2020 Skoda Superb facelift gets plug-in hybrid variant as an option for the first time as the 1.4-litre TSI combines with electric motor to produce 220 bhp
Skoda will be using the iV sub-brand for its electrification push into the future and thus the first-ever plug-in hybrid variant of the Superb gaining iV suffix does not come as a surprise. At a special event in Slovakia, the Superb iV has been introduced along with the full-electric powertrain equipped Citigo-e.
Besides the change of heart, the flagship Superb sedan does get a slew of exterior updates including a newly designed grille section with horizontal chrome inserts and the headlamps are sleeker than before with LED Matrix lights as optional (first for Skoda).
The front bumper is also redesigned rendering a sporty appeal to the sedan. The overall length has been increased by 8 mm this time around as well. The rear end has also undergone mild revision with updated LED tail lamps stretching to the other end through a slim chrome trim and Skoda name is written on the bootlid in a more prominent manner.
The facelifted Superb will go on sale in September while the PHEV will be up for grabs from early 2020. We can expect Skoda to launch the updated Superb sometime next year and it may well be offered with the plug-in hybrid variant. In international markets, Skoda is said to price the PHEV highly competitively.
The integration of the charging port into the front grille has been well executed. The Czech Republican brand has added new powertrain modes, predictive cruise control into the driver assistance technology list and a large touchscreen infotainment system that shows the electric range and battery status.
The Skoda Superb iV comes with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine capable of 154 bhp and a 114 bhp producing electric motor combined to generate 220 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG transmission. The PHEV can do 55 km in electric power alone and it could do 0-100 kmph in just around 7.4 seconds.
Due to the battery pack’s positioning underneath the floor, the bootspace reduces by 140 litres to 485 litres in the sedan and 150 litres to 510 litres in the estate variant. The regular 2.0-litre TSI kicking out 190 bhp and 2.0-litre turbo unit making 280 bhp have been retained.
2020 Skoda Superb Facelift Images
