Skoda's new local boss confirms the Czech brand is investigating the feasibility of plug-in hybrid models for Australia.
That’s according to the Czech brand’s new director in Australia, Lucie Kuhn, who told Drive that both the Kodiaq and Superb PHEV models were under consideration if they could meet “very strict testing” protocols.
“The Australian market requires, because of the temperature conditions, very strict testing,” Kuhn told Drive. “We are just making some tests if we would be able to deliver and provide the car to Australian customers.
“So basically, we are not saying yes. We are not saying no. It depends a lot on this technical process […] to secure 100 per cent the safety of the product for the Australian people.”
Skoda currently offers plug-in hybrid variants of both Kodiaq and Superb models in overseas markets. Both are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol making 110kW, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The petrol engine is paired with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor for combined outputs of 150kW/350Nm.
A 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds the electric motor and is capable, according to Skoda, of delivering “more than 100km” of pure electric driving range, based on European WLTP testing protocols.
The battery can take 40kW DC charging for a 10 to 80 per cent recharging time of 26 minutes.
The Skoda Kodiaq iV PHEV is only available as a five-seater, something that could deter Skoda Australia from giving it the green light here.
It’s priced from £41,935 in the UK, or around $AU85,000. Similarly, the Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid, available only as a station wagon, starts from £41,465 or approximately $AU84,500. It is worth noting cars are considerably more expensive in the UK than Australia.
The regular non-hybrid Skoda Kodiaq range in Australia starts from $54,990 before on-road costs while pricing for the new Skoda Superb, due in Australia this year, is still to be confirmed.
Rob Margeit is an award-winning Australian motoring journalist and editor who has been writing about cars and motorsport for over 25 years. A former editor of Australian Auto Action, Rob’s work has also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Wheels, Motor Magazine, Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. Rob’s current rides include a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a 2000 Honda HR-V Sport.
