HYBRID powertrains are shaping up as a core factor of Škoda’s renewed development technique in Australia, with model director Lucie Kuhn confirming to GoAuto that the Kodiaq and Excellent plug-in hybrids will arrive domestically in early 2026—every geared toward a definite buyer profile.
“The Excellent (PHEV) will certainly be for a fleet purchaser, most likely the chief administration of corporations that already apply a sure ecological (firm automotive) coverage,” Ms Kuhn mentioned.
“Relating to the Kodiaq (PHEV), I believe the viewers is likely to be broader. It’s appropriate for fleet, but additionally for retail. We observe extra (retail) prospects being acutely aware in regards to the setting.
“They nonetheless is probably not prepared to leap into (full) electrics, as a result of it’s a large change of habits and utilization. So now we have (the Kodiaq PHEV) as a type of step between (petrol and electrical), simply to get extra conversant in e-mobility, with charging, with charging stations and to find out about it.”
Pre-production examples of the Kodiaq and Excellent plug-in hybrids have already arrived in Australia and are present process early-stage testing centered on native local weather, sturdiness and connectivity efficiency.
Ms Kuhn, who took over as head of Škoda’s Australian operations in March, swiftly secured head workplace approval in Czechia to deliver the big plug-in hybrid fashions to market—effectively forward of preliminary timelines.
Though each fashions have been confirmed for native sale, the Kodiaq and Excellent PHEVs should endure and go native sturdiness validation. They’re the primary Volkswagen Group merchandise in Australia to utilise a brand new 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain—distinct from the 1.4-litre hybrid engine used within the Cupra Leon and Formentor.
The 150kW system pairs Volkswagen Group’s EA211 Evo2 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine—producing 110kW and 250Nm—with an 85kW/330Nm electrical motor mounted between the engine and a six-speed wet-type dual-clutch automated transmission. A 19.7kWh (usable) lithium-ion NMC battery mounted beneath the rear seats helps the drivetrain.
Each the Kodiaq and Excellent plug-in hybrids are front-wheel drive solely. Electrical vary varies between the pair, with the Excellent rated at 127–137km (WLTP) and the Kodiaq quoted at “over 100km”. A forty five-litre gas tank helps a complete vary exceeding 800km. Claimed 0–100km/h acceleration instances are 8.1 and eight.4 seconds, respectively.
“We already examined (the hybrids) in different markets with excessive temperatures. The assessments have been good, however we should do it once more due to…prescriptions concerning homologation, and Australian laws. It is going to take a superb 4 months—as much as 5 months,” Ms Kuhn instructed GoAuto.
Ms Kuhn famous that duplicating testing necessities for the Australian market added each value and complexity for Škoda: “It’s not low cost—let’s say it like that.”
If testing proceeds to schedule, formal sign-off for the Kodiaq and Excellent PHEVs is predicted round October 2025, with manufacturing ramp-up to comply with forward of their deliberate Australian showroom arrival in early 2026.
At launch, the hybrid fashions are anticipated to be provided in two trim ranges—possible a value-focused Choose PHEV, and a sportier Sportline PHEV. “We’re nonetheless engaged on (last vary particulars), however I believe that one trim grade wouldn’t be sufficient—we’ll most likely go for 2,” Ms Kuhn famous.
Škoda Australia continues pricing discussions with its Czech head workplace concerning the Kodiaq PHEV—and the broader Excellent vary. Nevertheless, it’s confirmed that the plug-in hybrid variants will command a premium over the combustion-only fashions launched domestically in April.
Indicative pricing suggests the Kodiaq PHEV will sit above the 140TSI Sportline variant ($61,990 drive-away) however under the upcoming second-generation 195kW/400Nm Kodiaq RS that’s anticipated to value round $79,990 drive-away.
When requested whether or not the Kodiaq PHEV may in actual fact be priced above the price of the flagship Kodiaq RS, Ms Kuhn mentioned: “it shouldn’t be—however I’m not positive.”
Pricing for the incoming fourth-generation Excellent liftback and wagon is predicted to be confirmed within the coming months. The core vary will proceed to be anchored by a high-output all-wheel drive petrol variant, which has drawn curiosity from state police forces.
It stays to be seen whether or not the 150kW/350Nm plug-in hybrid Excellent will likely be priced above or under the 195kW/400Nm non-hybrid model.
