Australia’s new Highway Patrol car exposed

The Czech brand’s large car has been chosen as the new pursuit vehicle for Western Australia Police.

WA Police have ordered 55 Superb wagons with the potential for another 10 more to serve as its Highway Patrol car.

Skoda Australia says the Superbs are largely unaltered from the civilian version, with the only difference being the removal of the subwoofer to accommodate a police-spec dual-battery.

Skoda Australia boss, Michael Irmer, says it’s a great honour to be selected as the vehicle of choice for WA’s highway patrol.

“Skoda could hope for no more resounding endorsement of our Superb than its selection by WAPOL,” says Irmer.

All Superb wagons destined for police duties are the range-topping Sportline grade, which cost $69,990 drive-away when sold to the public.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes a handy 206kW and 350Nm. This is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that powers all four wheels.

This set-up enables the Superb to hit 100km/h in 6.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.

Jurisdictions around the nation have been finding alternatives for their highway patrol cars since Holden and Ford ended production of the Commodore and Falcon, which filled those roles for decades.

In NSW the Highway Patrol uses the BMW 530d and Chrysler 300 SRT for Highway Patrol duties. The BMWs retail for more than $130,000, compared with less than $50,000 for the Commodores and Falcons they replaced.

Victorian Police also use the BMW 5-Series for their highway patrol duties.

Queensland Police selected the muc cheaper Kia Stinger to replace its Commodore and Falcon Highway patrol vehicles.

The twin-turbo V6-powered sedans cost up to $70,000 drive-away when sold to the public.

Originally published as Skoda Superb chosen as Australia’s latest Highway patrol vehicle