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The new Skoda Enyaq iV—Skoda's first purpose-built electric vehicle is an entry-level sports utility vehicle with an impressive array of specs for the relatively low price tag. A solid offering.
The Enyaq is a new EV from Skoda that aims to make a splash in the entry-level electric cars market. It is a family-sized SUV with an impressive array of technology at the driver's fingertips. From the modest iV 50 to range-topping vRS, there are quite a few models to choose from. The iV lineup uses a combination of single and twin electric motor setups.
Ultimately, the Enyaq iV doesn't set the world alight with style and innovation. Still, it is a solid entry into the electric SUV market and good value for money compared to similar electric cars.
| Range | Battery Size | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 miles | 62kWh (iV 60 Nav) | 6 hours (0-100% 7kW) | 31mins (10-80% 100kW) |
| 333 miles | 82kWh (iV 80) | 8 hours (0-100% 7kW) | 38mins (10-80% 125kW) |
The lineup of the Skoda Enyaq iV is quite impressive, considering this is an entry-level all-electric SUV. Several factors will come into play regarding your real-world results, however. For example, the all-wheel-drive variant—the iV 80x—sports the same 82kWh battery as the regular 80 but with front and rear motors. Unfortunately, that additional motor knocks about twenty miles off of your potential top distance.
Each of the Skoda Enyaq iV models comes with 50kWh DC charging, but you can bump that up with an upgrade from the standard 50kW DC model to 100kWh or 125kWh chargers, depending on the mode of electric Skoda you have.
While we don't have real-world figures to play with just yet, the claimed range of the Skoda Enyaq is perfectly believable. The expected mileage across the entire Skoda Enyaq iV lineup is between 210-330 miles. The Skoda Enyaq iV 50 makes up the lower end of that scale, and the Enyaq iV 80 with its 82kHw battery and two-wheel drive drivetrain filling the top spot.
The all-wheel-drive models run the same 82kWh battery as the iV 80, but the extra motor's added weight brings the max distance on a full charge down to 300-310 miles.
Of course, we will be updating this information once real-world data starts rolling in, but for now, the expected miles of range that Skoda claims the iV comes with seems perfectly plausible.
The iV comes with an average charging time of six to eight hours using a regular 7kWh wall box, but you can get that down to as little as 38 minutes with a 125kWh fast charger, which is an optional extra, of course, though it will only be able to take your battery from 10 to 80%. For the Enyaq iV 60's lower capacity 62kWh battery, you will be limited to 100kWh fast charging.
The variable rates of electricity under different suppliers will affect your total charge cost. Still, as a rough average, you can expect to be paying between £3 and £10 for a single full charge using a 7kWh charger. This range is broadly the same for the 60 and the 80, despite the increased battery size. You cannot charge the battery entirely using the fast charging capability.
The 62kWh iV 60 falls into the insurance group 23, while the 80 sits in 26. This puts the electric SUV firmly in the mid-range for insurance, alongside cars like Ford Mondeos and BMW 188s.
Skoda offers an impressive warranty on their vehicles, with an unlimited mileage warranty for two years and a third year of warranty up to 60,000 miles. There is also a 12-year body protection warranty on all Skoda cars as standard. If you want to extend your warranty, you can do so for £180.
Specific information on Skoda's new electric car's service intervals and pricing is a little hard to come by. However, we know that electric vehicles typically stick to the same intervals as petrol and diesel cars, so you can expect to be taking your new electric Skoda back to the dealer annually.
Being an entirely electric car, the 2021 Skoda Enyaq is a band 0 car, and as such, will not cost you anything in road tax, regardless of which model you choose.
For the rear-wheel-drive Enyaq iV 50, Enyaq iV 60 and Enyaq iV 80, you can expect to hit a 0-62mph time in 11.4, 8.7 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. This probably doesn't look all that impressive when you consider that all the power is going straight from the electric motor to the rear wheels.
It is the four-wheel-drive Enyaq iV 80x and Enyaq vRS where the performance shines, with their twin electric motor setup taking from 0-62mph in 6.9 and 6.2 seconds, respectively.
In terms of top speed, the Enyaq presents a uniform 99mph across the board, except the Enyaq vRS, which can top out at 111mph. The net result here is a car that feels quite nippy despite its size and can achieve speeds exceeding anything an SUV should ever be used for.
