Skoda has silently launched the new Sportline trim for its flagship sedan, the Superb, priced at Rs 28.99 lakh for the petrol model and Rs 31.49 lakh for the diesel. The new mid-spec trim slots below the top-spec Lauren & Klement variant and, as the name suggests, gets sporty cosmetic changes.

The exteriors of the Superb Sportline get a new red-paint finish (it is also available in white and grey), along with a glossy black finish on the roof, grille, wing mirrors, side skirts and on the boot spoiler. The fog lamps and headlamps also get blacked-out elements. The new dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels get a black-and-grey finish.

On the inside, the new variant sports an all-black cabin with contrasting red accents in addition to new sporty seats (the front seats come are power adjustable and get a memory function) with Alcantara inserts, LED ambient lighting, aluminium pedals, and some carbon-fibre trimming on the dashboard. Skoda offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a three-zone automatic climate control system as standard.

Safety kit on the Sportline is the same as the top-spec trim and includes six airbags, ABS with ESC and EBD, hill-hold control and hill-brake assist, traction control (including anti-slip regulation and an electronic differential, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.

Mechanically, the Sportline is identical to the other Superb variants, though it is only offered with automatic transmission options. The 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that makes 180hp and 250Nm of torque is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic unit; while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor that produces 177hp and 350Nm of peak torque comes paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Claimed fuel efficiency figures are 14.81kpl for the petrol and 18.66kpl for the diesel.

The Skoda Superb range (priced between Rs 25.59 lakh and Rs 32.99 lakh) undercuts its rivals like the Honda Accord Hybrid (Rs 43.21 lakh), Toyota Camry Hybrid (Rs 37.22 lakh) and Volkswagen Passat (Rs 29.99-32.99 lakh). It also has advantage as it offers both petrol and diesel engine options. The two Japanese models are only available as petrol-hybrids (that contribute to their higher asking price) while the German car is only on offer with a diesel motor. The new mid-spec sporty trim should help the Czech carmaker post better sales during the festive season.

Skoda and Volkswagen prices are ex-showroom, India.

Toyota and Honda prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.