Skoda will introduce two mild-hybrid models in 2026. The technology will complement the forthcoming plug-in hybrid models and the expanded electric vehicle range.

At the launch of the fully electric Skoda Elroq medium SUV, the brand confirmed that mild-hybrid versions of the Octavia and Kodiaq will be released in Australia in 2026.

These models will follow the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the Kodiaq and Superb, scheduled for the first quarter of the year.

Mild hybrids cannot drive the wheels solely on electric power. They use a small electric motor to assist the engine under load or switch it off when the vehicle is coasting, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

The absence of mild-hybrid technology in Skoda's local line-up contributed to a decline in sales of 37% in 2024.

Skoda indicated that customer demand for hybrid technology has influenced previous sales performance.

While Audi offers multiple mild-hybrid variants, Skoda and Volkswagen currently do not provide the technology in Australia.

Volkswagen's local electric vehicle portfolio includes the ID.4, ID.5, ID.Buzz, Tayron, and the Touareg R PHEV.

Overseas, the Octavia mild hybrid pairs a 110 kW/250 Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor, a 48-volt battery, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Skoda quotes fuel consumption figures of 4.9-5.4-litre /100km (WLTP), depending on the variant.

In Australia, the current Octavia 110TSI produces similar outputs from a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, with a fuel consumption claim of 6.1-6.2-litre /100km (WLTP).

The Kodiaq 140TSI uses a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 140 kW/320 Nm, with a fuel consumption claim of 9.2-litre /100km.

When the mild-hybrid Kodiaq is introduced in Australia, it is expected to use the 1.5-litre 110TSI powertrain available overseas.

This configuration will likely be front-wheel drive, whereas the current local Kodiaq is all-wheel drive.