Skoda PHEVs to target fleet, family buyers

HYBRID powertrains are shaping up as a core element of Škoda’s renewed growth strategy in Australia, with brand director Lucie Kuhn confirming to GoAuto that the Kodiaq and Superb plug-in hybrids will arrive locally in early 2026—each aimed at a distinct customer profile.

“The Superb (PHEV) will definitely be for a fleet buyer, probably the executive management of companies that already apply a certain ecological (company car) policy,” Ms Kuhn said.

“Regarding the Kodiaq (PHEV), I think the audience might be broader. It is suitable for fleet, but also for retail. We observe more (retail) customers being conscious about the environment.

“They still may not be ready to jump into (full) electrics, because it is a huge change of habits and usage. So we have (the Kodiaq PHEV) as a kind of step between (petrol and electric), just to get more familiar with e-mobility, with charging, with charging stations and to learn about it.”

Pre-production examples of the Kodiaq and Superb plug-in hybrids have already arrived in Australia and are undergoing early-stage testing focused on local climate, durability and connectivity performance.

Ms Kuhn, who took over as head of Škoda’s Australian operations in March, swiftly secured head office approval in Czechia to bring the large plug-in hybrid models to market—well ahead of initial timelines.

Although both models have been confirmed for local sale, the Kodiaq and Superb PHEVs must undergo and pass local durability validation. They are the first Volkswagen Group products in Australia to utilise a new 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain—distinct from the 1.4-litre hybrid engine used in the Cupra Leon and Formentor.

The 150kW system pairs Volkswagen Group’s EA211 Evo2 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine—producing 110kW and 250Nm—with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor mounted between the engine and a six-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 19.7kWh (usable) lithium-ion NMC battery mounted beneath the rear seats supports the drivetrain.

Both the Kodiaq and Superb plug-in hybrids are front-wheel drive only. Electric range varies between the pair, with the Superb rated at 127–137km (WLTP) and the Kodiaq quoted at “over 100km”. A 45-litre fuel tank supports a total range exceeding 800km. Claimed 0–100km/h acceleration times are 8.1 and 8.4 seconds, respectively.

 “We already tested (the hybrids) in other markets with high temperatures. The tests were good, but we must do it again because of…prescriptions regarding homologation, and Australian legislation. It will take a good four months—up to five months,” Ms Kuhn told GoAuto.

Ms Kuhn noted that duplicating testing requirements for the Australian market added both cost and complexity for Škoda: “It’s not cheap—let’s say it like that.”

If testing proceeds to schedule, formal sign-off for the Kodiaq and Superb PHEVs is expected around October 2025, with production ramp-up to follow ahead of their planned Australian showroom arrival in early 2026.

At launch, the hybrid models are expected to be offered in two trim levels—likely a value-focused Select PHEV, and a sportier Sportline PHEV. “We are still working on (final range details), but I think that one trim grade would not be enough—we will probably go for two,” Ms Kuhn noted.

Škoda Australia continues pricing discussions with its Czech head office regarding the Kodiaq PHEV—and the broader Superb range. However, it is confirmed that the plug-in hybrid variants will command a premium over the combustion-only models launched locally in April.

Indicative pricing suggests the Kodiaq PHEV will sit above the 140TSI Sportline variant ($61,990 drive-away) but below the upcoming second-generation 195kW/400Nm Kodiaq RS that is anticipated to cost around $79,990 drive-away.

When asked whether the Kodiaq PHEV could in fact be priced above the cost of the flagship Kodiaq RS, Ms Kuhn said: “it shouldn’t be—but I am not sure.”

Pricing for the incoming fourth-generation Superb liftback and wagon is expected to be confirmed in the coming months. The core range will continue to be anchored by a high-output all-wheel drive petrol variant, which has drawn interest from state police forces.

It remains to be seen whether the 150kW/350Nm plug-in hybrid Superb will be priced above or below the 195kW/400Nm non-hybrid version.