The most obvious comparison to make to the 2021 Skoda Enyaq is Volkswagen ID.4 since both models are essentially the same underlying cars built on the MEB platform. As you might expect, they match each other closely in all areas. For comparison, a little further from home, consider the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia e-Niro—both electric cars in the same corner of the market.
As it is becoming increasingly common across the electric car market, the aggressiveness of the recuperative brakes can be dialled in to suit your preferences, as can the suspension if you choose to get the optional adaptive suspension, giving you the ability to fine-tune your driving experience.
The main economic feature of the 2021 Skoda Enyaq is the variable recuperative braking mentioned above. This lets you adjust the brakes' feel between something like what you would experience in a petrol or diesel car and a more aggressive, almost "dodgem" experience where lifting your foot off of the accelerator results in immediate braking but recuperates more energy from the wheels.
The effect can be pretty drastic, so it would probably be best to start on a low setting and adjust gradually as you get used to it.
Being an SUV, there will always be a limit to what the car can achieve when it comes to narrow, winding city roads. And you certainly won't want to go off-road with it. However, the ride comfort of the Enyaq makes it a joy to take on the motorway, and it is perfectly competent on some of the more rural roads you might encounter.
Appearance-wise, the Enyaq is inspired by the current Skoda Octavia, with the main difference being the front grille, which doesn't need to let air cool the engine like a regular petrol diesel car.
There are no noticeable differences between the rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions, and all models come with alloy wheels.
All the cars in the lineup come with 19-inch alloy wheels, though some extras like LED headlights and grille lights will require one of the upgrades.
Each model of the iV is available in a range of trim options, from the standard model, the Lounge package, and the Suite package. There is also the range-topping Founders Edition, but that is only available if you choose a car that comes with an 82kWh battery pack. This edition also boasts 21-inch alloy wheels.
The first thing you're likely to notice when climbing into the interior of this fully electric Skoda model is the enormous 13-inch screen that sits proudly above the centre console.
Many of the typical controls you would expect to find dotted around the interior of your car have been moved to this touch screen interface, reducing the number of physical buttons and switches there are and moving everything into one easy to view place, including the dual-zone climate control. Of course, there is safe and easy-to-access control of several functions using the steering wheel controls.
The Skoda Enyaq iV boasts Skoda's virtual assistant—Laura—as well as Android Auto and Apple Airplay. There is smartphone app connectivity which grants you the ability to control certain aspects of the Skoda Enyaq iV from your phone, regardless of whether you are near the car.
One of the main things about the interior of the Skoda Enyaq is that there is plenty of room for storing things inside the car. The back seats, in particular, offer a generous amount of space to stretch out in. If you're relaxing in the front seats, there is ample storage in the dash and door pockets.
In keeping with the substantial quantity of space inside the car, the boot has an impressive capacity of 585 litres, which should be enough for any family trip.
The Skoda Enyaq iV is not currently NCAP rated. However, similar cars in the Skoda line-up, such as the Kodiaq, have been rated highly, so it is safe to assume the same safety standards are being applied here.
In addition to the nine airbags dotted around the car, each model of Enyaq also boasts emergency braking in the presence of oncoming vehicles when turning left, active assistance for avoiding obstacles, and a warning system for possible collisions.
If you want to drive away in Skoda Enyaq, you will be looking at prices starting at £31,085 for the basic model if you take advantage of the government's plug-in car grant, designed to encourage drivers to move over to an electric car for their next vehicle. That knocks £2,500 off the price and makes it at least £1,000 cheaper than some of the nearest competition. For that base-level price, you get rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, and keyless start.
For an extra £1,115, you have the option of upgrading to the Lounge package, which replaces the stock trim with light grey leather and yellow stitching. Alternatively, you might want to go for the Suite package for an extra £1,285, including piano-black leather.
If you are more concerned about the mile range, you can bump up the battery pack from the 50 or 62kWh battery to the 82kWh variant that comes with the Enyaq iV 80 models, starting at £35,950. You will also get front parking sensors, a rearview camera, and built-in navigation for your extra money. You can also add the Lounge and Suite packages for the same additional cost.
Finally, if you want to go all out, the Founders Edition will set you back at least £46,995. Among other things, this option includes an illuminated front grille and LED headlights. But whichever model you decide you might like for your new car, they should be available to order soon.
