A plug-in hybrid like the Skoda Superb iV would undoubtedly have become an absolute top seller in 2013. However, there is no additional benefit to be obtained, while the business driver also prefers the SUV over the large station wagon. Is the Skoda Superb iV mustard after a meal?
The plug-in hybrid is currently on the rise. The fact that one brand after another comes with a plug-in hybrid is largely due to the European requirements in the field of CO2 emissions. Skoda is also enthusiastic about this means. The Superb iV naturally shares its technology with the latest edition of the Volkswagen Passat GTE. A 1.4 TSI petrol engine still serves as the basis here and, together with the electric power, provides a total output of 217 hp, while the torque is 400 Nm. The car has a 13 kWh battery pack, which in clear, sunny weather and at 100 km / h on the highway has an electric range of 40 km. Fully charging the Skoda takes about three and a half hours. It is a pity that the charging port is located in the grille. The ‘hatch’ is therefore virtually invisible, but this position forces the Superb driver to park forward.
Good-natured boob
Power source and automatic transmission are well attuned to each other in the Superb. The large Skoda accelerates apparently without effort and the transition between electric and petrol engine is without noticeable jerks, while the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission changes quickly and smoothly. The weight of the partly electric powertrain has no negative consequences for the driving characteristics. While the largest Skoda in its regular appearance tends to literally go crazy when it comes to suspension comfort, the ‘only’ 260 kilos heavier PHEV seems a bit better balanced. The Superb is also in this form a good-natured, comfortable lobster with an extremely neutral and comfortable suspension, smooth steering and very predictable driving behavior.
The strongest point of the Skoda Superb has traditionally been its space, but it is precisely in that area that the hybrid variant fails on paper. Compared to other versions, the iV provides 150 liters of luggage space. In practice, the loss is not too bad, because the lost space is located entirely under the loading floor. Everything that happens above remains intact, so that the semi-electric Superb also has an impressive cargo hold and a flat cargo floor. Moreover, there is still room to store the charging cable under that floor. The Superb is still lord and master in terms of leg and headroom. Even exceptionally tall passengers can easily find a spacious place here.
Build quality excellent
Due to the large glass surface and the seat that is higher and instinctively far forward in the car, the Superb is somewhat distant immediately after getting in. The businesslike, simple design of the dashboard also contributes to this. The Skoda was clearly not more beautiful on the inside than brother Passat and so the Superb gets some more hard plastics, bare surfaces and rectilinear solutions. The result is an interior that in some respects seems a bit too simple and cheap for a car in this segment, although the build quality is excellent. When it comes to ease of use, there is little to bargain about the Superb interior. Frequently used functions still have their own button here, whereby the operating cluster of the climate control is a real relief compared to the digital solution that other manufacturers use here. The Skoda touchscreen reacts quickly to touch and has a well thought-out layout. The screen is complemented by a Virtual Cockpit instrumentation, which, as we are used to from Volkswagen brands, can be arranged to your own taste to a large extent and in a logical way.
Skoda is aiming with the Superb iV explicitly at the business driver, with a choice of the Business Edition or the Sportline Business tested here. The latter has to do without adaptive cruise control and lane assistance, while the shown infotainment system also costs extra. On the other hand, the car has matrix LED headlights, 18-inch light alloy and an electric tailgate as standard. As far as the usage costs are concerned, the car still benefits for the time being from a halved motor vehicle tax rate, although this is only of indirect interest to the lease driver.