Skoda has given the Enyaq RS - the rapid, four-wheel drive version of the popular electric SUV - a bit of a mechanical makeover which sees it gain both power and range.
Faster to 100km/h
The big change is the addition of new electric motors which boost the RS' power output by 41hp, to a grand total of 340hp. That has quite a dramatic effect on the 0-100km/h acceleration time, cutting it from 6.5 seconds to 5.5 seconds.
Yet, thanks to the new motors being both more powerful AND more efficient, along with some tweaks to the electronic management systems, the Enyaq RS now apparently goes further on one charge. According to Skoda, the WLTP rating for the model has risen by 25km, to 541km for the high-roofed SUV version, and 548km for the sleeker, more aerodynamically-efficient Coupe model.
Faster charging, too
The Enyaq RS now also gets faster charging, rising from a previous 135kW to a more powerful 175kW, assuming you can find a fast-enough charging point (one that's also working). The higher charging speed means that you can now potentially charge the Enyaq RS from ten to 80 per cent battery capacity in 28 minutes, an improvement of eight minutes.
There's also going to be improved standard equipment, which will include the advanced electronic driving aids system called Travel Assist, along with walk-away locking, rear side airbags, rear window blinds, rear USB-C charging ports, and standard tow-bar prep.
Improved touchscreen controls
Skoda is also planning to offer two optional equipment packs with the RS model: Advanced and Maxx. Advanced includes a head-up display (HUD), heated rear seats, heated front windscreen and Canton sound system, while Maxx adds electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, power lumbar support and massage function for the driver's seat. Maxx also includes an Area view camera, Park assist with trained parking, Dynamic Chassis Control, progressive steering and a three-spoke leather heated sports multi-function steering wheel with paddles for recuperation level selection - but Irish specifications and offers have not yet been confirmed.
What will definitely be coming to Irish Enyaq RS models will be a - theoretically - improved touchscreen menu logic and layout, with new icons. Skoda says that, in particular, the charging and climate control screen menus have been changed to make them easier to use, especially the climate controls when you're driving. The sat-nav graphics and instructions have also been given a going-over.
Equally, both the small driver's instrument screen and the optional heads-up display will benefit from redesigned and updated graphics, which should make them easier to read.