Following months of teasers, the covers have officially come off the Skoda Enyaq iV. The new electric SUV is a hugely important model for Skoda and will come with the choice of three battery sizes. Measuring 4,649mm in length, the Enyaq iV is a little shorter than the current Octavia but, thanks to the layout of the modular MEB platform it is built on, it gets a longer wheelbase that boosts passenger space inside to levels similar to the Kodiaq SUV.
The Enyaq's distinctive styling is enhanced further in higher-grade models that feature Skoda's new 'Crystal Face' design that includes an illuminated grille featuring 130 LEDs. Even without this the Enyaq iV is sure to turn heads. A raked windscreen and sloping roof give it a sporty look and there is a choice of wheel sizes ranging from 18- to 21 inches.
A comprehensive range of battery options
The rear-drive Enyaq 50 iV is the entry-level model with maximum outputs of 148hp and 220Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds and offering a WLTP range on a full charge of 340 kilometres. The onboard AC charger is rated at 7.2kW while the DC rapid charger operates at up to 50kW. A more powerful mid-range version, called the Enyaq 60 iV gets a 62kWh battery that produces up to 179hp and 310Nm, while benefitting from an 11kW AC charger and DC charging rate of 100kW. The larger capacity battery boosts the driving range to 390 kilometres and it should be noticeably faster when accelerating, taking 8.7 seconds to get to 100km/h from rest.
To get the longest range between charges, you need to choose the Enyaq 80 iV. Featuring an 82kWh battery, it can travel up to 510 kilometres on a single charge. It also matches the 310Nm of the Enyaq 60 iV but gets a 204hp output. This car is capable of charging at 125kW, allowing the battery to charge from 5 to 85 per cent in 38 minutes. This will be the first version to be made available.
Skoda uses that same 82kWh battery for its two all-wheel-drive variants. The first is the Enyaq 80x iV, producing a total power output of 265hp thanks to an additional electric motor on the front axle. However, the driving range does decrease slightly, to 460 kilometres. Crowning the line-up is the Enyaq RS iV. Not only does this get the highest output, at 306hp and 460Nm, but it is also the fastest accelerating, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds and an increase in top speed to 180km/h - all other Skoda Enyaq iV models will have a top speed limited to 160km/h. It's also possible to tow a trailer weighing up to 1,400kg with this version of the Enyaq iV, and Skoda offers an electrically retractable tow bar as an optional extra.
Huge screens and augmented reality
Looking ahead from the driver's seat there is a 5.3-inch colour display that provides four different views for the instrumentation. By today's standards that screen does seem small, but Skoda is offering a colour head-up display and the option of a larger augmented reality display that will project features such as route guidance onto the windscreen. The Enyaq 50 iV will come with a 10-inch touchscreen, but all other models will benefit from a 13-inch freestanding touchscreen display. It looks fantastic and is slick in operation.
Between the front seats is a centre console that packs in additional storage space underneath and provides room for two cupholders up top, two wireless charging pads for mobile phones, a small area for oddments and a 6.5-litre storage bin beneath the armrest. As the single-speed automatic transmission is 'shift-by-wire' there is no need for a chunky gear selector, so instead there is a small rectangular switch for moving between forward and reverse gears. Meanwhile, the deep door bins can easily accommodate 1.5-litre bottles, and these are replicated in the rear doors too.
Good amounts of passenger space
Passengers in the back get a generous amount of knee- and headroom, with some models offering fold-out tables on the backs of the front seats. A two-part seatback pocket includes a smaller pouch that is designed to hold a smartphone. The boot holds 585 litres and has a reasonably low load height that adds to the practical nature of it.
Taking the place of classic trim levels will be the choice of ten themed packages called Design Selections. A simple Studio design features in the Enyaq 50 iV and, from the 60 iV there is a standard look called the Loft, with a two-tone dashboard. There will be other choices with different colours and materials available. A luxurious interior called Lounge gives a more modern and upmarket feel to the interior of the electric SUV.
Skoda is increasing its use of sustainable materials, and this shows in the Lodge seat covers. These comprise of 40 per cent new wool, while the remaining 60 per cent of the material comes from polyester created from recycled PET bottles. In the case of the cognac-coloured leather in the ecoSuite Design Selection, the use of olive leaf extracts for the colouring process replaces chemicals.
A more generously equipped Enyaq iV Founders Edition will be limited to just 1,895 examples, paying tribute to the year that Skoda began producing cars. It will be available in the choice of two metallic paint finishes, Black Magic and Arctic Silver, and does away with the black plastic cladding to give the Enyaq iV an appearance of being lower to the ground. However, this model is not coming to Ireland.
Indeed, Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the Enyaq 60 iV is expected to have a starting price below €40,000 after grants. Customer deliveries of the first Skoda Enyaq iV models are expected to begin in the Spring of 2021. Ireland will have an allocation of 270 units for the year and demand is expected to be high.