Skoda New Zealand was the first distributor outside Europe to launch the electrified 160kW Superb iV when the car debuted here last July.
That’s the level of confidence the Czech manufacturer has in Skoda NZ (SNZ) which had just landed a major patrol vehicle supply contract with New Zealand Police.
Internal research had told Skoda NZ that 68% of its customers were interested in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Knowing there was an appetite SNZ general manager Rodney Gillard ordered as many Superb iVs as the factory could provide.
Gillard’s confidence was repaid. Four were pre-sold to premium taxi operator Corporate Cabs sight unseen, and the police are evaluating two Superb iV wagons.
THE RANGE
The front-wheel drive 160kW Superb iV PHEV sedan and wagon range ushers in the new era of Skoda electromobility in New Zealand and all should qualify for the Clean Car discount of $5750.
However, a bit of dealer negotiation may be required by Sportline iV wagon buyers to keep it under the $80,000 threshold.
There are four Superb iV models: the Style iV sedan from $72,990, the Sportline iV sedan from $76,990, the Style iV wagon from $75,990, and the Sportline iV wagon from $79,990 (as pictured).
All Superb iVs run a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol/ electric plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined power and torque figure of 160kW and 400Nm. Power and torque are sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The capacity of the Lithium-ion traction battery is 13kWh and the car has up to 62km of pure electric range. In addition to the car’s standard fiveyear 150,000km mechanical warranty, Skoda offers an eight-year 160,000km warranty on the 13kWh traction battery.
Charging the traction battery takes up to seven hours from an eight-amp 230 V domestic power socket or up to three-and-a-half hours from a 7kW 400 V Wallbox. Although the Superb iV has a Type 2 plug connection it can only be charged from an AC supply and not a DC fastcharger.
The Type 2 plug socket is found in the front of the car behind a flap which is integrated discretely into the front grille.
THE DRIVE
Some plug-in hybrids have a less than smooth transition from full electric mode to parallel hybrid mode and then to full petrol power, but not the Superb IV which has some useful functionality to utilise fully its propulsion technology.
There are three different drive modes – sport, electric, and hybrid – which provides a driving range of up to 930km on one tank of petrol.
Drivers can also conserve electric charge in the traction battery for city use at the end of a long-distance trip. The navigation system can advise on how far the EV range will last. In sport mode, the electric motor acts as a booster to the petrol engine, but in everyday use the car will default automatically to electric mode unless told otherwise.
At very low speed an e-noise generator warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. And when charging the car overnight the onboard eManager can incorporate a morning defrost and set a desired cabin temperature before the car sets off.
On the road, the Superb iV’s ride is softer and more compliant than expected blended with a sharp steering response and taut handling.
Acceleration from the hybrid powerplant is brisk, progress is quiet, and the strength of the regenerative brakes often allows a one-pedal driving style.
THE LOOK
Although a member of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda has always differentiated itself from its sibling brands with a smoother and more curvaceous exterior design.
But recent designs like the Superb launched in 2015 have much sharper lines and a more aggressive look front on.
As part of a mid-life update in May 2019 and the arrival of the iV models, the Superb was updated with matrix LED headlights, a new radiator grille, and more sharply styled front bumper with LED driving lights.
The taillamps were upgraded to LEDs and the rear bumper was redesigned for a sharper and more defined look with contrasting valance panels.
The circular Winged Arrow badge in the centre of the wagon’s tailgate below the window was deleted and replaced by the Skoda brand name in a large font.
Inside The Superb IV Sportline is equipped generously with multi-adjustable Alcantara-clad heated front sports seats. The rear bench seat also has a heating function as does the leather clad multifunction steering wheel with DSG paddles.
There’s a USB-C connection in the lower dashboard for the Apple Car Play/Android Auto phone mirroring functions through the centre touchscreen.
There are subtle differences from the standard petrol cars. The Superb iV has an updated instrument cluster to give more visibility to the electric systems, and there’s a specific place in the boot to store the charging cables.
The tailgate has remote electric open/ close function and the Superb iV has 510 litres of cargo space to the window line, expanding to 1131 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded down.
SAFETY
All Superb models come with a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, and the iV isn’t lacking for driver assistance and safety features.
They include crew protect assist for the driver and front passenger, front assist city autonomous braking, driver alert system, lane assist, side assist, and adaptive cruise control with emergency braking.
There are also park assist with parallel park button, and manoeuvre assist with front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera.
In a large wagon like the Superb iV the cameras and parking sensors are appreciated when placing the vehicle into tight spaces within car parking buildings. And the parallel park assistant protects the 19-inch Vega alloy wheels from meeting a kerbstone.
OUR VIEW
Not every fleet buyer wants an SUV and Skoda is one of the few mainstream brands which also has a full range of mid-size and large cars and station wagons to complement its SUVs.
The Superb iV is a large car/wagon option that provides a comfortable space, particularly for long-legged passengers in the back seat, is -functionally practical, and now offers the economic benefits of a plugin hybrid drivetrain that attracts a generous government rebate.
Throw in the option of a three- or five- year service plan, $1695 or $3195 respectively. and the Superb iV is a compelling fleet offer when the total cost of ownership is considered.
But most importantly it’s a pleasant daily driver that will stand up easily to the rigours of commercial use.
