Škoda Superb IV – Street Silence with a Loud Voice

Škoda’s Superb is aptly named – a car that is difficult to fault, in build quality, up-to-date tech, good engine choice and everyday functionality. The latest Superb rolled on the nation’s forecourts in October and we now welcome their latest addition, their first plug-in hybrid called the Superb iV.

ŠKODA Ireland has advised customers to place their orders early to avoid disappointment as availability will be limited to 250 units next year. Prices start from €41,850 (excluding delivery charges and inclusive of government grants).

At a glance the iV may seem indistinguishable from any other new Superb; however, the Superb iV conceals an electric motor with a power output of 85 kW (115 bhp), capable of travelling up to 62km on pure electric power as confirmed in the WLTP test cycle.

In E-mode, the Superb iV becomes a zero-emission vehicle – ideally suited for short daily commutes. The Superb iV also possesses a 1.4TSI petrol engine, delivering 115kW (156bhp). Combined, the new hybrid drive system promises up to 930km of range without refuelling.

The main differences to the Superb iV are technological and like all hybrid arrangements, it comes with two power sources. When both power units are working simultaneously, the Superb iV has a combined power output of 160kW (218 bhp).

The electric motor acts as an additional boost, and with the standard fitted Driving Mode Select, 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, the Superb iV is powered entirely by the electric motor. It can travel almost silently and 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 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 ŠKODA Connect mobile app.

The SUPERB iV can be charged in different ways.

1.       It 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.

2.      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.

3.      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. 

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.

Commenting, John Donegan, Brand Director, Škoda Ireland “Škoda’s electric journey starts today with the Superb iV. 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. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer significant advantages over so-called “self-charging hybrids” including significantly lower CO2 emissions and superior fuel economy.”

ŠKODA Superb iV Pricing:

Includes €5,000 SEAI Grant and €2,500 VRT Relief