Skoda has announced that its new Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid will be priced from £31,970 when it arrives in Britain in January.
The figure was revealed to journalists during the UK launch of the rest of the revised Superb range and makes the new model £4730 cheaper than its sibling, the new Volkswagen Passat GTE.
The plug-in hybrid is named the Superb iV in recognition of Skoda’s new sub-brand that will be used for its bold electrification plans.
The Superb iV features a 154bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 114bhp electric motor, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The peak system outputs are 215bhp and 295lb ft of torque. .
The model is officially capable of completing 34 miles of electric-only running – identical to the Passat GTE. Skoda has yet to release performance figures, but insiders suggest they will closely match those of the Passat GTE, hinting at a 0-62mph time of around 7.4sec. The Czech brand also promises an official CO2 emissions rating of less than 40g/km.
A battery pack is located under the floor and ahead of the rear axle, which means a slight reduction in boot capacity – 485 litres for the hatchback and 510 litres for the estate, compared with 625 litres and 660 litres for petrol and diesel variants.
Beyond the well-hidden charging port integrated into the front grille, there will be little to give away the Superb iV's part-electric status. The infotainment system can display information on battery status and electric range and additional controls for the various powertrain modes. It will also be possible to programme the PHEV's air-con to cool the cabin before the car is needed.
Prices for the rest of the range, with traditional petrol and diesel engines, start from £24,655 for the hatchback and £25,975 for the estate.
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£32k v £25k
So is that £7.3k extra for the Plug-in version, hard to work out from article. Yes you get a get a faster car but for the private buyer is it more economical? I think not. As a tax dodge you can make a case, for now.
Working class workhorse? Not any more....
Rollocks wrote:
People have become inured to pcp/lease deals and if the manufacturers' finance deals include anything between 4-7k as a deposit contribution as they very often do, all people see is the monthly payment.
Manufacturers have been "launching" their prices for quite a few years now.
£25k and 1.6 engine ???
The new C class starts at £29k with a fair bit of tech, the 2nd level Superb (17 inch wheel etc) will probably be around £26.5k which is just to close for comfort.
As to a 1.6 petrol. where's that from?
These things are huge
Superb is way bigger than a C Class, it's really pitched as a value E Class or Audi A6, and there the price comparison works better. There's not a lot you can buy for <£30k with that kind of rear leg room or boot space.
You'd only really buy a Superb if you needed the space though.
At the top end of the ranges though, it is now possible to sink serious money into a Skoda, which wouldn't be a wise investment. They do seem to be competing with Volvo for the 'sensible' middle class buyers. With options it's easy to spec a £26k Skoda Scala, which is just crazy.
A year-old Octavia SE Technology Estate for <£15k is all the family car most people need though, and still looks good value. Let's hope the next-gen Octavia doesn't go too far upmarket.
180mm bigger
I suppose it's a fair chunk but not sure about the 'way bigger' bearing in mind they're considered mid-large size cars in the first place, and, most of that space COULD be 'lost' for in 2 bumpers and boot.
xxxx wrote:
You need to go look at the rear space in a Superb and then a C-Class to see why they are not competing against each other.
Anyway, what person considering a Mercedes would even think of a Skoda?