Škoda has confirmed the pricing and specifications for its first PHEV, the Superb iV plug-in hybrid. As well as taking the crown of the brand's first PHEV when it goes on sale in January next year, the Superb is the first car to be launched under Škoda's iV sub-brand umbrella.

The entry level hatch will set you back £31,970 on the road, whilst the top-spec estate in Laurin & Klement trim will top out at £40,240 before options. All cars are rated at 16 per cent BIK.

Powertrain

We already had a fairly detailed understanding of the Superb iV's powertrain when Škoda launched the iV brand, and with it announced both the Superb and CITIGO iV back in June, but we now have final confirmation of the vital statistics.

Škoda has combined a small but efficient 1.4-litre petrol TSI unit with a 114bhp (85kW) electric motor to give a total output of 215bhp. Thanks to a 13kWh battery, the Superb iV can be driven for up to 35 miles on electric power alone in E-mode and charged overnight using a standard plug socket. Using a 3.6kW wall box will juice it in three hours, 30 minutes. A full tank of petrol and full battery will yield up to 578 miles of diesel-rivalling driving range.

Two additional driving modes ensure all driving situations are catered for; SPORT mode utilises the car's maximum power output, 295lb-ft of torque and standard six-speed DSG gearbox to its full potential, while HYBRID mode regulates the petrol engine and electric motor to deliver the best efficiency. All hatch models are rated at 35g/km of CO₂ whilst the larger and heavier estate cars are rated at 38g/km.

Specifications

The Škoda Superb has always been well equipped for the money and a nice place to sit. It's also massive – especially in estate form – which has been maintained with the iV models, making them sector-leading in terms of cabin space.

There are four trim levels, with the base-spec SE Technology (£31,970 OTR as a hatch and £33,250 as an estate) specifically designed for fleet customers, which is a big market for the Superb and will inevitably continue to be with an attractive 16 per cent BIK rate. Next up is the Superb iV SE L  which comes in at £34,755 as a hatch and £36,035 as an estate, followed by the SportLine Plus which costs from £38,490 as a hatch and £39,770 as an estate. The top spec Laurin & Klement car starts at £38,960 in hatch form and £40,240 as an estate.

The Superb iV gets Škoda's brand new third-generation infotainment system (MIB3) which is being rolled out across all new models such as the Scala and recently revealed Kamiq. MIB3 features an in-built SIM card for data connection and wireless connection for SmartLink and Apple CarPlay. In addition, this new system provides real-time traffic information and online support which should enable owners to navigate around hold-ups more easily.

All models get dynamic chassis control which should not only maintain the Superb's traditionally plush ride, but also help mask some of that extra weight from the PHEV powertrain. Drivers opting for the SportLine Plus and L&K trim levels get a virtual cockpit as standard – a 10.25 inch digital dashboard which replaces the traditional binnacle.

Production will be underway shortly, with the Superb iV being available to purchase in January 2020.