Skoda launches two new models with petrol particulate filter

Both vehicles are equipped with the latest European versions of their respective engines. In the case of the Scout, a 200kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and the Karoq, a 140kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo.

This is despite some sections of the industry claiming that the latest European fuel efficiency technology is not suited to run on Australia's high-sulphur premium unleaded fuel.

European fuel standards insist on no more than 10 parts per million of sulphur in its unleaded, whereas Australia's premium unleaded is allowed to have up to 50ppm of sulphur and regular unleaded is allowed to have up to 150ppm.

Skoda, however, claims the fuel miser technology fitted to either of its engines are able to function as expected when running on a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

"The petrol particulate filters found in both the Superb Scout and Karoq Sportline are compatible with a 95 RON and higher, said Volkswagen Australia spokesman Kurt McGuiness.

"It's a good thing that we're able to bring the latest and greatest vehicles from Europe for our dedicated Skoda custom base.

"There will be dealership material in place to ensure customers understand the requirements for this technology, and our dealership staff have also been educated and trained on the topic."

If an owner fails to follow the manufacturer's guidelines, expect a repair bill to cost close to $2000, which is the cost to replace a petrol particulate filter that has been clogged by incorrect fuel.

The Superb Scout is limited to 300 examples nationally, whereas Karoq Sportline supply will likely be constrained by production.

The addition of the two Skoda vehicles brings the total number of petrol particulate filter-equipped cars in our market to eight.

Other car car brands who have already launched the technology include Peugeot, with its 308 GT and pair of petrol Partner vans, and Renault, with all three versions of the Kadjar also featuring a similar system.

The facelifted Audi RS 3 is expected to be the next car in line to offer this technology in our market.