Skoda’s Electric Elroq enables you to enjoy driving whatever comes your way.
The award winning Skoda Elroq is creating a buzz everywhere it goes and Jeremy Webb had the pleasure of driving one around West Sussex.
During a heatwave, I tested the electric Skoda Elroq and thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Skoda is replacing the Karoq model with the new vehicle, whose name stands for Electric Karoq. It is refreshing to drive and offers plenty of practicality, versatility, and perfect air conditioning.
A beautiful Azure blue Skoda Elroq arrived on the Monday of the second week of Wimbledon, which usually means it will be raining heavily and cold. But I enjoyed the electric SUV in glorious sunshine and took it to the twisties of West Sussex near the Goodwood estate, where you can test any car to its full capabilities.
The Skoda Elroq is a small electric SUV that sits beneath the established Enyaq, which is proving popular. It has to compete in a crammed mid-size SUV market against the Volvo EX30, Kia EV3, Renault Scenic E-Tech and more. The vehicle starts at around £ 32,000 for the Elroq 50, which has the 52kWh battery capacity. Increasing capacity requires the Elroq 60 with 59kWh and the Elroq 85 with 77kWh, so in order of range, you get 232, 260 and 360 miles on a full charge. On the Elroq 85, you get the faster charging capability, but all models charge from 10-80% in about 30 minutes.
The Skoda Elroq is smaller than the Enyaq but maintains practical usability for passenger and load carrying. The room front or back won’t cause issues for all but the tallest occupants. The boot has 470 litres of space with the seats up and 1,580 litres when they are down. The driver gets tasty technology, proper buttons for significant functions, and for the four windows. You also get a digital display, which you can add with a head-up display. A 13-inch central display is located in the middle of the dashboard, where all other functions are controlled.
Engine outputs range from 168bhp to 282bhp. All models are Rear Wheel Drive, but despite this, handling is always assured and accurate.
Although SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, the Elroq is far more utility than sporty unless you opt for the vRs version. Buyers will opt for one knowing what they want and what they will get.
The vehicle is also comfortable and soaks up the terrible road surfaces of the UK via its 20-inch wheels and super suspension.
My car was fitted with the optional DCC adaptive chassis control, available on the Elroq 85 and 85 Sportline models. The system adjusts the suspension according to the driver’s taste and the road surface. You can then select Normal, Comfort or Sport for preset characteristics to smooth your ride even more.
The Skoda Elroq, being electric, regenerates the battery through braking. You have two settings: B mode or via the paddles behind the steering wheel. You do feel the effect of the Regen braking and lifting off the power at speed brings a fairly abrupt resistance, which takes time to get used to.
The entry-level Skoda Elroq has LED headlights and rear lights. The interior has the ‘Loft’ trim featuring fabric and artificial leather upholstery, grey headlining, and a two-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel. It has a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital display. You can pay under £2000 to purchase the SE L trim, and this means the Elroq SE L 60 comes with a 63kWh battery, heated steering wheel with paddles, sat nav and heated front seats. Also included are front parking sensors, drive mode select and dual zone climate control. It is arguably the best option for your money.
“Practical and purposeful, The Skoda Elroq is an excellent all round SUV.”
The Skoda Elroq Edition has two battery options: 60 and 85, different 19-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome roof rails, rear privacy glass and acoustic side windows. Adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and wireless phone charging are other technologies. The flagship Elroq SportLine has two battery options, 20-inch Asterion black alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, unique SportLine bumpers, gloss black roof rails, door mirrors, and tailgate lettering. The interior is microsuede and has artificial leather upholstery, carbon-effect decorative inserts, front sports seats, and black headlining to maintain the sporty feel that will attract many buyers to this trim.
The Skoda Elroq is excellent at what it does: providing a practical vehicle capable of transporting people with all their necessities, such as shopping, sports kit, or luggage. The generous amount of aids included ensures comfort and safety. The infotainment system will take care of all occupants' requirements, and the driver will find the performance and handling confidence-inducing while still being able to have some spirited journeys.