Skoda has introduced a plug-in-hybrid to its stylish flagship Superb range, writes Trish Whelan.
The car comes in two bodystyles, Liftback (saloon) and Combi (estate), and across four specification levels of Ambition, Style, Sportline and L&K.
Prices are from €40,350-€49,850 - they exclude delivery charges but are inclusive of government grants.
The system uses a combination of an electric motor 85 kW (115bhp) capable of travelling up to 62km on pure electric power, and a 1.4 TSI petrol engine delivering 156bhp.
When both power units are working simultaneously, the car has a combined power output of 160 kW (218bhp) and a range of up to 930km of range without refuelling.
The electric motor acts as an additional boost providing a driving performance and a 0-100km/h time of 7.7 secs. Driving Mode Select is standard and allows the driver to alter the car’s driving characteristics and comfort settings by varying the steering, transmission and Dynamic Chassis Control.
As well as Sport mode, drivers can also choose E-mode and Hybrid mode. In E-mode, the Superb iV is powered solely by the electric motor and so becomes a zero-emission car - perfect for short daily commutes.
It can travel almost silently. A special sound generator creates a unique sound to alert pedestrians and cyclists. In Hybrid mode, both power units work together delivering a combined fuel consumption of 1.5 L/100kms of petrol. C02 emissions are 33 g/km so annual road tax is €170.
The lithium-ion battery is built into the chassis floor in front of the rear axle of the car.
Compared to the standard Superb, the iV hybrid has the Dynamic Chassis Control as well as the most modern MIB infotainment systems coupled to digital dashboard displays.
The Superb iV can be charged in different ways. It can be fully charged in about 3:30hrs using the Mode 3 charging cable and a wall box with a charging output of 3.6 kW. Using the Mode 2 cable with a standard household three pin plug socket, it will take around five hours.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are gaining in popularity in Ireland. This is evident with Irish sales doubling in the past two years to 11,540 vehicles in 2019.
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Commenting, John Donegan, Brand Director, Skoda Ireland said “The Superb iV 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.” He said plug-in hybrid vehicles offer ‘significantly advantages over so-called self-charging hybrids including significantly lower C02 emissions and superior fuel economy’.
The car was introduced to the motoring press in the K-Club, Straffan yesterday.
The Superb iV is now open to orders at dealerships. Availability will be limited to 250 units for this year.
