The plug-in hybrid Superb may be a very sensible choice for business users wanting to save a few quid on their salary sacrifice, but there’s more to the Skoda than a vast interior, a big boot and a small tax bill. That said, thanks to its 1.4-litre petrol and electric motor, the Czech fastback emits just 23g/km and falls into the 12% BIK band, meaning a lower-rate taxpayer will fork out just £895, which isn’t very much at all.
Yet the Superb iV is also good to drive, with crisp handling and a controlled ride, and with 215 electrically assisted horsepower on tap, it’s no slouch. You’re never going to get up early just to take it for a blast, but there’s enough dynamic appeal that you might take the long way home from the office.
We’ve bundled this pair of plug-in hybrid SUVs together because, well, they’re essentially the same car. A large 18.1kWh battery means a claimed 46 miles of EV running, CO2 emissions of 22g/km and a very attractive BIK tax rating of 8%. It’s not the most exciting to drive, but it’s precise, composed and, crucially, very comfy. It also goes well, dusting the 0-62mph dash in just 6.0sec, so you can say sayonara to the hot hatch brigade.
When it comes down to brass tacks, however, the less costly RAV4 Design gets the nod, with lower-rate earners sacrificing just £705 in tax, a saving of £40 over the equivalent Across.
