John Challen finds the plug-in hybrid Superb Estate is highly easy to live with.

Our Škoda plug-in hybrid joined the Fleet World long-term family just before the first lockdown

P11d (BiK): £33,195 MPG/CO2: 188.3-148.7mpg/33g/km Test MPG: 300mpg

Just before the March lockdown, another plug-in hybrid joined the Fleet World long-term family, courtesy of Škoda, which has stuck an electric motor on the flagship saloon.

Having driven many hybrids and electrics in my time, I’d never had the opportunity to live with one, so was eager to see what life would be like running one.

Slightly unusual circumstances, granted, but the experiment turned out to be a roaring success during the days of restricted travelling.

The Superb’s 85kW electric motor helps generate a battery-powered range of just under 40 miles, which proved to be more than adequate for the vast majorities of our journeys.

Topping up the battery was straightforward, quick and a big help in my quest to ensure the average fuel economy figure was as high as possible!

There were a few times when the 156hp 1.4-litre TSI engine kicked in, but when it did, the shift was so seamless and smooth that passengers barely noticed the difference.

When ICE power did take over, it proved that the 1.4-litre engine, with the powertrain’s combined 218hp, more than a match for the big Skoda. Other standard Superb attributes impressed as always – huge boot, acres of space front and back, and some of the most comfortable seats in the current automotive market.

An interesting footnote to the Superb hybrid ‘ownership’ experience came on collection of the vehicle when I had to make a trip to a fuel station for the first time in six months to replace the fuel I had used. It took a few moments to realise there was a button near the gearstick to pop the filler cap flap, as opposed to using the flap itself!