Skoda’s large-scale electrification plans focus on Europe and China. However, there are markets in the other hemisphere that present a good opportunity for the Skoda iV models. One such region is New Zealand, where Skoda has lined up several electrified models for launch.
In July 2021, Skoda plans to put its first plug-in hybrid electric car – the Skoda Superb iV – on the New Zealand car market. The Superb iV Sedan and Superb iV Wagon variants are destined for Skoda NZ showrooms.
Common to the Skoda PHEVs is a 1.4-litre TSI engine (115 kW/250 Nm) and an electric motor (85 kW/330 Nm). The electric motor is mounted between a standard 6-speed DSG transmission and the TSI engine, and it also powers the front wheels. The traction battery supplying electricity to the electric motor is a 13 kWh unit and positioned under the rear seat. The combined power and combined torque of the plug-in hybrid system are 160 kW and 400 Nm. The maximum pure electric range in the plug-in hybrid electric sedan and wagon is 62 km (WLTP).
Skoda NZ will sell both plug-in hybrid electric cars in Style and Sportline trims. The Superb Style iV Sedan and Superb Sportline iV Sedan are priced at NZD 72,990 and NZD 76,990, respectively. The Superb Style iV Wagon and Superb Sportline iV Wagon will cost NZD 75,990 and NZD 79,990, respectively.
Skoda Octavia iV coming to New Zealand in 2022
In 2022, Skoda will launch the Octavia iV in New Zealand, says a report from NZ Autocar. The compact plug-in hybrid electric car’s powertrain clubs a 115 kW 1.4-litre TSI engine with an 85 kW electric motor. However, the motor has been integrated into the transmission, which also happens to be a 6-speed DSG, separated from the engine by a clutch. The system power and system torque are 150 kW and 350 Nm, respectively. A 13 kWh traction battery enables the Octavia iV to travel up to 60 km (WLTP) in EV mode.
Skoda Enyaq iV to follow in 2023
A year later, in 2023, the all-electric Skoda Enyaq iV will reach New Zealand. Available in five power variants, the first dedicated Skoda EV can deliver a range of up to 536 km on a full charge. Skoda’s New Zealand subsidiary wants to get the Enyaq iV earlier, but supply is limited and there are CO2 targets that have to be met in Europe. Skoda is “struggling as a company to supply countries outside of Europe that don’t have a CO2 regulation,” Rodney Gillard, General Manager, Skoda (New Zealand), told NZ Autocar in January 2021. “Just recently we were told we were getting pushed out to 2023, so that’s just a fact,” he added.
By 2025, Skoda plans to release a new electric car in a segment below the Enyaq iV. That model could also be introduced in New Zealand as a budget car, perhaps with a shorter gap between the global release and kiwi launch.
Featured Image Source: Skoda
