Following the announcement of Skoda Kodiaq plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid options, the Czech brand expects that non-hybrid cars will dominate the sales split.
Family Cars
Skoda recently announced that plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid versions of the Kodiaq family SUV will join the line-up early next year.
However, the brand still believes the sales split will heavily favour its existing internal combustion options.
“I would say it will be around 15 per cent [sales split for Kodiaq PHEV]. Another 20 per cent [sales split for mild hybrid],” said Skoda Australia Managing Director, Lucie Kuhn.
“With the Kodiaq, we are expecting up to 15 per cent on the RS, 10 to 15 per cent on the PHEV, maybe 15 per cent on the mild hybrid, and the rest goes to the rest. So the total hybrid share [we are expecting] is around 25 per cent.”
The new-to-the-brand technology comes at a time when Skoda reported to Drive earlier this year that it believed the slump in sales figures came from a lack of hybrid power.
“I think this was also one of the reasons why we, maybe, in the last year lost the [sales] momentum,” Director Lucie Kuhn told Drive back in March.
“Hybrids are something the customers obviously expect and require.”
Skoda has sold 945 Kodiaqs to date this year (September sales figures), meaning that the addition of two new models would allow the newly facelifted generation to crack the 1000-unit mark.
The specification for the Kodiaq PHEV has been confirmed, with the model powered by the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder as smaller models such as the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Fabia and Skoda Scala.
The model will sit somewhere between the Sportline and RS, and based on its position in the line-up and international information, it’s likely to cost between $65,000 and $70,000 drive away.
Petrol power will be combined with a 85kW/330Nm electric motor, with compatibility of a 50kW DC fast charger or an 11kW AC home charger. A WLTP-rated electric-only range of 112 km has been quoted.
The trim level for this car will be similar to that of the Kodiaq Select, the current entry-level model, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, and heated/power-folding door mirrors, but no third row.
The mild-hybrid specification is still a bit of a mystery; we know the trim level will be offered as a base-model “Select,” although it will sit under the sole non-hybrid Select model in the line-up.
Unlike a traditional hybrid, the mild-hybrid system will not power the wheels; instead, it uses a 48-volt system to take load off the engine to run auxiliary systems like air conditioning.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but sitting under the existing Select trim level means we can expect a price below $56,990 drive away.
More information on both vehicles will be available towards the end of 2025 and early 2026.
Family Cars Guide
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
