What is it?
Electric SUVs are the norm in the modern car world. There’s barely a week which goes by without another car manufacturer releasing another new model into this already flooded market, and the latest to do so is, Skoda.
Skoda has come on leaps and bounds over the years, and the latest offerings are by far its best yet.
The new Elroq SUV joins the firm’s lineup as the brand’s newest electric model to sit beneath the larger Enyaq in the range.
The Elroq will be going up against cars like the Volvo EX30 and Peugeot e-300. But can it come out on top? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
The Elroq is a completely new model to join the Skoda portfolio, sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s electric MEB platform.
The batteries for the car are positioned low under the car, allowing for a completely flat floor which helps with space inside for occupants.
Compared to the larger Enyaq, the Elroq is around 160mm shorter than its bigger brother and it’s the first EV from the firm to use the ‘Modern Solid’ design language. But, what’s it like overall? We’ve been finding out.
What’s under the bonnet?
Skoda offers the new Elroq with a choice of three different battery packs that are labelled ‘50’, ‘60’ and ‘85’.
We’re driving the more powerful ‘85’ model that utilises a 77kWh battery pack with an electric motor located on the rear axle. It gives out a total of 282bhp and 545Nm of torque, while acceleration is brisk, taking just 6.4 seconds to get from 0-60mph before topping out at 111mph. Skoda claims that this version can do a total distance of up to 360 miles.
It also comes as standard with DC rapid charging of speeds of up to 175kW, taking 28 minutes to receive a 10 to 80 per cent top-up.
What’s it like to drive?
As with lots of electric cars, the Elroq is quiet wherever it goes. We’re driving the more powerful 85 model that comes with a 77kWh battery pack and electric motor, which is very smooth under acceleration and is relatively pokey.
Its refinement is excellent, with only the faintest bit of tyre roar entering the cabin on the motorway. The steering input is a little vague but has a nice weight to it and doesn’t feel artificial. The Elroq corners well with limited body lean around the bends and there is sufficient grip, too.
It’s funny how life is sometimes. I haven’t been to Mallorca for 18 years, and then I come here twice in one week. This time, for the new Škoda Elroq. Driving impressions will be revealed on Monday. pic.twitter.com/i2J9mOGhqk
— Cameron Richards (@CamRichards13) December 6, 2024
What lets the car down is the ride, which feels unsettled and fidgety. That’s largely down to our test car’s larger 20-inch alloy wheels. But, visibility is good all around with large rear windows, with the only gripe being the thicker rear C-pillars.
The Elroq’s driving experience is particularly relaxing and smooth, if a little anonymous, but for everyday use, it’s a rather composed and capable EV.
How does it look?
Skodas have always carried a distinct identity and the new Elroq is the first car in the model line-up to utilise the brand’s new design language it calls ‘Modern Solid’ for its electric vehicles.
It essentially means that the front end is smoothed off with no radiator grille and there is brand-specific lettering for the badge positioned at the front of the bonnet.
The Elroq looks rather like an Enyaq that has been on a diet, but that doesn’t mean the car is unattractive.
What’s it like inside?
Inside, the Elroq’s cabin design is rather plush with lots of soft-touch materials dotted about the place. A sustainable element is applied throughout the cabin with a material called ‘TechnoFil’, which is composed of 75 per cent recycled Econyl (a type of recycled nylon) and 25 per cent polyester. The seat upholstery is made from recycled fish nets, too, but don’t worry – it’s all been cleaned intensively first.
There’s a leather effect on the dashboard and our Sportline test car has carbon fibre inlays on the door cards and above the glove box lid.
There is a five-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13-inch central touchscreen which is slick and easy to use, but the touch sensitive volume bar and the fact that a lot of the climate control settings are buried within the screen is still an issue for a lot of models that are owned by the Volkswagen Group.
As with all Skoda vehicles, you’ll find plenty of ‘Simply Clever’ features inside the Elroq. There is a handy parking ticket holder located on the front windscreen, an umbrella in the driver’s door and an ice scraper in the rear boot lid.
Space in the back is impressive with lots of head and legroom for even taller adults. Thanks to the completely flat floor, passengers will find they can sit comfortably, as well as being able to slide their feet under the front seats.
The Elroq’s boot capacity is one of the largest in its class, boasting a total capacity of up to 470 litres of space, or 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded. A handy ski hatch also allows longer items to be stowed through the seats and for an added option, you can have a charging cable net secured to the parcel shelf.
What’s the spec like?
Skoda will offer the Elroq with a choice of four different trim levels including SE, SE L, Edition and Sportline.
The range kicks off at £31,500, making it cheaper than its rivals like a Peugeot e-3008 and Volvo EX30.
Entry-level SE cars come with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tailights, the 13-inch infotainment screen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as ChatGPT.
We’re driving the flagship Sportline model, which comes in at £37,400 with the smaller 62kWh battery pack, or £41,600 for the larger 82kWh unit. It focuses more on a sportier exterior and interior with 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior detailing, sports front bucket seats and a perforated leather steering wheel that is heated, too.
Verdict
Skoda will certainly succeed with its new Elroq. Not only does it undercut some of its biggest rivals on price, but it’s also decent to drive while offering lots of space and handy interior storage solutions with a premium interior with recycled materials.
It offers a wide number of battery options, with decent electric ranges on all versions and it even looks rather handsome in any colour or specification. If you’re looking for a mid-size electric SUV, the Elroq certainly should have a place on your shortlist.
- Model as tested: Skoda Elroq Sportline 85
- Price as tested: £41,600
- Engine: 82kWh battery with electric motor
- Power: 282bhp
- Torque: 545Nm
- Top speed: 111mph
- 0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
- MPG: N/A
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- Electric range: 360 miles
- Maximum charging speed: 175kW
