Skoda Enyaq Review (2022)

Read Caroline’s Skoda Enyaq review for everything you need to know about Skoda’s first electric SUV in Ireland.

The SKODA Enyaq has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale now priced from €37,465 including grants and VRT relief. Caroline was at the press launch in Dublin to find out more about the new Enyaq and bring it for a first drive on Irish roads.

What’s so special about the Skoda Enyaq?

ŠKODA’s first all-electric model takes the shape of an elegant SUV. It will arrive here in two flavours at launch – Enyaq iV 60 and Enyaq iV 80 – with two different battery capacities and WLTP range. The entry Enyaq iV 60 has a WLTP range of up to 412 km. The Enyaq iV 80 has enhanced equipment levels with a WLTP range of up to 535 km. It’s priced from €44,712.

ŠKODA has also indicated that a SportLine version – and an all-wheel drive 80x version – will be launched in 2022. Pricing and specifications to be confirmed at a later date.

Styling

The new Enyaq marks a new direction for the brand but it is still recognisably and reassuringly ŠKODA. It has the presence of a large SUV, with a particularly stylish front end. LED headlights and 19″ to 21″ alloy wheel sizes complete the look!

Interior

There is an air of serenity inside the cabin of the Enyaq. This car surely does live up to its inspirational name! The Enyaq has a high quality cabin with a real premium feel. It’s a real step up for the ŠKODA brand once again. There are plenty of soft touch materials and a lounge like feel that makes it a great family car. A 13″ touchscreen comes as standard in the centre of the dash with navigation, voice control and Smartlink for smartphone connectivity.

Is it practical?

Space inside the new Skoda Enyaq is excellent. It measures 4,649 millimetres long and 1,879 wide. So the Enyaq delivers the space and practicality customers have come to expect from ŠKODA’s SUV models. There is seating for five and a flat floor in the rear. The rear footwells are an impressive size and the boot can hold 585-litres of luggage. This can be extended to 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded.

Battery, performance and range

The entry level 62 kWh battery model is equipped with a 180PS (132kW) motor that drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. It has a WLTP combined range of up to 412 km on a single charge. The larger 82kWh model generates 204PS (150kW) and is capable of returning up to 535 km on a single charge (WLTP).

Driving it

The new Skoda Enyaq iV is the first ŠKODA production model to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform. We had limited time to explore the Enyaq’s on the road performance but we did notice a few things that are a good early indication. The Enyaq feels effortless to drive with light steering making it ideal for town. Out on the motorway it cruises fine, offering good refinement and comfort. There’s plenty of power to play with and driving modes to alter the experience behind the wheel. With its low centre of gravity due to the battery installed in the floor, it feels safe and solid on the road.

What about charging the Skoda Enyaq?

The Enyaq can be charged at home from a wallbox (takes 9-13 hours with 7.2 kW wallbox, depending on model) or using the public charging network. 50 kW charging is possible (70 minutes to a full charge) with 100 kW and 125 kW available as an option.

ŠKODA has also launched PowerPass for accessing the public charging network. A mobile app and card enables customers to locate and access more than 1,667 charging points across Ireland. This includes the ESB network. It also provides some of the most competitive rates for IONITY DC fast charging. PowerPass knows if charge points are available or occupied and provides access to charging points in Northern Ireland, Britain and the EU.

Pricing

Priced from €37,465 inclusive of grants and rebates, the entry Enyaq 60 has a WLTP range of up to 412 km. The Enyaq 80 has enhanced equipment levels with a WLTP range of up to 535 km. It’s priced from €44,712.

Equipment

The Enyaq iV is offered exclusively with a service and maintenance package including replacement tyres.

Standard equipment on Enyaq 60 includes 19″ alloys, 13″ touchscreen infotainment, lane assist, turn assist and front assist. There’s also dual zone air con, cruise control, keyless start/stop. rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers and black roof rails.

The Enyaq 80 adds more power and range as well as chrome window surrounds and chrome roof rails, rear view camera, 2-spoke leather heated steering wheel, and drive mode select.

Did you like it?

The ŠKODA Enyaq is one of the big releases of 2021, an electric blockbuster in its own right.

It arrives hot on the heels of ŠKODA’s most recent suite of electrified models including the new Superb and Octavia plug-in hybrids.

The game has truly moved on when ŠKODA combines their knack in creating big, practical, good value cars with electric power. The Enyaq features some of the best quality of the ŠKODA range with a chic design feel to it that makes it stand out.

We look forward to bringing you a more detailed review of the new ŠKODA Enyaq later in the year!

Caroline Kidd