Tapping into the savings you can make in a plug-in with this Škoda

Published on 18 April, 2020

Middle ground: the Škoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid

Overview

One of the reasons I so love driving and writing about cars, and motoring generally, is that there is always something to give you that thrill of discovery - or in my case, sometimes, rediscovery.

With new cars and their different power sources these days, there is so much to discover and explore - even after you think you have fully acquainted yourself with its facilities and abilities.

This week's review is a vibrant reminder of how many layers of digital and technical engineering can lie silently woven into the likes of, for example, a plug-in hybrid.

One of them I'll focus on in particular this week, if you don't mind, is how to get maximum benefit from a plug-in hybrid.

You know how I am always giving out about those people who buy a plug-in and then never use the bigger battery facility to get 50km electric-only driving on each charge.

They do so at their own, and our, expense because they snub cheaper electric power in favour of fossil fuel while we taxpayers subsidise their 'electronic' purchase to the tune of €7,500.

On the opposite side of the coin, I get angry over the lack of facilities for those who want to charge the larger battery and do what plug-ins are designed to do: make commuting less expensive.

Well, I think, thanks to being expertly guided (remotely) by a decent man from Škoda that there can be a sort of middle ground for both the offending and wannabe plug-ineers.

I was driving the Škoda Superb iV and was cursing my luck at not having a charging point when I was politely shown - not for the first time I think in a plug-in (but worth repeating nonetheless) - how I could fully charge the battery on the move and have it primed and ready for the fuel-consuming work of negotiating urban driving.

Basically you can quickly and easily set the control unit to charge the battery to the hilt - and hold it at that - while only using the engine. So for example let's say I was travelling from Dublin to Offaly and back:

l I could use the previously fully-charged battery to get me out of the capital before normal hybrid mode (battery and petrol combined) resumed.

l Then on the way back I could stop (safely) for a few seconds and reset the system so the battery is not used until we hit urban traffic again and use EV-only mode.

Technically it could mean travelling anywhere between 80km-100km in electric mode which should register as a decent saving on your weekly petrol bill. The downside is your engine is going to work a bit longer on the overall journey. But against that is the fact that it would be in greater use on normal longer drives anyway.

I think the option to do so is well worth ­highlighting. That is especially the case with the Superb iV as Škoda highlight the claim that you can cover your daily commute on electric power alone - when we resume doing so, of course.

This Superb has a claimed electric range of up to 62km - and a total of 930km in a perfect world of usage of the 1.4-litre petrol engine (156bhp) and electric motor (115bhp).

The lithium-ion battery slots into the chassis floor in front of the back axle. It can be charged fully in about 3.5 hours if you use Mode 3 cable and a wall box with an output of 3.6 kW. It takes five hours with the Mode 2 cable and your standard household three-pin plug socket.

Being able to inject power via these sources, they claim petrol use can extend to as little as 1.5-litres every 100km. That's so unlikely to be your return in everyday driving that it is fantasy stuff, but even twice that would still be wonderful.

By the way, for such a large car, the 0-100kmh time of 7.7 seconds was noted. There was a nice crisp feel to it especially around town. You can change how it feels and drives by using different modes.

It is easy to overlook how large, roomy and comfortable the core Superb is. There are acres of space in the boot, too. If that is something you need in abundance, take a look (when you can) at the Combi (estate) - it's massive.

I was impressed with my 'saloon' Liftback but would I buy it? I've advised many a reader to buy one with the 2-litre diesel. Now I think I'll mention the plug-in as well - especially if you can work that battery pack to save you money on your commute.

Facts & figures

Škoda Superb plug-in hybrid:

Prices from €40,350. Four trims levels: Ambition, Style, Sportsline and L&K; 1.4TSI (156bhp) engine, electric motor 115bhp; combined 218bhp, range 930km, Sport, hybrid and E-modes.

Change settings via Mode Select, Dynamic Chassis Control. Claimed 1.5litres/petrol/100km (188 mpg!); 33/35g/km, €170 tax. Spread of safety/comfort items.