Skoda Octavia gains iV plug-in hybrid: prices, specs and CO2

Skoda has expanded the model line-up for the new Octavia with the introduction of new iV and vRS iV plug-in hybrid variants.

Using the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric drivetrain technology seen in the Superb iV, the new Octavia iV is priced from £30,795 OTR and is available in hatch and estate forms.

A Sporty vRS iV version is also offered, priced from £35,020.

The Octavia iV develops 204PS and 350Nm, while the vRS iV serves up 245PS and 400Nm.

CO2 emissions range from 22-36g/km, depending on model, and the zero-emission range is up to 43 miles (39 miles for the vRS iV).

Benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax starts from 6% for the Octavia iV and 10% for the vRS iV. Both models use a 13kWh battery that can be charged at a rate of up to 3.6kW, meaning a charge time of 3.5 hours from a wallbox or five hours when using a domestic socket.

There a number of driving modes that can be used to fine-tune the powertrain. For example, selecting E-mode will keep the Octavia in electric drive only and is designed for driving in urban areas or on short commutes.

In Hybrid mode, interaction between the petrol engine and electric motor is automatically regulated. Either they complement one another when used simultaneously, or the electronics activate only one of them.

Hybrid mode also offers the option of charging the battery via recuperation or the engine while the car is moving. This allows the driver to set their own desired battery level.

The system can also operate in Hybrid Auto mode. This means the control unit decides based on the current driving situation when to draw power from the battery and when to recharge it using recovered energy.

The Octavia’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain is available in SE Technology, SE L and vRS from launch. All three can be specified with hatch or estate body styles and come with additional equipment enhancements over their petrol or diesel-powered siblings.

For example, both Octavia iV models feature 18-inch Vega Aero alloy wheels, decorative door sills and a storage compartment in the boot for the supplied charging cables. They also have unique instrumentation and displays that show the vehicle state of charge along with the various driving modes. 

The Octavia vRS iV features unique front and rear bumper designs that incorporate black details. These include a double-slat radiator grille, lower air diffuser and the air curtains above the front fog lights.

The door mirror housings and window frames are also finished in gloss black, while the estate model is finished with black roof bars as standard.

At the rear, the hatch model adds gloss black aero flaps, diffuser and a subtle bootlid spoiler, while both models come with chrome exhaust tailpipes and bespoke vRS and iV badging as standard.

Inside, the new vRS iV features a new multifunction three-spoke leather steering wheel with gear-shift paddles, sports seats and digital instruments.