Skoda raised the curtain from their new Superb flagship back in early October and are now adding further momentum with the arrival of their first plug-in hybrid called the Superb iV. Prices start for the liftback from €40,350 for the entry level ‘Ambition’ version.
At a glance the iV may seem indistinguishable from any other new Superb, but it conceals an electric motor with a power output of 85 kW (115 bhp ), capable of travelling up to a claimed 62 km on pure electric power, which Skoda Ireland says was confirmed in the WLTP test cycle.
In E-mode, the Superb iV becomes a zero-emission vehicle, ideal for short daily commutes. It also possesses a 1.4 TSI petrol engine, delivering 115 kW (156 bhp ). Combined, with the new hybrid drive system, it boasts up to 930 km of range without refuelling.
Apart from some subtle exterior changes, the main differences to the Superb iV are technological. Like all hybrid arrangements, it has two power sources. When both power units are working simultaneously, this new hybrid has a combined power output of 160 kW (218 bhp ).
Skoda Ireland says that the electric motor acts as an additional boost, providing dynamic driving performance and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 7.7 seconds. ‘Driving Mode Select’ is another innovation fitted to the Superb iV as standard. It permits the driver to alter the vehicles driving characteristics and comfort settings by varying the steering, transmission and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC ).
In addition to Sport mode, drivers can also select E-mode and Hybrid mode. In E-mode, Skoda says that the Superb iV is powered entirely by the electric motor. It can travel almost silently and accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 5.0 seconds. For safety, an E-noise sound generator creates a unique sound to alert pedestrians and cyclists.
In Hybrid mode, both power units work together, and their interplay is automatically controlled electronically. This delivers claimed combined consumption of 1.5 l of petrol per 100 km and 14.0 to 14.5 kWh per 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 33 to 35 g/km. Annual road tax is €170.
A lithium-ion battery is built into the chassis floor in front of the rear axle of the Superb iV. It stores the power required for electric drive and also powers the Climatronic air-conditioning system and heating, that can be programmed remotely using the Skoda Connect mobile app.
The new hybrid model can be fully charged in about three and a half hours using the Mode 3 charging cable and a wall box with a charging output of 3.6 kW. There are also three other options. Using the Mode 2 cable together with a standard household three pin plug socket, it is possible to charge the battery in approximately five hours. While in motion, the SUPERB iV can charge its battery or maintain the battery level using regenerative braking and also power from the petrol engine.
The Superb iV is offered in Liftback (saloon ) and Combi (estate ) across four specification levels ‘Ambition’, ‘Style’, ‘SportLine’ and ‘L&K’. Compared to the standard Superb, the iV is supplied with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC ), as well as the most modern MIB infotainment systems coupled to digital dashboard displays. Prices for the Combi version start from €41,850 (excluding delivery charges and inclusive of government grants so that includes the €5,000 SEAI Grant and the €2,500 VRT relief.
The popularity of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles is evident with sales doubling in Ireland in the past two years to a forecasted 11,550 vehicles in 2019. Availability here in 2020 will be limited to 250 units, according to Skoda.
For more information about the Skoda range, contact Michael Moore Skoda on (090 ) 6403555, or email [email protected].
