2021 (71) Škoda Superb 1.4 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

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?

History

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 Get

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.

What to Look For

In our ownership survey, we struggled to find many people who didn't like this Skoda. A few common faults came out of our research. Things like suspension noises over speed humps or poor road surfaces (look for that on your test drive); headlights that dip themselves too much; excessive rear brake disc wear; the glovebox opening on its own over sharp bumps and/or not closing properly; loose or dislodged chrome trim at the B-pillar. Plus apparently the flimsy ski hatch mechanism breaks easily; and the rear air vents sometimes collapse inwards. Some of the issues we told you about in our guide on earlier pre-facelift versions of this MK3 model might still apply. To remind you, these included; issues with some electrical functions on some 2015-era examples due to an incorrectly installed cable clamp in the fuse box. And the anti-trap software on some Superbs from this period might not work when the sunroof is closing. Otherwise, it's just necessary to look out for the usual family hatch issues - kerbed alloys and evidence of damage from unruly children on the interior plastics. Obviously, you'll want a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2020 Superb iV PHEV excl. VAT) A pair of front brake pads are between £21 - depending on brand. Think around £28 for a set of rear pads. A pair of front brake discs start at about £91-£110 - for rear discs, think about £50-£75. Air filters sit in the £10 bracket. Oil filters cost around £4. A fuel filter is around £12-£35. A set of wiper blades are in the £21-£40 bracket. A pollen filter is in the £6-£30 bracket.

On the Road

With this plug-in model, the mechanical recipe was just as it had been with the original version of this car's cousin, the Volkswagen Passat GTE. So the Superb iV got a relatively elderly 1.4-litre TSI engine (and an equally old-tech 6-speed DSG gearbox) wedded to quite a modern slice of electrification, namely an 85kW electric motor (which boosted total system output to 218PS) and a 13kWh battery which, when fully charged, could provide up to 35 miles of all-electric WLTP-rated driving range. According to circumstance, this set-up swaps between electric and petrol - if you keep the car in its default 'Hybrid' drive setting. You can follow it all if you select the neat 'Energy Flow' display on the centre-dash display. There's also an 'E-Mode' option (accessed either via a dedicated button near the gearstick or by a centre screen option) that for town use can keep the car in full-battery motion if there's enough charge to do it. On the open road, if you're really pressing on and just using the engine, this Skoda's surprisingly rapid for such a relatively heavy car, helped by its extra electric boost. There's a potential 62mph sprint time of 7.8s en route to 138mph. And through the bends? Well the days are long gone when a Superb tackled twisting roads with all the agility of a Channel ferry. The installation of a stiff, sophisticated Volkswagen Group MQB platform into this third generation B8-series model in 2015 delivered a level of handling prowess broadly comparable with its close cousin, the Volkswagen Passat. Which means that though this Skoda remains very much comfort-orientated, it's here surprising capable should the need arise for you to push it along a bit. Standard 'DCC' 'Dynamic Chassis Control' adaptive damping helps here, 'DCC' working through the standard drive mode system which offers 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Normal' and 'Sport' settings, plus there's an 'Individual' menu if you want to set your own parameters.

Overall

The Superb iV will be a rare find - but for a family customer who doesn't want a diesel, it might be a potentially satisfying one. Yes, the quoted fuel and CO2 figures would be virtually impossible to achieve in real-world motoring, but then that's the case with any plug-in or EV model you care to name. From new, we felt that prices were a little on the high side, but that's a little less of an issue on the used market. Find the right car and we think you'll find plenty to like here.