Skoda Superb hybrid interior, dashboard & comfort
Gone are the days when a Skoda felt like it was built using castoffs from the VW parts bin; the Superb iV is plush and premium – especially in pricier trim levels
On the outside, Skoda has retained the Superb's subtly classy looks for the iV, with no obvious cues setting it apart from the petrol and diesel versions. The charge port is concealed in the front grille until you need it, and there are just a few subtle 'iV' badges to be found at various points on the body.
It’s a similar story inside; you’d be hard-pressed to tell this hybrid Superb apart from its petrol or diesel-powered siblings. But that’s no bad thing – the Superb feels well built and surprisingly luxurious, especially from the driver or front passenger seat.
Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid dashboard
The Skoda Superb punches well above its weight when it comes to quality, fit and finish. The dashboard comprises an eight-inch touchscreen display, featuring sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all cars. SportLine Plus and L&K models get a larger 9.2-inch screen, elevating the Superb’s high-end feel even further; this setup is optional throughout the range if you spec it at the point of order.
The Audi-style 'Virtual Cockpit' digital dials look great and offer a pleasing degree of functionality. These are only standard on SportLine Plus and L&K cars, but again can be specified on other models for an extra cost.
Equipment, options & accessories
The Superb iV hatchback is only available in the SE L, SportLine and range-topping L&K trims – buyers aren't able to pair the entry-level SE with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. As such, all are well equipped, with SE L getting 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors front and rear, matrix LED lights, privacy glass, heated leather seats and a powered tailgate.
This is the version we recommend – it’s unlikely many buyers will ever want the longer kit list offered by the SportLine Plus or L&K cars. The former adds racier styling, including a sportier bodykit and 19-inch wheels, as well as Alcantara sports seats and a larger sat-nav screen. The range-topping L&K indulges occupants with ventilated leather seats, three-zone climate control and a bigger 9.2-inch dashboard display screen.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
The Superb comes with one of the slickest touchscreens in the business. The standard eight-inch display is brilliant, so unless you must have the latest, flashiest and biggest screen, we wouldn’t worry about spending to upgrade to the 9.2-inch setup in the SE L. Instead, think about specifying the excellent 'Virtual Cockpit' dials – they give the Superb a superior high-tech feel and add welcome functionality. We love them.
Likewise, the Superb iV we've been living with came with the amazing Wireless Smartlink, so you can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via Bluetooth. When tried it with Apple CarPlay, and the system was slick, responsive and easy to navigate, making the built-in sat nav redundant for us.
The Skoda Connect app can be used to check the car's battery charging status, start or stop charging and even operate the air-con when it's plugged in. This system also features full Amazon Alexa integration, meaning these actions can be carried out by voice command to an Alexa or Google Home device.
