Skoda will launch its first two plug-in hybrids in Australia during the initial months of 2026, later than the end of 2025 previously indicated, the Volkswagen-owned Czech car manufacturer has confirmed.

Following confirmation earlier this year that the Kodiaq and Superb plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) would be introduced to the Australian market, their arrival schedule has now been set: the Kodiaq will be released in the first quarter of 2026 (January to March), followed shortly afterwards by the Superb.

Skoda Australia has undertaken local testing of both models in recent months, including battery health checks over a distance of 30,000 km.

At the launch of the Elroq electric vehicle last week, Skoda Australia's Head of Marketing and Product, Kieran Merrigan, stated that the testing had been completed and that the batteries had maintained performance.

The Kodiaq and Superb PHEVs are expected to deliver an electric-only driving range of up to 120 km.

In addition, Skoda intends to introduce mild-hybrid technology to the Kodiaq and the smaller Octavia in Australia in early 2026.

According to Merrigan, the mild-hybrid Kodiaq is likely to arrive around the same time as the PHEV version, potentially in the second quarter of 2026 (April to June).

These hybrid-assisted models will be added to Skoda's two fully electric vehicles, the Enyaq and the Elroq. The Enyaq Coupe was launched in Australia in late 2024, while the Elroq became available through dealers in recent weeks. A 'wagon' version of the Enyaq SUV is scheduled to launch locally next month.

While Audi, also part of the Volkswagen Group, has offered mild-hybrid vehicles for some time, Skoda and its sibling brand Volkswagen have been slower to adopt the technology. Volkswagen currently offers the ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz electric vehicles in Australia, in addition to a plug-in hybrid version of the Touareg R large SUV.

Internationally, the Octavia mild-hybrid is equipped with a 110 kW/250 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a small electric motor, a 48-volt battery, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid versions of the Kodiaq and Superb employ the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine but integrate a more powerful electric motor, a 19.7 kWh battery pack, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing a combined output of up to 150 kW.

Skoda is continuing to adjust its strategy to meet global demand for electric vehicles. Skoda Australia Director Lucie Kuhn stated that while demand for fully electric cars is expected to increase, the brand will maintain production of petrol-powered models while customer demand continues.

Kuhn noted that electric vehicles are projected to account for 40% of new car sales globally within the next five years, while the remaining 60% will consist of combustion engine technologies, including hybrids. She added that Skoda will continue to invest in combustion engine development alongside its focus on low-emission technology.