First Drive - EV Review - Skoda Enyaq

Posted by: My Electric Lease, 24th Mar 2023

Skoda Enyaq EV Review

What is it?

The days of Skoda being a more low-cost manufacturer are well and truly gone. At present, it is making cars which both look good and feel far more upmarket inside than you might expect, while the car we’re looking at today - the Enyaq - shows that it is firmly on a path towards electrification, too.

But how does the Enyaq represent this new-age Skoda and what can it offer in what is becoming a very congested segment? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

The Enyaq uses Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform which has been designed specifically for electric vehicles. It’s why you’ll find it underpinning a vast swathe of EVs, including the Volkswagen ID.3, Audi Q4 e-tron and Cupra Born, to name just three. Its modular design means that it can be used on cars of all shapes and sizes, with the Enyaq being one of the larger models to use it.

But Skoda has also kitted the Enyaq with loads of its ‘Simply Clever’ features, too, such as an ice scraper integrated into the boot door, or clever hooks in the boot itself for keeping bags and other items tied down.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Enyaq is available with a number of battery and motor options. A core version is the Enyaq 80, which is the one you’ll get the most amount of range from - up to 339 miles, in fact, thanks to a 78kWh battery. On the regular 80, you get a single motor, too, but you can upgrade to the 80x which adds a second motor for all-wheel-drive and added performance. That said, it does reduce the range.

You can charge the Enyaq 80 at speeds of up to 125kW, which means that a 0-80 per cent charge could be conducted in as little as 38 minutes. You’re looking at around 12 hours to fully charge the Enyaq 80 via a 7.4kW home charger, too.

What’s it like to drive?

The Enyaq is a great option if you’ve never driven an electric car before. It feels quite similar to a ‘normal’ car, in truth, apart from the absence of any kind of engine noise, of course. The steering is nicely weighted, while versions on smaller wheels feel comfortable and they deal well with poor road conditions.

The 80 has more than enough performance for most occasions, too, while the Enyaq’s square proportions mean it isn’t tricky to position in spaces or negotiate tighter car parks.

How does it look?

The Enyaq is a great interpretation of Skoda’s latest designs. It’s not too futuristic, as we’ve seen with other EVs, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of cool features. The LED lights, for example, have an intricate design while chrome design pieces across the car give it a more premium feel.

If you’re looking to really stand out from the crowd, you can also get the Enyaq with a cool ‘Crystal Face’ system, which replaces the front grille for a full section made entirely from LEDs - it looks great at night.

What’s it like inside?

You get a big, comfortable and well-made interior in the Enyaq. There’s plenty of headroom available for all occupants, while those in the rear get plenty of legroom, too. Cubbies are plentiful as well, with the door bins being usefully large enough for big bottles of water.

At 585 litres the Enyaq’s boot space is impressive and you can increase it to 1,700 litres by folding down the rear seats too. Plus, as with other Skoda models, the Enyaq is available with a variety of racks and systems to help make transporting bulkier items - like bikes, for instance - that bit easier.

What’s the spec like?

Regardless of which version of Enyaq you’re opting for, you’re getting plenty of equipment. Base versions still get 19-inch wheels, parking sensors and a 13-inch infotainment system which includes all key media and navigation functions.

SportLine specification cars get a more dynamic feel courtesy of larger alloy wheels and a lowered suspension setup, as well as sporty front seats that really hold you in. At the top of the range sits the vRS model which adds a little extra performance and some sportier tweaks for both the interior and exterior.

Verdict

The Enyaq feels like the ideal first EV. It’s packed with features that’ll make it a sure-fire hit for drivers who want to get plenty for their money, but its excellent build quality and spacious interior mean it’s a great option for families, too.

The 80 is the one to go for if you want the best possible range, but regardless of which specification you opt for you’re getting one of the best EVs on sale today