Overview
Skoda has been quietly producing some high quality cars in many segments of the market over recent years, so its first venture into the highly competitive purpose built electric SUV sector was much anticipated. It comes in the shape of the Skoda Enyaq iV, a car that shares a platform with its parent company’s ID.4. However, in the Enyaq, Skoda has taken EV evolution down a very different path to VW and produced a very impressive vehicle that might just sway traditional diesel or petrol buyers.
The Enyaq iV is a five seater SUV design that currently comes in two model versions, the more powerful 80, with its 77kW batteries and the 60 with 58 KW. The former offers more power, while less weight means the 60 has slightly more range. Both are exceedingly well equipped and look great on the road.
Pros
- As you would expect from a car in this class, the Enyaq comes loaded with safety devices including lane keeping assistance, collision avoidance and emergency braking. It has also been designed to offe
- Strong performance package
- Appealing internal and exterior design features
- Smooth ride and handling
- Outstanding safety
Cons
- You may need patience to get one
- Lacks additional seating options
Exterior
While with the ID.4 you get the feeling VW designers have set out to make the car look electric and futuristic, the Skoda design team has almost purposely gone in the opposite direction. The result is a very pleasing exterior with sharp contemporary lines. It includes a traditional front grille which gives the car more character and rear roof spoiler which is perhaps a nod to another German competitor.
Exterior styling is more about the heart than the head, so while some true devotees may favour the more electric look, the Enyaq iV will definitely have more appeal to those who would normal buy a car that has big internal combustion engine under the bonnet.
Interior
It is almost a given that the latest EV SUVs will be packed with technology and clever storage, but how this is delivered can vary greatly. The Enyaq interior is more traditional than some, but put together with an eye for detail and quality materials that provide a sense of premium luxury. There is plenty of room for five adults, but the car does not offer the flexibility of a six or seven seat option.
A 13” touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dash, but Skoda has also provided useful manual controls for certain key functions. There are plenty of practical USB charging points and the boot offers a space of 585 litres or a massive 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded.
Performance
Like most of the more recently introduced EVs, performance in terms of power for the Enyaq is not a problem with 204 hp on offer. While it might not have the extreme acceleration of some EVs in this sector, it will reach 100km/h in 8.6 seconds, with top speed of 160km/h. The level of torque available makes the car seem faster than the stats and the all wheel drive option makes the Enyaq very versatile.
Skoda quote range as being between 395.44 and 535.14 km, so in real world driving it effectively offers around 420 km on a full charge which compares well with its rivals and makes it a practical vehicle for most Irish road trips. Charging is also impressive with a 5 to 80% fast charge taking 38 minutes at 125kW DC and 70 minutes at a more standard 50kW DC. Home charging is likely to be in the region of seven and a half hours.
Reliability
Skoda's reputation for reliability is second to none. They consistently rank towards the top of every reliability survey and owner satisfaction always scores highly.
Running Costs
Good range and charging makes the Enyaq pretty energy efficient for a car of its size, keeping everyday running costs in check at a time when diesel and petrol prices are so high. A three year warranty is on offer and Skoda has various offers including three years free servicing. Maintenance is also made more convenient by the availability of an extensive Irish Skoda dealer network.
Handling
On even tricky minor roads the Enyaq handles well. It is a heavy car but this weight is distributed to provide a low centre of gravity that provides excellent stability in corners. Accelerating out of bends is smooth and generally the ride is very comfortable and ultra quiet even at high speed.
One point worth making is that for a big vehicle the Enyaq has a very tight turning circle, making it easier to manoeuvre in small parking areas.
Safety
As you would expect from a car in this class, the Enyaq comes loaded with safety devices including lane keeping assistance, collision avoidance and emergency braking. It has also been designed to offer excellent occupant protection and this is all reflected in a 5 Star EURONCAP safety rating.
Skoda has also used much of this advanced safety technology to make everyday driving more comfortable and convenient including; travel assist, for a more relaxed motorway driving experience and parking assist. LED lights also offer improve night-time visibility.
Summary
- Exterior
- 90%
- Interior
- 80%
- Performance
- 90%
- Reliability
- 90%
- Running Costs
- 90%
- Handling
- 100%
- Safety
- 100%
As electric SUVs go, Skoda has managed to produce one of the very best. It is comfortable, very well built and equipped and offers excellent performance and range. It is packed with all the required technology for both comfort and safety which is delivered in a well thought out package. Although not everyone will share this view, perhaps the biggest complement you can pay the Enyaq is that, while some EVs feel experimental, this is a proper premium SUV that just happens to be powered by electric rather than conventional fuel. Indeed the appeal of the Enyaq is such that Skoda Ireland quickly sold its reduced 2021 allocation and already has significant delivery lead times for 2022.