What's all this about?
You're looking at a Skoda Superb Estate with a secret.
Has it got a turbocharged V6 engine or something?
Nope. But it can stop a bullet or withstand a moderate explosion, if that helps.
Ah, so it's an armoured version, then?
Yup. This is the result of a three-year tie-up between Skoda and a conversion company (unnamed, for reasons of secrecy) based here in the UK, to develop an armoured Superb. It's based on a standard 2.0 TDI 190hp wagon but with some key alterations.
Such as?
There's bullet-resistant glass used in the windows, while high-strength steel and composite materials are built into the Superb's framework to ensure it meets PAS 300 civilian armoured vehicle requirements for the solidity of its passenger compartment cell. To achieve this, an independent test facility took the Superb and fired a load of different types of ammunition at it, while it was also subjected to 'blast and fragmentation threats'. The suspension and brakes are uprated to cope with the car's additional mass - again, Skoda won't say how much heavier the armoured version is, but will admit it'll still do the high side of 120mph if it needs to - while the wheels are adapted to allow the driver to still get to a place of safety in the event of a tyre blow-out. For good measure, there's an emergency lighting and siren system, while the Skoda's fully connected infotainment is referred to as a 'communications hub'. Because that sounds far cooler than 'infotainment'.
Is it less practical?
No, it still has five seats and a 660-litre boot. So, if you like the sound of all of this as an extreme form of protection for your family, then you can order away - the armoured Superb has a four-week lead-time, which is a bit of a drag, but it comes with the manufacturer's three-year warranty as standard.
And how much will all this cost me?
Ah. One thing the armoured version HAS lost is its bargain price tag. So, have a quick sit down, because we're about to tell you that this is a six-figure Skoda. If you want one of these Czech tanks on wheels, it'll set you back £118,688. What price elevated personal safety, eh?
Matt Robinson - 29 May 2018