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is a proper 4x4. A single model hosts one of the best equipped SUVs with standard fare including such things as leather trim, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone air conditioning, electronic 4-wheel-drive, high beam assist, keyless entry and start, rear parking camera, reclining rear seats and much more. Power comes from a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
engine mated to 134kw electric motor providing hybrid power. Four driving modes offer the option of pure electric, automatic between hybrid and electric, hybrid and battery charge. There’s a claimed pure electric range of 46 miles, I managed 40 miles without any effort at conserving battery power so it’s a particularly impressive and commutable distance. The fusion between petrol and electric power is
impressive too, with easily-selectable modes and an e-CVT automatic transmission that makes for smooth transitions without the usual raised engine revs. Add the self-charge button, which raises the engine revs
somewhat, and there’s a surprisingly rapid recharge on the move. Plug-in the Across and it’ll take around six hours to fully charge from a domestic wallbox. On the road the Across has a very premium feel helped by the smooth and refined progress. A large touchscreen still leaves buttons (hurrah!) for other functions and it’s all very intuitive. A conventional style automatic gear shift lever adds a touch of normality in a world where the standard rules of car conventionality seem to have disappeared. Many hybrids and electric vehicles have lost that conventional look and all too frequently for reasons of style rather than practical substance. There is plenty of space for passengers and their luggage, not to mention lots of cubby boxes and pockets for your in-car bits-and-bobs. With subtle styling tweaks to the front design the Across is a suitably rugged looking SUV, as befits a proper off-road vehicle, and with a high specification more than lives up to the price tag.
SKODA SUPERB IV I
t may come as a surprise to many who have cast doubt on Skoda cars over the years that the Czech manufacturer keeps company with the likes of
Peugeot and Mercedes Benz as one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1895 as Laurin & Klement, now their top-line models, they are part of VAG and produce a plethora of models from eco to equipment laden SUVs. The Superb has been a feature of the Skoda range
for some years and in its latest guise has taken on even better eco credentials with plug-in hybrid versions. They are badged iV and use the 1.4 TSi petrol engine combined with a 85kw electric motor and plug-in charging. With a potential pure electric range of 37 miles it’s enough for a commute, and offers three drive modes – e-mode, Sport and Hybrid. You can choose pure electric, hybrid where the car decides or sport where both combustion and electric power combine. In electric, or sport, it produces very decent
acceleration with the benchmark 62 mph arriving in 7.8 seconds, which for a large car like the Superb is impressive. Mated to the 6-speed DSG automatic transmission it’s a relaxing and comfortable drive. There’s space aplenty for all and rear occupants are particularly well catered for with enough legroom for even the tallest person to stretch out. The acreage
continues in the boot where you could carry enough supplies for a veritable army. As with all plug-in hybrids a home charger is an
REALLY DOES LIVE UP TO ITS NAME
THE SUPERB
essential to make the most of the electric side of the Superb, not to mention being easier and more practical. For those who feel range anxiety prevents moving to a pure electric car the hybrids offer a very sensible alternative with a combustion engine to increase practicality. Priced from £36,530 the Superb iV
range is offered in hatch and estate form and comes with an impressive basic standard equipment list that
includes adaptive LED head lights, privacy glass, heated front seats, leather, power driver’s seat, navigation, climate, keyless entry and start and electric heated, adjustable and folding door mirrors. If you need a spacious car, a very spacious car, with
all the toys, eco credentials and one which you could drive for hours and emerge fresh and relaxed, then the Superb really does live up to its name. Obvious play on words but it has to be done!
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