Review: Skoda Enyaq
What is it?
The Enyaq was Skoda’s first electric SUV when it first hit the market in 2020.
British buyers flocked to this family-friendly offering due to its sheer amount of interior space, while offering a decent amount of electric range as standard.
However, the game has moved on since the car’s original launch, and now many of its rivals are following in its footsteps to try and overshadow it in the fiercely competitive world of electric SUVs.
So, Skoda has fought back by giving its beloved Enyaq a few revisions to make it continue to sit at the top of the class – but is it enough?
What’s new?
The Enyaq’s changes include some exterior styling tweaks and an increased level of standard equipment to boost the car’s appeal.
There’s a range of different trim levels and you can even get a hot vRS model, too. In terms of rivals, the Enyaq goes up against the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, as well as cars like the Nissan Ariya and Kia EV6.
And, just like before, there is the option of an SUV or Coupe body style, to help give a wider choice for the consumer.
Plus, the Coupe now has slightly better aerodynamic efficiency, which should help with its electric range.
What’s under the bonnet?
Just like the previous model, the Enyaq comes with the option of two battery packs – a 59kWh or a larger 77kWh.
The former can achieve a claimed 268 miles and the latter can travel 365 miles respectively, while there are three power output options to choose from. These consist of a 201bhp single-motor version right through to a 282bhp dual-motor setup in the 85x models.
In terms of charging, the Enyaq is compatible with speeds of up to 175kW from a DC rapid unit, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent top up can be completed in around 28 minutes.
What’s more, larger battery models of the Enyaq feature bidirectional charging, which allows the energy to flow back and forth between the car and your house – effectively enabling you to use the car as a battery with its onboard energy to power your home.
What’s it like to drive?
Thankfully, this new Enyaq drives almost identically to the model it replaces.
That means it’s quiet, smooth and refined, while the electric motors provide enough performance when you put your foot down, however it’s not the quickest electric SUV out there. But, the way it delivers its power is more than acceptable for everyday use.
We’re driving the Coupe version of the car, and although it looks great, the sloping roofline means that rear visibility is a compromise when manoeuvring. That’s not a problem with the SUV version of the car, though.
How does it look?
You’ll have to be a real Skoda guru to spot the changes as they are minimal.
The Enyaq now features the firm’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language, which means that the front end now has a smoothed-off look, while the slimmer headlights make the whole appearance more up-to-date.
However – even up close – you’ll struggle to spot the differences, with this new design being a little bit more sober compared to the old model.
What’s it like inside?
The Enyaq’s interior is all about practicality and this improved version doesn’t disappoint. You still get large door bins and two cup holders – although they are on the small side. Plus, there are several of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features, such as a parking ticket holder, mobile phone pockets on the back of the front seats and fast charging USB-C ports.
In the back, space for the rear occupants shouldn’t be a problem, but the Coupe does reduce headroom, and its boot capacity isn’t as spacious.
The Coupe offers 570 litres or 1,610 litres with the rear seats folded down – compared to 585 litres or 1,710 litres in the SUV version. It’s more boot space than you’ll find in the Ford Mustang Mach-e, for instance.
What’s the spec like?
The range kicks off with the SE L model for £39,000 and comes with the smaller 59kWh battery.
But, even the entry-level car comes with lots of toys including adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, and tri-zone climate control.
The mid-level Edition adds 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED Matrix headlights and an electric driver’s seat with a massage function. Then, at the top-of-the-range is the £48,760 Sportline, which boasts black 20-inch alloy wheels and a head-up display.
For an additional cost, you can specify the Enyaq with Skoda’s ‘Tech Deck’ front-end design, which illuminates the nose of the car at night, to give it more presence on the road.
Verdict
The Enyaq still remains at the top of the family electric SUV chart, due to its excellent driving experience and impressive interior space.
Also, with its great range of battery and electric motor options – packing decent electric ranges – it’s no wonder why the Enyaq has found so many homes here in the UK.
Skoda didn’t need to change much to what was already a great car, but these small revisions have made the Enyaq better value for money and also more modern-looking. And, because of that, this EV is still a very likeable and impressive offering for families.
Think the Skoda Enyaq could be the car for you? Then you’re in luck – it’s one of a number of the very latest electric vehicles that we’re proud to offer here at UK CarLine. Check out our current stock to see just what’s available today.
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