What a choice of electric compact SUVs we have to contrast and compare these days. In next to no time the ranks have swollen to include the likes of the Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX30, Smart #1, KIA EV3 and Ford Explorer. The list goes on.
And now there is one more: the Skoda Elroq.
This latest arrival – think of it as a smaller version of the popular Enyaq and a larger version of the imminent Epiq – is typical of what modern Skoda packaging is all about: simple good looks, plenty of room and lots of spec packed within is contours.
You need to see it in the flesh to garner how it all comes together. I venture to suggest that this car will look fresh for years. It’s the sort of motor that has the wherewithal to be something of a classic.
I expected, and got, a sturdy 5-seater with typical SUV profile. But I soon discovered it is more than that. Skoda have crafted a car that, without going to the extremes of design, somehow manages to stand out.
The Czech Republic brand is in a rich vein of form and is producing some outstanding cars, including the Karoq, which is the non-electric equivalent of the Elroq.
There are three battery sizes in this new EV: 55kWh, 63kWh and 82kWh designed to bring in a broad base of buyers according to their individual, family needs.
I had the 85 Sportline top-of-the-range 82 kWh battery (gross) version, 210kW of power, a claimed range of 571kms and costing from €50,360. The model lineup starts from €36,545 for the Elroq 50 (55kWh battery) version and from €38,416 for the Elroq 60 (63kWh battery) model. Road tax is a mere €120.
It stands quite tall (1,655mm) but its engineers thankfully eschewed the temptation to put muscle on the flanks or rear haunches. Its height was a real boon as I only had to slide into the driving seat.
You will notice echoes of the Enyaq décor in the cabin, where there is room for five passengers at a bit of a pinch (the middle-rear seat is best occupied by someone of slim build). Head room at the back was excellent.
There is huge visibility for the driver though they are less than generous with the size of the driver’s 5ins display into which a lot of information is jammed. But that is more than compensated for with the 13ins central touchscreen. Yes, it took me a little while to get used to its ways but it is so much better than some of the stuff Volkswagen (Skoda’s ultimate owner) came up with not that long ago.
I know I’ve been begging for more buttons on cars for primary functions at, or near, the main display to make it easier and safer to access commands. Well Skoda sure know how to slot them in. There’s a row of customisable shortcuts (for drive-assist systems) at the top of the screen while below there’s more buttons for climate control, audio, sat-nav, heated seats etc.
I’m still not convinced the touch-slider, beneath the screen, to adjust temperature and audio volume works that well. Volkswagen went mad with that initially but soon pulled in their horns.
My powerful Elroq version drove really well and was rock solid regardless of road surface. It had the ability to absorb dips and blips and rarely put a foot wrong.
There’s a 470-litre boot which was plenty for taking a few bulky items of shopping.
Speaking of which, parking in tight confined posed no problems thanks to agile steering and camera aids. All the while I drove it, be it around town or out on the open road, I enjoyed this a lot.
That’s what appealed most about the car. It was completely unfussy. It just did what it was asked to do. Driving it took no effort and that is the measure of a really good car.
I do think that Skoda have come up with an exceptional package. Pricing is keen and spec levels are high.
There is so much stuff. Here’s a small spread which includes standard across the range and for specific models. I am doing that to show how much is packed in.
There is the usual, but important, bundle of safety such as adaptive lane assist, forward collision warning etc
For your comfort there is Climatronic 2-zone air con, adaptive cruise control including traffic jam assist, keyless entry/go system, parking sensors, rear-view camera, drive mode select, heated front seats, split/folding rear seats; Smartlink (Apple Carplay/Android Auto) and much more.
Perhaps the best thing of all in terms of attracting buyers is the power consumption. It accurately displayed the ‘energy remaining’ gauge and was never more than a few kilometres out on calculations.
In fairness, I drove at moderate speed and hadn’t much motorway driving. Which just goes to show how easy it can be to save money on an electric car if you only allow yourself a little bit more time.
For that reason, and several others, I think the Elroq is well worth a test drive.
It’s got hidden appeal.
