Hot on the heels of the launch of their new Superb flagship in early October, Skoda are now adding further momentum with the arrival of their first plug-in hybrid which they call the Superb iV, writes Trish Whelan.
Besides some subtle exterior changes, the main differences to the Superb iV are technological.
At a glance, the iV may seem like any other new Superb; however it conceals an electric motor with a power output of 85kW (115bhp), capable of travelling up to 62 kms on pure electric power as confirmed in the WLTP test cycle.
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| Superb iV Combi |
The combination of an electric motor and a 1.4 TSI petrol engine outputting 156bhp provides a total range of up to 930km. When both power units are working simultaneously, the Superb iV has a combined power output of 218bhp.
The electric motor acts as an additional boost providing dynamic driving performance and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.7 seconds.
In E-mode, the Superb iV becomes a zero-emission vehicle - perfect for short daily commutes.
Driving Mode Select is fitted as standard and allows the driver to alter the car’s driving characteristics and comfort settings by varying the steering, transmission and Dynamic Chassis Control. Driving Modes include Sport, E-mode and Hybrid mode.
In Hybrid mode, both power units work together and deliver combined consumption of 1.5 litres of petrol per 100km and 14.0 to 14.5 per 100km which corresponds to C02 emissions of 33 to 35 g/km. Annual road tax is €170.
The lithium-ion battery is built into the chassis floor in front of the rear axle.
The Superb iV can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours using the Mode 3 charging cable and a wall box with a charging output of 3.6 kW. Using the Mode 2 cable together with a standard household three-pin plug socket, the battery will charge in around five hours.
The Superb iV is offered in Liftback (saloon) and Combi (estate) across four specification levels - Ambition, Style, SportLine and L&K.
LiftBack prices are from €40,350-€48,350); Combi from €41,850-€49,850) (excluding delivery charges and inclusive of government grants i.e. €5,000 SEAI Grant and €2,500 VRT Relief).
Sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have doubled in Ireland in the past two years to a forecasted 11,550 vehicles in 2019.
Commenting, John Donegan, Brand Director, Skoda Ireland said: “Skoda’s electric journey starts today with the Superb iV which offers the best of both worlds. The ability to plug-in and charge at home or work, means commuters in Naas, Drogheda, Navan or Greystones travelling to Dublin daily have the potential to commute powered entirely by electricity. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer significant advantages over ‘self-charging hybrids’ including significantly lower C02 emissions and superior fuel economy.”
Skoda Ireland says availability will be limited to 250 units next year.
