We spend some high quality time with the Skoda Elroq – one among our favorite household EVs available on the market…
The final time I examined a Skoda EV was in 2021. It was the spectacular Enyaq – the model’s first electrical automotive.
Aside from a “coupe” model of the Enyaq, there’s been nothing else on the zero-emissions entrance till the 2025 launch of its little brother, the Elroq.
Priced from a aggressive £31,510, it’s about the identical measurement as a Nissan Qashqai, and its many all-electric SUV rivals embrace the whole lot from the Volvo EX30 and Ford Explorer to the Kia EV3 and Renault Scenic E-Tech.
I’ve simply spent every week with the Elroq, and it’s clear that Skoda has one other success on its fingers.
First impressions are nice. It’s a nicely-proportioned, sharp trying automotive, that includes the Czech producer’s new styling route referred to as “Trendy Strong”, which features a “Tech-Deck” face.
Whereas it’s shorter than the Enyaq, the Elroq’s wheelbase is sort of the identical, which means that there’s ample area back and front for adults.
The truth is, proper from the second I adjusted the driving seat, I knew I used to be going to love the Elroq. Not like most EVs the place I really feel perched, I might decrease the seat to my most well-liked place.
Vitally, this skill to take a seat decrease within the automotive makes you’re feeling extra concerned within the driving expertise.
As you’d count on in a Skoda, there are many smaller storage areas too, whereas the boot is a good 470 litres, increasing to 1,580 litres with the rear units folded down.
General, it’s a trendy, well-built inside, even when it’s on the minimalist aspect relating to the dashboard. Aside from a row of buttons beneath the air vents, and the multi-function steering wheel, the whole lot is managed by way of the central touchscreen.
Swiping and prodding any display screen on the transfer isn’t secure, so sticking necessities akin to local weather management in there is senseless. Rant over.
The Elroq is obtainable in 4 trims: SE, SE L, Version and SportLine, plus the performance-focused, range-topping vRS. In addition to this, you’ll have to select from numerous battery and electrical motor configurations.
The choices vary from the entry-level 50 mannequin with a 52kWh battery and 168bhp motor that produces 310Nm of torque. That’s adequate for a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.7 seconds.
Subsequent up is the Elroq 60 with a 59kWh battery, 201bhp motor and 310Nm of torque. That’s good for a 0-60mph dash of seven.7 seconds.
Then there’s the Elroq 85 full with a 77kWh battery and 282bhp motor, producing a potent 545Nm of torque, which is sufficient for a really brisk 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds.
For the file, the vRS has twin motors and a 5.2-second dash time.
Lastly, it’s value noting that every one Elroq fashions, aside from the vRS, are rear-wheel drive.
It’s no shock that the Elroq is fast off the mark, however it’s vary that issues for many.
Relying on the mannequin chosen, in accordance with the claimed figures, vary varies from 232 miles (Elroq SE 50) to 355 miles, for my take a look at automotive – the Elroq Version 85.
On the highway, the tender suspension provides the Elroq a snug if barely floaty, experience, although it solely turns into unsettled over larger bumps.
Progress is refined and parking is a doddle due to mild steering, good all-round visibility, a good turning circle, and the varied digital aids.
Push on and there’s surprisingly little physique lean on twisty roads, however it’s clearly arrange extra for consolation than driving engagement – even with the power to take a seat decrease within the automotive.
Additionally, the brakes are effective, however on the spongey aspect, whereas front-end grip is okay within the dry, however is likely to be more difficult in slippery circumstances. In different phrases, it’s at its finest cruising alongside.
If you happen to fancy experimenting, the drive modes accessible embrace Regular, Eco, Sport and Particular person, which permit for customisation of settings akin to engine response, steering and suspension. As ever, Regular provides the perfect mixture of efficiency and effectivity, whereas Eco is smart for lengthy motorway runs and Sport spices issues up a bit for brief bursts.
There additionally an optionally available DCC (Dynamic Chassis Management) with Regular, Consolation, Sport and Customized settings. It options adjustable dampers that fluctuate the extent of experience firmness, however I believe most patrons will likely be pleased with the standard-set-up.
All however entry-level fashions get paddles on the steering wheel to regulate the extent of regenerative braking, plus there’s a “B” mode on the gear selector, which is beneficial for eking out additional miles on lengthy downhill stretches of highway, for example.
A ten-80% speedy cost is feasible in round half-hour throughout the line-up, and naturally it’ll cost in a single day in case you have a house connection.
Claimed effectivity for my take a look at automotive was 4.1 miles per kWh. On a long term I received near 4.0, and at worst throughout my week I achieved 3.2. So, pushed sensibly, it’s one of many extra environment friendly EVs available on the market. In metropolis driving, a variety north of 300 miles is feasible, however on combined roads you’re in all probability taking a look at a real-world vary nearer to 275 miles.
In the end, the Skoda Elroq is a formidable all-round package deal and represents nice worth for cash.
Verdict: Skoda has one other winner on its fingers with the electrical Elroq compact SUV. Fashionable, spacious, secure, snug and simple to drive, it’s inexpensive and has a good vary.
Skoda UK
