Skoda launches bulletproof Superb wagon

Skoda has announced it will soon offer European buyers a bulletproof version of its Superb wagon.

Claimed to be the car maker's first "fully-armoured vehicle", the special Skoda Superb is said to be the result of more than three year's development with a British-based specialist, the extensive conversion is said to take four weeks for each car.

Looking identical to the regular family wagon, the converted Czech wagon is said to offer protection up to the defense industry PAS 300 standard for ballistic and blast protection thanks to its armoured steel cell.

What exactly is done to ensure a standard Superb 2.0 TDI is top secret but the extra weight of the body armour has meant the Skoda has had to up-rate both brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres to cope.

Speaking of tyres, the bomb proof Skoda gets special run-flat rubber that can be driven fast even when they've been deliberately punctured or deflated.

The added mass, that includes bullet resistant glass also blunts performance, with the heavy wagon that's likely to tip the scales at more than 2500kg limiting top speed to around 170km/h.

Skoda hasn't released a 0-100km/h time.

Inside, as well as the standard car's 8.0-inch infotainment system the conversion brings an added communications system that provides a panic button with a direct link to the cops.

The Czech car maker will also offer bulletproof Superb with a police blue light and siren pack.

In the UK, the armoured Superb doesn't come cheap, with prices beginning at £188,688 ($A334,000) – although for some high-risk targets its life-saving abilities will be worth every single penny.

It's not known if there's any plans to offer the bulletproof Superb in Australia.