Skoda Australia has confirmed it is currently undertaking local testing of plug-in hybrid variants of the Superb wagon and Kodiaq large SUV.
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Skoda Australia is one step closer to adding plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants to its local line-up after confirming that two of the Czech brand’s PHEV models were currently in Australia undergoing local evaluation.
Skoda Australia has previously stated it plans to introduce plug-in hybrids to its showrooms this year, with the Kodiaq large SUV and Superb large wagon high on its wish list.
Now, Skoda has confirmed that one of each model is currently in Australia undergoing local testing and evaluation.
“The Superb plug-in hybrid… is under evaluation,” Skoda Australia’s Head of Product and Marketing, Kieran Merrigan told assembled media, including Drive, at the launch of the new-generation Skoda Superb in Canberra last week.
“We actually have a car here [undergoing] testing. We’re about a month into that and [with] some really positive results so far. There’s probably a couple of months [of testing] to go.
“It is important for us to do local testing in our cars… and we need to evaluate whether we can get the pricing nailed [in] this current market where we want to.”
Both plug-in hybrid models, known in Europe as Superb iV, which is only available as a station wagon, and five-seater only Kodiaq iV, use the same 110kW/250Nm turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine matched with an electric motor and 25.7kWh (19.7kWh usable) battery and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for combined system outputs of 150kW.
The battery, which can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 25 minutes using a 50kW DC charger, is rated for 100km of electric-only driving range in the Kodiaq iV and around 120km in the Superb iV, based on Europe’s WLTP testing protocols.
According to Merrigan, “we do hope to have Superb PHEV offered in market towards the end of this year or early next year, as well as the Kodiaq [PHEV]”.
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Rob Margeit is an award-winning Australian motoring journalist and editor who has been writing about cars and motorsport for over 25 years. A former editor of Australian Auto Action, Rob’s work has also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Wheels, Motor Magazine, Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. Rob’s current rides include a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a 2000 Honda HR-V Sport.
