Skoda's new PHEVs to target fleets and families

Skoda Australia’s boss says the Czech brand is likely to bring its first plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to market either very late this year or early next, with both private and fleet buyers on the radar.

Speaking with CarExpert, Skoda’s local director Lucie Kuhn said development vehicles are already in Australia for further testing, and while the Superb ‘iV’ will likely be aimed at fleet customers in a single variant, the Kodiaq iV should offer multiple options for different buyers.

“I would say Superb PHEV will be mostly fleet, mainly for companies – it’s a kind of an executive car so we expect to do that direction for the companies that require a certain environmental policy,” Ms Kuhn told CarExpert.

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“The Kodiaq [PHEV] I think will find customers in both channels. It will also go [in the] private direction and we expect the share to be approximately 50:50, or maybe more [towards] private customers, 60:40.”

“We are just thinking about the proper strategy to bring [them] to market. It will probably go the direction of not only one exclusive trim line, but probably spread it into two options – I think it makes sense that we also diversify hybrid availability to different customer groups.”

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 powertrain 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.

Some factors unique to the PHEV versions of Skoda’s flagships should also prove interesting when they arrive.

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, the reception here will make for an interesting case study on customer tastes

Additionally, the Superb iV only until recently only available globally as a ‘Combi’ or wagon – though the liftback is now available in some LHD European markets. 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 given a high share of sales within its own portfolio.

The Skoda PHEVs will follow the new Elroq and facelifted Enyaq electric vehicles (EVs) to market, due to arrive in September and quarter four (October-December) respectively. Ms Kuhn has also indicated the Octavia should receive 48V mild-hybrid technology in the coming 12 months, though this is still in the works.

In the meantime, the new Skoda Kodiaq is already on sale in Australia with a 140kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the petrol-only Superb Liftback and Combi will arrive in the latter stages of 2025.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest

MORE: Skoda finally locks in PHEVs for Australia MORE: Skoda Octavia getting fuel-saving hybrid tech in Australia