2022 Skoda Superb L AND K IV Phev S-A 1.4L Hybrid electric · YD22 HFS

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 June 2026 resulted in a PASS, although this outcome was only achieved after a FAIL was issued on the immediately preceding day, 8 June 2026. The recorded advisories accompanying both tests are identical and reflect a cluster of condition-based observations rather than active test failures: nearside front and rear tyres with slight damage or perishing, an offside front coil spring showing corrosion, a nearside rear outer tyre with a shallow cut not penetrating to the ply or cords, and front tyres noted as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear on both sides. The previous test in June 2025 was passed cleanly with no defects recorded, which indicates that the overall maintenance trend has noticeably deteriorated within a twelve-month window. While none of these items constituted an immediate failure, their accumulation warrants careful scrutiny, as several point toward wear progression that may soon require rectification. The vehicle is approximately four years old with 43,183 recorded miles, equating to roughly 10,796 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a modern executive saloon. There are no significant gaps or unusually rapid accumulation in the mileage profile that would suggest either prolonged standing or heavy commercial use. This pattern of average mileage is generally favourable for a plug-in hybrid of this age, as moderate use tends to keep the high-voltage battery, regenerative braking system, conventional brake components, and internal combustion engine all working within normal parameters. However, PHEV powertrains do require regular running to exercise both the petrol and electric systems, so any extended standing periods between journeys should be enquired about, as this can accelerate 12V auxiliary battery degradation and affect long-term hybrid system health. The advisories recorded at the 2026 test merit particular attention during a pre-purchase physical inspection. The front tyres being close to the legal limit and worn on both edges suggest an alignment or suspension geometry concern, potentially linked to the corroded offside front coil spring noted in the same test. On a road test, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed humps and rough tarmac, and observe whether the vehicle sits level or shows any sagging on the offside front corner. The tyres themselves should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, especially given the slight perishing already flagged on the nearside front and rear items, as rubber degrades with age and UV exposure regardless of tread depth. Any uneven or feathered tread wear across the front axle would reinforce concerns about geometry or component wear, while the nearside rear cut should be checked to confirm it has not deepened or propagated toward the ply or cords. Beyond the recorded advisories, age-and-use-appropriate checks remain essential. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and binding, particularly given any possibility of standing periods between short commutes typical of PHEV usage, where the regenerative system reduces reliance on conventional braking and calipers can seize from lack of use. The 12V auxiliary battery, cabin filter, brake fluid, and coolant should all be confirmed as recently serviced, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. For the hybrid system specifically, verify that the high-voltage charging cable and port are present and undamaged, that the vehicle charges as expected, and that the service history includes hybrid-specific items such as EGR and intake cleaning where relevant. Finally, a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes across both the conventional ECU and the hybrid powertrain controller would provide additional confidence before purchase.