Skoda Superb Hybrid review
Written by Keith Adams[1] Published: 17 September 2024 Updated: 17 September 2024
Overview
The best plug-in hybrid cars[2] 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 attracting former diesel car drivers who need to rack up high mileages. The Superb iV is one such PHEV, although Skoda is hedging its best right now by also offering the choice of a diesel and petrol.
We’ve already reviewed the non-hybrid Superb hatchback[3] and estate version[4] 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[5], 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[6] PHEV, more expensive BMW 330e[7] Touring and the recently re-introduced Volvo V60. We’ve driven this 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[8]. 33
Large central infotainment screen dominates luxuriously-appointed interior.
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 upfront 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 rechanrge and helping your parking, by choosing the best spot for you on regular journeys.
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This is what the Superb is all about: a rear compartment with lounging room to spare.
Skoda Superb iV engines and motors
It’s a Superb, so you know the drill – it’s refined and biased towards motorway driving, and that 204hp doesn’t go that far ina 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 and a maximum speed of 136mph. That’s blown into the weeds by the BMW 330e’s 5.8 seconds and 136mph – but probably more than enough for anyone coming out of a diesel Superb.
As expected, it’s 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. afull battery at the beginning of a journey, you can drive on the motorway all day and expect to average around 60mpg.
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The Superb is biased towards comfort, but it’s also surprisingly agile.
What’s it like to drive?
Again, it’s also about 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. Further afield, and drive 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. Like 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 bodyroll.
In tighter turns, it steers with precision and turns in with agility and accuracy. Although it’s not quite as entertaining as a 330e (which isn’t as agile as other 3 Series models), it’s going to be more than capable enough for typical Superb drivers. 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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Three driving models on offer, but you rarely need to take it out of ‘Normal’.
Skoda Superb iV range and charging
In order to offer a chunky WLTP-tested driving range of up to 84 miles, there’s a sizeable 25.7kWh battery pack, which is double the size of the old one. The Superb iV can be topped up at a public CCS rapid charger at a rate of up to 50kW, which means it can be charged from 10-80% in around 26 minutes. At home, that increases to 2hrs 30 minutes from your wallbox, and it should cost less than GBP5 on a decent tariff.
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Above average-sized battery means a generous EV-driving range.
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 younger rivals.
References
- ^ Keith Adams (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ best plug-in hybrid cars (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ Superb hatchback (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ estate version (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ Volkswagen Passat (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ Peugeot 508 SW (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ BMW 330e (www.parkers.co.uk)
- ^ how we test cars at Parkers (www.parkers.co.uk)