Skoda Superb PHEV: The Final Stand of the Big Saloon

The Skoda Superb is likely the last of its kind.

The large four-door saloon, which launched in 2002 as a stretched version of the VW Passat, has served as a reliable workhorse for taxi drivers and police officers for over two decades. Skoda has now introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the saloon body for the first time, previously reserving that option for the estate model. The update combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a 40kW electric motor to produce 272hp.

The vehicle is powered by a 19kWh battery that claims an electric-only range of 134km. In real-world testing with the heating on, the car delivered between 100 and 110km of electric range. When the battery is depleted, fuel economy hovers around 6.0 to 6.5 litres per 100km, though shorter runs achieved as low as 5.4 litres per 100km. The hybrid system reduces the boot space from 645 litres to 485 litres, a trade-off for the added powertrain components.

Inside, the cabin features soft synthetic suede, imitation carbon fibre, and a 10.4-inch touchscreen. The test model, a Sportline version in Cobalt Blue metallic, includes 19-inch alloy wheels and a sporty bodykit. A set of three rotary controllers manages climate and audio settings, offering a physical alternative to the screen. The rear seats remain spacious enough for long-haul journeys, a feature that few non-premium cars currently offer.

The Superb starts at €49,975, though the tested configuration costs €57,134. This price point represents a doubling of the entry-level cost since the model's debut. The comparable VW Passat is cheaper in its basic form, but the Superb offers a more refined interior and exterior design. The car is equipped with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission and adaptive suspension dampers, which cost an extra €1,094.

Sales data in Ireland for 2026 shows the Skoda Kodiaq SUV ranking as the sixth-best-selling car, while the Superb has fallen to niche status. European buyers increasingly prefer SUVs, even when those vehicles share mechanical components with saloons. The Superb competes in a shrinking segment that includes the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.

Skoda plans to replace the Superb and the standard Octavia with a larger, more capable Octavia model around 2030. Until then, the current Superb remains on sale with the new plug-in hybrid option. The vehicle achieves a combined range of 700 to 750km on a full battery and fuel tank.