Skoda Superb iV
Plug-in family hatchback could be the pick of the range
“The Superb plug-in has a level of sophistication that’s more akin to a Mercedes S-Class”
SKODA’s rollout of electrified vehicles continues at full speed. We recently drove the new Citigo-e iV (Issue 1,604), and now it’s the turn of the firm’s plug-in Superb. It’s on sale now, and while it uses the same running gear as the Volkswagen Passat GTE, it undercuts it by several thousand pounds.
The Czech firm expects the hybrid model to account for around 20-25 per cent of Superb sales, and it’s easy to see why. A glance at the numbers suggests that both private and company car drivers could make substantial savings on fuel and tax costs.
From April, the Superb iV will attract a 10 per cent rating for BiK company car tax. Compare that with an equivalent diesel, and the savings are significant: a 2.0-litre TDI 150PS DSG Superb sits in the 27 per cent bracket. Go for the higher-power 190PS variant, which is closer to the plug-in for performance, and the difference is even greater. Skoda quotes fuel economy of 188mpg on the WLTP test cycle, although of course in reality it could be much more or less, depending on your driving style and how often you can top up the battery.
Charging is a relatively straightforward affair, taking just three and a half hours from a 3.6kW wallbox. Topping up will return a useable 34-mile range, which should be enough to get most users to the office without using a drop of petrol.
It’ll take a keen eye to pick out the plugin Superb from its conventionally powered siblings. The charge port is craftily hidden in the grille, and you’ll need to walk around the back to pick out the subtle iV badges. The trim structure is almost the same as the standard model – it’s available in SE, SE L, SportLine or flagship L&K guises; there’s no entry-level S, nor are there any plans to offer a jacked-up Superb Scout iV estate.
Prices start from £31,970 – or around £4,500 less than the cheapest Passat GTE. Every version gets alloy wheels, all-round parking sensors and a DAB radio. Even a top-spec Superb iV L&K undercuts the Passat GTE Advance – and that’s despite its lavish kit list, which includes ventilated leather seats, three-zone climate control and a 9.2-inch infotainment display.
On the road, the electrified Superb blends petrol and electric power brilliantly, although forcing the car into EV mode is best reserved for urban journeys; running on the motorway will see the charge level remaining in your battery plummet.
Performance is sprightly, but owners used to the gentle surge of a modern diesel may find the instant torque takes some getting used to. Yet away from lights and at junctions, the iV manages to avoid some of the failings most commonly associated with the TDI’s sometimes sleepy transmission.
Push the iV a little harder, and the engine can feel a bit strained, but that’s common with plug-in hybrids like this. You’re better off taking things gently and making the most of the Superb’s hushed powertrain; the iV is all but silent at a cruise, generating little more than a murmur on light throttle input.
It rides well, too, with the car’s long wheelbase smothering all but the worst lumps and bumps in the road. There’s a level of sophistication more akin to a Mercedes S-Class than the versatile MQB platform it sits on – the Superb is one of the most comfortable cars in the large family class, and little has changed with the transition to hybrid power.
Pleasingly, all the electric running gear has little impact on boot space or passenger room – another area where the Superb excels. There’s acres of legroom in the back, and the boot is massive. If that’s not enough, there’s an estate model that offers an even bigger load bay.
Quality is top notch, and there are loads of connectivity options, including Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The touchscreen is responsive and the digital dials can be configured to show speed, battery status, trip information or maps.