In the midst of a boom in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales in Australia, Skoda Australia is mulling PHEV versions of its flagship Kodiaq and Superb for local showrooms.
Speaking with CarExpert at the Skoda Brand Day media event, newly-appointed director for Skoda Australia, Lucie Kuhn, said the Kodiaq iV and Superb iV PHEVs are “under investigation”.
“I wouldn’t say [they’re in our] plan, but they’re under investigation,” Ms Kuhn said. “If we could bring hybrid technology that we have on Kodiaq and Superb to Australia, it requires some additional steps and initiatives.
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“The major part is actually about the elevated testing that is necessary, because of the temperatures [in Australia] to make cars safe for Australian customers.”
The latest Skoda Kodiaq iV and Skoda Superb iV are powered by a version of the Volkswagen Group’s second-generation plug-in hybrid system for vehicles on the MQB platform.
This powertrains sees a new 110kW, turbocharged 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.
With a larger 25.7kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack, both the Kodiaq and Superb quote more than 100km of electric-only driving range on Europe’s WLTP cycle, with the Superb specifically claiming “up to 120 kilometres”.
Both can also be fast-charged at up to 50kW via a DC public fast charger.
Skoda Superb Combi iV
While Skoda only offers the lower-tune version of this system which can produce up to 150kW combined, sibling brands Audi, Cupra and Volkswagen also offer full-fat 200kW performance versions of the same system.
Beyond the engineering and development considerations for the specific conditions of the Australian market, the specification of both vehicles based on what’s available globally could also be why Skoda hasn’t jumped at the opportunity to bring PHEV tech Down Under.
The Kodiaq iV, for example, is only available as a five-seater due to the packaging of the hybrid battery under the rear floor. Given Skoda positions the Kodiaq as a flagship three-row SUV in Australia, that no doubt plays a factor into the business case.
Additionally, the Superb iV is only available as a ‘Combi’ or wagon. The large passenger segment in Australia is already very niche, and station wagons even more so – though Skoda has committed to continue offering wagons Down Under.
Skoda Kodiaq iV
Overseas, Skoda has previously offered plug-in hybrid versions of the popular Octavia as well, but the Czech brand oddly culled PHEV versions from the facelifted range globally. This would have likely been a better fit for the Australian market, given the Octavia’s relative popularity locally.
For now, Skoda’s electrified vehicle rollout is focused primarily on electric vehicles (EVs), with the Enyaq Coupe already on sale as of last November. Later this year the smaller Elroq will join the range, with the facelifted Enyaq SUV and Coupe joining shortly after.
The Czech brand has also avoided bringing its 48-volt mild-hybrid tech Down Under, much like parent Volkswagen, due to Australia’s lack of emissions regulations (until now) and fuel quality.
This has prompted their respective global parent companies to focus their most efficient powertrains on heavily regulated markets like Europe and the UK.
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