Skoda Plug-In Petrol Hybrid Cars
Skoda has launched its first plug-in petrol hybrid model in the UK, the Octavia iV. The vehicle boasts a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine paired with an electric motor to offer a combined power output of 204 PS. The car comes with a six-speed DSG gearbox and is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 7.8 seconds.
One of the key features of the Octavia iV is its electric-only range of up to 43 miles, making it an ideal choice for those who do most of their driving in urban areas. Charging the battery from empty takes around three and a half hours using a standard household socket or around two and a half hours using a wall box.
The car also features regenerative braking technology which captures energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration and uses it to charge the battery. This means that even when you're not actively charging the battery, it's still being topped up as you drive.
In terms of efficiency, Skoda claims that the Octavia iV can achieve up to 282 mpg on a combined cycle, although real-world figures are likely to be lower than this. CO2 emissions are also low at just 22 g/km, meaning that the car is exempt from both road tax and London's congestion charge.
Inside, the Octavia iV offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage alike, with ample legroom in both front and rear seats. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard, while higher-spec models come with additional features such as wireless phone charging and a virtual cockpit display.
Overall, the Skoda Octavia iV looks set to be a popular choice for those looking for an efficient yet practical family car. With its impressive electric-only range and low emissions, it's well-suited to UK driving conditions where urban driving is common.