Skoda plug-in hybrids could get RS treatment

PLUG-IN hybrid Skoda models could receive the RS treatment in the future, with the Czech car-maker open to the idea of performance-focused PHEVs according to Australian executives.

 

Speaking with GoAuto at the recent launch of the Elroq and Enyaq Select 60 range in Sydney, Skoda Australia head of marketing and product Kieran Merrigan said a performance PHEV range could assist the brand in meeting is New Vehicle Efficiency Standard targets.

 

“Having the electrified range for us is very important. It will help balance the portfolio so that we can continue to offer (our) ICE range at a competitive price,” he said.

 

When asked specifically if Skoda would ever be open to a high-performance or RS PHEV model, Mr Merrigan acknowledged the likelihood of such a vehicle, pointing to the introduction of performance PHEVs across the wider Volkswagen Group.

 

“I think it is safe to say that we will (introduce a performance PHEV) at some point,” he stated.

 

“There is nothing that is available to us at this point in time, but we can see across the group it’s happening where PHEVs are being used as performance variants, the additional torque you’re getting out of the battery supporting in the ICE engine makes a lot of sense (for) a performance range.”

 

Skoda does not offer a strictly performance-focused plug-in hybrid within its current line-up with PHEV models including only the Kodiaq SUV and Superb Estate.

 

A plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia was previously sold overseas, but this model never made it to Australia. 

 

Skoda’s performance-focused RS stable consists of the Octavia RS Sedan and Estate, and the Kodiaq SUV, while new RS variants of the facelifted Enyaq and Elroq battery electric SUV are also on their way.

 

Adding support to her colleague’s remarks, Skoda Australia brand director Lucie Kuhn said that the door is open to a performance-focused PHEV range in the future, provided the business case stacks up.

 

“Every variant needs to be supported by a viable business case, so the door is, I would say, open. But currently, in the short term, we will stay with the PHEV engine combination which we are bringing right now,” she remarked.

 

Wherever Skoda choses to look, there are certainly options from within the parent companyto choose from.

 

More broadly across the Volkswagen Group we find performance-focussed PHEVs than include the recently launched Audi RS 5 and forthcoming RS 6, and Cupra Leon, Formentor, and Terramar VZe.

 

While soon to be discontinued, Volkswagen also offers its Touareg large SUV as a performance-focused ‘R’ variant, powered by a plug-in hybrid driveline.

 

Higher in the Volkswagen Group stable is the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Turbo S in E-Hybrid (PHEV) guise, alongside the Cayenne E-Hybrid line-up, and plug-in powered Bentley Continental, Flying Spur, and Bentayga models.

 

Lamborghini also offers plug-in power across several of its high-performance model lines, including for the Revuelto, Temerario, and Urus SE.