Of course, the BIG news, in more ways than one, is that the much-lauded Superb has been thoroughly revamped and it is the brand’s first production model to feature plug‑in hybrid technology. By combining an efficient petrol 1.4-litre TFSi engine with an electric motor, it offers eco‑friendly mobility without compromising performance. The car’s CO2 emissions are rated at less than 40g/km and the all‑electric range is up to 32-miles (WLTP) with the customary low-tax benefits.
In combination with the 6‑speed DSG (twin-clutch, automated gearbox) that comes as standard, E-mode is powered exclusively by the battery. In HYBRID mode, the electronics regulate the interaction between the petrol engine and the electric motor. The lithium‑ion battery is positioned in the chassis floor in front of the rear axle. The new car can be identified by the iV badge at the rear; the front is shaped by a redesigned bumper with a honeycomb structure that incorporates air curtains for increased airflow efficiency. Thanks to a sound generator, road users and pedestrians will be able to hear an approaching Superb in EV mode.
Unsurprisingly, the up-market Superb is exceptionally well-equipped and the driver configurable dashboard and instrument panel fitted to high-end Audis is now available. Packed with electronic driver aids and assist packages, although the Superb’s styling is evolutionary, its user will never feel like a poor relation. Full matrix-LED lamps are used at the front of the car for night-into-day illumination but the most advanced ‘predictive’ sat-nav technology is also employed, which uses imagery retrieved from the forward-facing cameras, in conjunction with the mapping, to avoid collisions and venture ever-deeper into autonomous motoring territory.
Three diesel and three petrol engines from the VW Group are standard fayre on the rest of the line-up, while the extra bling of the Lauren & Klement model can be allied to a 269bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for truly blistering performance. Sportline trim also features on the load-swallowing estate car, which is sure to appeal to the company car and specialist business sector.
However, Superb is not the only electrified Skoda, as the much-loved Citigo model now features a suffix ‘e’ and is Skoda’s first-ever all-electric model. Boasting a 160-miles range from its 36.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack and wearing an iV badge on its rump, the archetypal city car can blast silently from 0-60mph in less than 11.0s and features the latest EV technology that allows an 80% fast-charge (from ‘empty’) in around an hour, or an overnight full-charge domestically. Exceedingly well-specified, the CitigoE will be available in several trim levels and is sure to become a favourite in the city car arena.
