The Enyaq iV is Skoda’s handsome, spacious new SUV, a fully-electric model marking the start of the brand’s electro-mobility journey and paving the way for a new generation of all-electric Skodas.

As befits a car that is starting a new era in design and engineering for the Czech Republic marque, the Enyaq iV introduces a new range structure based around battery sizes.

Customers can choose between two battery pack sizes, 62kWh and 82kW, and then opt for one of six interior design selections and choose from option packs.
I spent a week behind the wheel of the 82kW version, which the manufacturer says has a range of 333 miles.

Style file

The exterior design has bags of kerb appeal, bold and futuristic yet immediately recognisable as a Skoda. The five-door car’s sculptural lines and well-balanced proportions combine to create a dynamic yet elegant family SUV (sports utility vehicle).

The front end features a striking front grille, crystalline headlights and a boldly detailed bumper that combines powerful aerodynamic elements with intricate details. Available as an option, the grille has 130 vertical LED strips integrated into its structure with a single horizontal beam. 

The side profile creates a smooth, flowing shape, while at the rear, the Enyaq iV features rear LED light units split between the rear wing and tailgate with intricate crystalline detailing. 

The tailgate is framed by a matt black roof spoiler and a rear bumper that features a grey diffuser. A panoramic sliding roof is available as an option while the roof rails and window frames provide contrast in a choice of chrome, matt or gloss black. 

Those six interior design packages range from Loft, which includes grey dashboard fabric and stitching and brushed aluminium decor strips, Lodge, which has fabric from recycled plastic bottles, and bright colours, Lounge, with its a combination of leather and microfibre upholstery with contrast stitching, Suite (our test model) which features black leather upholstery with Cognac brown stitching and artificial leather-trimmed dashboard. 

Then there’s EcoSuite with Cognac brown leather dyed with olive leaf extract with contrast stitching and piano black decor strips, and SportLine which has Alcantara and leather-trimmed sports seats and dashboard, carbon-effect decor strips and aluminium-look pedals.

Asian Image:

Features

Our car’s wealth of features included a 13in touch-screen display, heated, leather trimmed steering wheel, eight-speaker audio system, cruise control and speed-limiter, heated, auto-dimming and auto-folding door mirrors with boarding spotlights and ‘welcome’ logo, dual zone climate control, LED ambient interior lighting, light and rain sensors with auto-dimming rear view mirror, coming-home and leaving-home features for exterior lights, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, satnav, connectivity suite and a wi-fi hotspot for up to eight devices.

Practicality? The Enyaq iV’s boot has a capacity of 585 litres with the rear seats in the upright position and 1,710 litres with them folded.

Asian Image:

On the road

The cabin feels very light and airy with remarkable legroom both front and back, while the flat floor gives lots of foot-room. The single-speed transmission (see Tech time) makes driving a doddle and progress is seamless, smooth and quiet, with bags of power on tap. 

With generous range (see Tech time) and selectable drive modes, including Eco - for more efficient driving - and Sport, the driving experience is confidence-inspiring and the car feels at home in all conditions, from tootling in town to the motorway haul. Performance figures are 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 99mph (manufacturer’s figures).

Asian Image:

Tech time

In the Enyaq iV, the battery is incorporated into the floor to save space, powering a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive through a single-speed transmission. Our 82kWh model generates 201bhp (150kW) and is capable of returning up to 333 miles on a single charge (manufacturer’s figure). 

The Enyaq iV offers customers three charging options. In addition to using a standard household 230V socket with 2.3 kW alternating current (AC), it can be charged at home overnight using a wallbox of up to 7.2kW. Depending on the battery size, the 7.2kW wallbox charging process takes nine to 13 hours.

As a third charging option, the vehicle can be connected to rapid DC charging points with a charging capacity of up to 125 kW. This allows the Enyaq iV to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 38 minutes. 

Verdict
Combining bold and appealing design, a spacious, comfortable interior, practicality, and loads of usable tech, the Enyaq iV family SUV delivers plug-in power in fine style.

Price (OTR): £40,675. With options fitted: £45,400.