Can the all-electric Enyaq iV live up to Skoda’s traditional strengths of practicality and value?
I’ll let you into a little secret. While we try to approach every car you see in these pages with an open mind and a fresh set of eyes, we often have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Skodas, in particular, fall into this category. Almost invariably, the Czech manufacturer dishes out cars that are roomy, practical and strong value for money. They’re full of clever little features, like hooks in the boot to hang your shopping bags, compartments to hold your sunglasses and even an umbrella that pops out of the driver’s door. Not necessarily a source of bragging rights, but things that make everyday life that little bit easier.
In some respects, the Enyaq iV is a new type of Skoda. It’s the first to be designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. It also sports a sharply-styled exterior that could easily be mistaken for the more aspirational German brands, plus a nicely-sculpted interior that has the option of sustainable materials and vegan leather. All very zeitgeisty.
So does that mean the traditional values of comfort and practicality go out the window? Predictably, not. The Enyaq is quite literally a lot of car for the money, dwarfing most of the similarly-priced opposition inside and out. Not even the Volkswagen ID.4 – based on the same underlying platform – can match the 585-litre boot capacity or the space given to the rear seat passengers.
It drives well too. Compared to the rocket ship acceleration on some electric cars, the Enyaq isn’t crazily fast, but a 0-to-62mph time of 8.2 seconds compares favourably to most of the petrol and diesel opposition.
Comparatively soft suspension means that the Skoda glides smoothly over the road surface. It does so with typical electric car quietness too. And although there’s little to excite keen drivers about the handling, it steers with commendable accuracy and composure.
Electric cars are all about energy efficiency, and we saw a very credible 3.1 miles per kWh hour from the two-wheel drive Enyaq iV 80 Sportline. That’s helped by a clever adaptive regen system that subtly varies the level of regenerative braking, depending on factors such as whether you’re coming up to a stop line or how close you are to the car in front.
Based on our experience, the 77kWh battery in this particular example is good for a real-world range of around 240 miles (some way short of the official 331 miles, but more than enough for most daily duties). Ultra-fast DC charging is supported at up to 125kW, meaning that the Enyaq can be fully charged in just 29 minutes. There’s also an app that allows you to schedule cheaper charging off-peak at home.
FINAL SAY
For all its sensibleness, we found ourselves developing an unexpected affection for the Enyaq. There’s an appealing honesty to the way it just gets on with things – content to work quietly in the background rather than shouting for your attention. It’s one of the best electric cars out there if you’re looking for unpretentious family transport – comfortable, practical and well thought-out. Exactly as you’d expect from a Skoda.
SPEC AND TECH
Price: Skoda Enyaq iV 80 Sportline £42,915 as tested (range from £40,915)
Powertrain: 204PS, single motor rear-wheel drive, 82kWh battery (77kWh net)
Performance: 0 to 62mph in 8.2 seconds; top speed 99mph
Range: 331 miles (claimed)
Efficiency: 3.7 miles per kWh (claimed)
