Skoda got off to a flying start with its EV range, as since its launch in 2021, the Enyaq has gone on to be a multi-award winner, most recently as Best Medium SUV at the 2024 Business Car Awards. So, with over 200,000 Enyaqs sold in Europe, Skoda must be hoping for similar success with the new Elroq – this time in the closely fought compact SUV class.
Design and interior
Outside, the Elroq is the first model to show off the brand’s new family look, which will also be seen on the next Enyaq. Gone is the big grille, to be replaced by a sleek black ‘Tech-Deck’ face, containing rafts of sensors and cameras which inform the Elroq’s myriad driver assistance tech, with daytime running lights/indicators at the top. In our opinion, it’s a sleek design, but the new nose is anonymous.
Below the daytime running lights, there are the main headlight units, Audi Q4 E-Tron-style, which on top models, feature matrix LED technology.
Also gone is Skoda’s unusual and iconic round badge, to be replaced by the word ‘Skoda’ in the same family typeface.
Elsewhere, the Elroq’s design is more conventional, with the sides and rear being an attractive mixture of Karoq and Enyaq. We particularly like the neat, sharp surface detailing on the flanks, and around the arches.
The Elroq’s interior is attractive and feels well-made, with clever use of the fabric on the dashboard. Although some of the trim and finishes feel less special on lower models.
The Elroq is spacious in the back, with plenty of headroom, but because of the battery placement, your knees are higher than you might expect.
The practical, spacious 470-litre boot has ‘Simply Clever’ design touches, such as a net underneath the parcel shelf for cables.
Performance and drive
The Elroq will be available with three different battery sizes and powertrains. Outputs start at 168hp for the entry-level Elroq 50 model, with a 230-mile range. The Elroq 60 has 201hp, and a 260 mile range. Whilst the Elroq 85 has 282hp and can achieve a maximum range of 360 miles on the WLTP cycle.
All with the same 2% BIK figure, Skoda expects the best-seller for fleet in the UK to be the 60 – that we didn’t get the chance to drive at the launch event – in Edition spec – with Sportline spec not far behind.
All Elroqs charge at up to 175 kW at DC fast-charging stations, and the 82 kWh battery of the Elroq 85 can be charged from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes. The batteries of the Elroq 50 and Elroq 60 can be charged even more quickly, in 25 minutes or less. The increased efficiency and charging speed, as well as an optimised preheating feature take the customer experience to a new level. Sadly, a heat pump is an £1,100 option, from SE-L spec and above.
We had the chance to drive the 85 version first, with optional adaptive dampers (£650, and part of a Driver Package), and it’s the supple, composed, and refined ride that is the highlight of the drive. That supple ride equals some body roll, but overall, this Skoda is a tidy handling car, with reasonably precise steering, and in our view this was the more involving of the two versions we drive – hooking up better out of corners.
Next up was the 50, this time without adaptive dampers. This Elroq still rides well, with the only difference being a slightly unsettled ride at low speeds on the same 16in wheels as the 85 – but it’s still a generally refined drive. Performance isn’t obviously reduced either, only slightly down on acceleration when overtaking, although it is more than enough in daily use.
We’ve yet to drive the Elroq, or closest rival the Kia EV3 in the UK, but on first evidence, the Skoda has the Kia pipped for driver appeal. In a crowded market, with prices starting at £31,500, on first evidence Skoda look to have another future EV fleet star on its hands.
Positive: Spacious and practical interior, clean exterior design, refined ride – especially with the optional DCC adaptive dampers.
Negative: DCC adaptive dampers not available across the range, heat pump an option, some of the trim and finishes feel less special on lower models.
Standard equipment:
19in Proteus silver alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear lights,13in touchscreen display, digital cockpit, single-zone climate control, rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection.
Engines: Electric: 168hp, 201hp, 282hp
Equipment grades: SE, SE L, Edition, Sportline
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Skoda Elroq 82kWh Edition 85 |
| P11D | £38,595 |
| Residual value | 48% |
| Depreciation | £18,595 |
| Fuel | £2,994 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,448 |
| Cost per mile | 41.8p |
| Range | 360 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£26 |
| Luggage capacity | 470 litres |
| Battery size/power | 82kWh/282hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
