Read Caroline’s Skoda Elroq RS review for everything you need to know about buying Skoda’s new high-performance SUV in Ireland.

Skoda’s RS performance brand has great pedigree with models like the Fabia RS and Octavia RS – particularly the diesel – familiar to Irish motorists and much loved for their combination of space, performance and every-day usability.

The RS brand is now electrified with models like the all-electric Enyaq RS and now the newly-launched Elroq RS. Is dual motor performance and a body kit enough to put the Elroq RS on your shopping list?

The Skoda Elroq RS is available now in Ireland
The Skoda Elroq RS is available now in Ireland

Skoda Elroq RS Design

The Skoda Elroq launched in Ireland in 2025 as the brand’s new compact electric SUV. Slotting into the range below the popular Enyaq, it shares roughly the same wheelbase and can seat five. It features Skoda’s new design language, which puts a modern twist on the classic grille.

The Elroq RS stands out from basic versions of the Elroq thanks to muscular bumpers, more aggressive detailing, special 20-inch alloy wheels and RS badges on the front wings. It also sits a smidge lower to the ground for a sporty, hunkered down look. It’s a shame there’s no RS badge on the back but the full-width red reflector strip is present and correct, a key identifier of RS models to date like the popular Octavia RS.

Mamba Green is exclusive to the RS and if you’re brave enough, it looks great against the contrasting gloss black detailing.

Skoda Elroq RS Interior

Inside, the Elroq RS has a darker, sportier ambience than more basic versions. It really does feel like an upgrade. There’s lime green contrast stitching, RS logos and sports seats finished in a mix of synthetic suede and leather for a surprisingly upmarket finish.

The onboard technology mirrors what’s available elsewhere in the range, with a small digital driver display and 13-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard equipment is generous and includes heated front seats, power adjustment and massage feature for the driver’s seat, heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging.

There’s also Dynamic Chassis Control that allows you to adjust between 15 different damper settings in the touchscreen.

Inside the Skoda Elroq RS
Inside the Skoda Elroq RS

Skoda Elroq RS practicality

Skoda’s RS models have always blended performance with everyday usability, and the Elroq RS continues that tradition. The boot measures 470 litres, which is the exact same as other models in the range. It has a practical shape with plenty of handy features like hooks, dividers and a special net to store the charging cables under the parcel shelf.

Rear passenger space is generous for a compact SUV, with good legroom and headroom. There are also Isofix points on the two outer seats and the front passenger seat for family buyers.

What’s the Skoda Elroq RS like to drive?

Unlike the standard rear wheel drive Elroq, the RS adds a second motor to the front axle for four wheel drive and a combined 340hp. Performance is brisk, with 0-100km/h taking just 5.4 seconds, roughly a second quicker than the petrol-powered Octavia RS. It’s not quite as rapid as a Tesla Model 3 Performance but still perfect for Irish roads.

Skoda has also made numerous technical upgrades that transform the Elroq’s handling: stiffer, lowered sports suspension, steering tweaks for more direct feel, and bigger brakes. Body control is tight through bends, yet it remains comfortable for everyday driving. The adjustable dampers add sophistication, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your liking.

All that said, it doesn’t feel as outright thrilling as the Tesla Model 3 Performance or as playful as an Alpine A290. However, the Elroq does have a distinct advantage in being a trendy crossover with a good battery size and estimated range. The 79kWh net battery offers up to 550 kilometres of range (WLTP). It is quite thirsty (I saw 20-22kWh per 100km), but the large battery absorbs it well.

Sports seats in the Elroq RS
Sports seats in the Elroq RS

Charging

AC charging up to 11kW is included, as is 185kW DC for a 10-80% charge in about 26 minutes. Vehicle to load and battery preconditioning are also standard, though a heat pump is a cost option.

Skoda Elroq RS Price

The Elroq RS in Ireland sits at the top of the Elroq range and is priced from €54,100 on the road. Bear in mind that the Elroq 85 can be got from €42,315 or from €46,309 in the Sportline trim.

The Elroq range starts at €36,545 on the road.

Skoda Elroq RS Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Sharp handling
  • Comfort
  • Space
  • Upmarket cabin.

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not as thrilling as some performance EV rivals.

Is the Skoda Elroq RS worth buying?

If you want something quick and more distinctive than the average electric family crossover and have the budget for that, the Skoda Elroq RS is a great option. It takes a big step up from more standard versions of the Elroq with a smart cabin and numerous technical upgrades that transform the handling beyond the average electric crossover.

The Elroq RS also occupies a handy middle ground for performance EVs at the moment – a highly desirable compact SUV with both space and pace.

The 2026 Elroq RS combines space and pace
The 2026 Elroq RS combines space and pace

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year