Skoda has opened the order books for its new Superb iV plug-in hybrid, the Czech brand’s debut electrified vehicle which claims a 35-mile zero emissions electric driving range.

A P11d from £31,915 and BIK band of 10% mean that the new addition to the Volkswagen Group brand’s flagship saloon line-up is likely to gain favour with fleet operators at a time that has seen many franchised car retailer networks encouraged to take advantage of potential SME business.

In January 2019 Skoda embraced the opportunity open to retailers with the launch of 20 business centres, which will cater for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and major corporates.

CO2 emissions for the new plug-in Superb – the first in a series of electrified iV models from the brand – is less than 40g/km from a drivetrain that combines VW’s 1.4-litre TSI Petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 218PS.

Skoda claims that the combination of electric and petrol power will allow tha Superb to travel up to 578 miles between a fuel top-up or charge.

Skoda’s first electrified car is available in four trim levels: SE Technology for fleet customers, SE L, SportLine Plus, as well as the range topping L&K.

The model also introduces new styling features to the Superb range, with remodelled bumpers, a wider grille and new full-LED matrix headlights with anti-dazzle, full-LED taillights and dynamic indicators.

The brand’s fleet-specific SE technology trim offers customers a leather interior and an eight-inch infotainment system screen for the same third-generation infotainment system that also now features on the new Scala hatchback and Kamiq crossover.

The system features an in-built SIM card for data and wireless connection for SmartLink and Apple CarPlay and provides real-time traffic information and online support, allowing route suggestions to be calculated “more quickly and accurately”, according to Skoda.