A PLUG FOR THE SUPERB (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 59

In its updated form, the MK3 B8-era version of Skoda's Superb could be had in iV form with a Plug-in Hybrid petrol electric drivetrain. This derivative claims to be able to provide up to 35 miles of all-electric WLTP-rated driving range plus a WLTP combined cycle fuel figure of over 200mpg. Does it make sense as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 9

5dr family hatch & Estate - (1.4 TSI PHEV)

Historyword count: 137

In the future, we're going to see plenty of electrified models from Skoda, but this was the first, the Superb iV plug-in petrol hybrid. In case you're wondering by the way, 'iV' stands for 'innovative Vehicle'. This car was launched in the Autumn of 2019 but it's actually surprising that we didn't see it earlier because it's based on all the same mechanicals used by the Volkswagen Passat GTE - which by then had been on sale since 2016. Still, better late than never and in true Skoda style, the Superb iV took a Volkswagen package, then added value and a lower price to it. And in this case, more interior space and some extra 'Simply Clever' interior features too. It sold until a new fourth generation B9 design with a larger battery arrived in Spring 2024.

What You Getword count: 278

There are no significant visual changes to differentiate this plug-in Superb from more conventional models. As with any ordinary B8-era Superb, the iV plug-in variant offers a body style choice between this hatch and the alternative estate. Both models feature an elegant silhouette. And inside? Well again, initially there's seems nothing much really to set this iV plug-in model apart from any conventional MK3 Superb - until you check out the extra 'E-Mode' button near the gearstick; or look a little closer at the dash displays. The centre-dash screen (which will usually be 8-inches in size) gains various 'e-Displays', including an 'Electric Range Monitor', an 'Energy Flow' graphic and a 'Zero Emission' data read-out. The instrument binnacle (which on upper-spec variants features a 10.25-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital screen) is also a little different, with a battery charge read-out on the far left and a left hand gauge that has 'Charge', 'Power' and 'Boost' sections that help you drive more economically. Otherwise, things are as they would be in any other Superb, the cabin distinguished by chrome highlighting, smart upholstery and decorative trims for the centre console and dashboard. As ever with a Superb, space for rear seat passengers is class-leading thanks to this MK3 model's lengthy 2,841mm wheelbase. There really is a limousine-like feel to the way that you can stretch out in the back. The boot capacity of this plug-in model falls quite a lot (140-litres) over what you'd get in a conventional Superb but it's still pretty decent. For the Hatch iV variant, it's 485-litres - or 510-litres for the Estate version. Obviously though, if you fold the rear bench, you can improve those figures substantially.

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