Overview

The best plug-in hybrid cars are something of a hit with business users right now. Attracting similar lower rates of Benefit-in-Kind tax to electric cars, but not tied into the public charging network, they are appealing to former diesel car drivers who need to rack up high mileages. The Skoda Superb iV reviewed here is one such plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), although Skoda is still hedging its bets right now by also offering the choice of a diesel and petrol.

We’ve already reviewed the non-hybrid Superb hatchback and Superb estate and rate them highly if you’re looking for a roomy, luxurious and unpretentious large family car without wanting an SUV. The plug-in hybrid iV model is probably the biggest update over the previous-generation Superb – it’s powered by a 1.5-litre 150hp TSI four-cylinder petrol engine that works in tandem with a 118hp electric motor for a combined maximum power of 204hp.

There aren’t too many PHEV rivals to the Superb right now. The most obvious one is the Volkswagen Passat, which is not so much similar, but near identical – and if you’re going for the plug-in hybrid, it comes down to a split decision based on brand values and what interior treatment you prefer. There’s also the Peugeot 508 SW PHEV, more expensive (but smaller) BMW 330e Touring and the recently re-introduced Volvo V60 Recharge.

We’ve driven the new Superb hybrid car across Europe, which is a little above and beyond our usual review programme, but those extra miles really allowed us to get under the Superb iV’s skin. Here’s how we test cars at Parkers.

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What’s it like inside?

There’s little to differentiate the Superb iV from its non-hybrid brethren inside, and there’s not a lot wrong with that. It’s massive inside, and as much as the lounging room in the rear is impressive, it’s up front where it really excels. There’s ample head and legroom, while the electrically adjustable driver’s seat covers all shapes and sizes perfectly well.

An uprated seat massager is an optional extra that really helps with long journeys, while there is plenty of oddments space for all the phones, wallets and stuff that comes part and parcel of modern living. The ‘Smart dials’ for the heating and audio functions are logical and nice to use, and preferable to using a touchscreen or voice assistant.

The 13.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is quick and easy to operate, and is probably the best system used across the Volkswagen Group of brands right now. It’s just a shame that it looks like such an afterthought, as does the digitial instrument screen. The in-built sat-nav is connected online and has plenty of smart functionality to maximise the gaps between needing a recharge and helping your parking, by choosing the best spot for you on regular journeys.

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Skoda Superb iV engines and motors

Fundamentally, the Superb hybrid is refined and biased towards motorway driving, but that 204hp doesn’t go that far in a car that weighs the best part of two tonnes. In PHEV form, it’s not especially quick with a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds. That’s blown into the weeds by the BMW 330e’s 5.8 seconds – but probably more than enough for anyone coming out of a diesel Superb.

As expected, the PHEV is quiet on the motorway, but the engine is disappointingly coarse when accelerating hard. Drive in a more relaxed manner, and it’s a different story, with the large battery taking up the strain far more than we expected. Another upside of this is that with a full battery at the beginning of a journey, you can drive on the motorway all day and still return good fuel economy.

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What’s it like to drive?

The Superb is defined by its comfort and refinement. In town, it glides silently between traffic light stops, with the battery’s reserve seemingly deep enough to maintain a healthy level for extended urban stints. Outside of urban areas, driving the Superb iV on typically broken UK roads, it rewards you with a compliant and wafty ride. Imperfections such as potholes and aggressive changes in surface are shrugged off, which left us untroubled by long journeys.

As with other Superbs, the PHEV has taken a step forward compared with the previous-generation model. There are three driving modes, which are accessible via the Hybrid icon on the infotainment system, but even in Normal it enjoys tight body control and excellent damping, with moderate levels of roll in the corners.

In tighter bends, it steers with precision and turns in with agility and accuracy. Although it’s not quite as entertaining as a 330e (which itself isn’t as agile as other 3 Series models), we were more than satisfied during our lengthy trip. The brakes are strong and don’t suffer too much from the transition between regenerative slowing using the motor and the physical action of pads on discs.

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Skoda Superb iV range and charging

In order to offer a chunky WLTP driving range of up to 84 miles, there’s a sizeable 25.7kWh battery pack, which is double the capacity of the old one.

The Superb iV can be topped up at a public rapid charger at a rate of up to 50kW, which means it can be charged from 10 to 80% in around 26 minutes. At home, that increases to 2 hours 30 minutes from a typical wallbox, and it should cost less than £5 on a decent EV-friendly electricity tariff.

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What models and trims are available?

Skoda is offering the Superb iV Estate in three trims: SE Technology, SE L and Laurin & Klement.

Even the entry-level SE Technology comes well equipped, featuring LED headlights, privacy glass, heated front seats with massage function, 13.0-inch infotainment screen and that all-important on a long journey adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

SE L adds larger 18-inch wheels, leather interior and electrically-adjustable front seats, while the range-topping L&K gains you dark chrome exterior trim, park assist and an even more advanced seat massaging system. Further options can be added in the form of equipment packs, while the interior comes in Loft, Lounge, Suite Black and Suite Cognac flavours.

Is this now the best mid-sized company-focused plug-in hybrid estate you can buy? Our verdict on the Skoda Superb iV can be found on the next page, where you can see whether we recommend one over its rivals.