan.

The new 13-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre of the dash, boasting clear graphics and fast responses. Its layout is logical and uncluttered, and the way Skoda has designed the three multi-function dials beneath it is smart.

It allows you to toggle between climate, volume, or drive mode functions from the same dial. It keeps the physical simplicity modern cars strive for, but with far less frustration than most touch-only setups. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and it even comes with a nifty display cleaning block.

There is also a visually appealing 10-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ digital cluster and a head-up display. The layouts are similar to that of Volkswagen’s, offering vastly customisable layout options that newbie brands are yet to come close to matching.

Safety is comprehensive and well-integrated. The Superb Sportline includes 10 airbags and Skoda’s full Travel Assist suite. This incorporates adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep and Adaptive Lane Assist, Front Assist with collision and turn assist, Side Assist with exit warning, and Front/Rear Traffic Alert. Those Matrix headlights offer adaptive front lighting and an active shadowing high-beam system which works brilliantly, automatically blanking out other cars while keeping the rest of the road fully illuminated.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Powertrain & handling

Power comes from the well-known 2.0-litre ‘EA888-based’ turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, shared with performance icons like the Golf GTI and Audi S3. It is also used in the smaller Octavia RS. But here, it has been tweaked to produce its own set of keen outputs. It still extracts 195kW of power, but torque is increased from 370Nm to 400Nm.

All of that is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive. The result is strong, secure acceleration and confident traction in all weather. Skoda claims 0–100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and it feels every bit that quick on the road – we clocked it in 5.64 seconds. That also makes it 0.8 seconds faster than the Octavia RS, and even 0.3 seconds faster than the pocket rocket Golf GTi.

There’s a muscular, effortless quality to the engine as the spread of power and torque has grown. It never feels strained or peaky – just a smooth surge of torque that makes overtaking or merging feel natural and unhurried. The exhaust note adds a subtle, bassy character; sporty but not impetuous.

Fuel efficiency does take a hit with the ramped-up engine programming, all-wheel drive, and heavier weight (1780kg) compared with other applications with this powertrain. But it is still reasonable for something this capable. Across mixed driving, we averaged 8.4L/100km. The official average is advertised at 7.6L/100km. Of course, it also drinks the more expensive 95 RON petrol. But you’ll appreciate the huge 66-litre fuel tank, allowing for less frequent fuel stops and a theoretical average range of 868km.

The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system is one of the Superb’s notable features. It allows the driver to alter the car’s suspension, steering, and throttle mapping between multiple modes – and the difference is genuinely pronounced. In Comfort mode, the suspension softens beautifully, soaking up uneven roads with grace. Switch to Sport, and the Superb sharpens, hugging corners with impressive composure and a neutral balance. The larger footprint seems to give the car a planted, stable and secure feel in the lane and over bumps.

Steering feel is another strong point. It’s direct and reassuringly weighty, making it feel more athletic than its size suggests. Combined with the progressive steering system, it delivers agility in tight corners without losing high-speed stability. Road noise is more noticeable than ideal on coarse Australian surfaces, but otherwise refinement remains excellent, with minimal wind intrusion and impressive suppression of mechanical noises.

One small ergonomic misstep; the cruise control stalk remains buried behind the steering wheel. It’s the same aged design found across the Volkswagen Group and requires a short learning curve before it becomes second nature.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Everyday comfort and luxury: High-quality cabin materials, heated and ventilated massage seats, and a calm, premium ambience that punches above its class.
• Strong, secure performance: 195kW turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive delivers brisk acceleration and confident traction in all conditions.
• Dynamic adaptability: Standard Dynamic Chassis Control transforms the Superb from a relaxed cruiser to a sharp handler at the touch of a button.
• Clever practicality: Hatch-style tailgate, umbrella slot, four-door touch sensors, and deep cabin storage make it one of the most usable large sedans around.
• Excellent value: Combines near-luxury specification and safety tech with a seven-year warranty and predictable ownership costs.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Key considerations before you buy

• Road noise: Coarse-chip surfaces expose noticeable tyre roar inside the cabin.
• Fiddly stalk control: Cruise control stalk remains hidden behind the steering wheel and takes practice to operate.
• Conservative styling: Clean and elegant, but lacks the boldness of newer luxury rivals.
• Fuel economy: Respectable for its power, but the AWD setup means it’s not as thrifty as smaller sedans. With many manufacturers turning to hybrid options, this figure starts to stand out more among the competition.

2026 Skoda Superb 195TSI Sportline: Video