With the Volkswagen ID.3 finally trickling into dealers, it’s time for the other Volkswagen Group brands to come up with a variation on the electric MEB theme. The entry from the Czech Republic is called Skoda Enyaq iV and that car is a bit bigger than the ID.3.
The Enyaq iV – the ‘iV’ is on all plug-ins and EVs from Skoda – shares its wheelbase of 2.77 meters with the ID.3, but is about 40 centimeters longer at 4.65 meters. Skoda calls it an SUV and indeed the car is a bit higher on the legs than a regular station wagon. Nevertheless, a Kodiaq is clearly more like an SUV, partly thanks to even more ground clearance and a tough, angular nose. The Enyaq is therefore more of a crossover, which looks nice and tough thanks to wheels of at least 18 inches. In width and height, the car is slightly smaller than a Kodiaq, while the Enyaq is even surpassed in length by the new Octavia. Anyone who thinks to recognize the shape is not surprising, because this is in fact Skoda’s variant of the Volkswagen ID.4 already presented in concept shape.
Grille
Compared to an ID.3, the design language is a bit quieter and more conservative. The Enyaq is not a very striking car, but thanks to the long passenger cabin, flat windscreen and tidy carriage, the car is still recognizable. A striking detail is without a doubt the grille, if only for the simple fact that the car has a grille. It is purely about a style element, a closed piece of plastic in the example of the air intakes of regular Skoda models. A special option on the more expensive 80 models (see below) is the ‘Crystal face’. The ‘grille’ is thus replaced by a transparent shop window full of LED light. Guaranteed attention, especially in the dark.
LED headlights and rear lights are also standard, as you can expect from a brand new model nowadays. However, as with the ID.3, different variants of the LED light are available. Dressing the electric Enyaq is slightly different than with other Skodas. Following the example of Tesla, more and more manufacturers are opting for an approach that makes the price list and thus the production process less complex, which means a lot of change, especially for European brands. Instead of regular trim levels, there are ‘Design Selections’, where the interior must breathe a different atmosphere with each option. Within those Selections there is still a lot to spend on options, but that will often be combined in packages.
Parentheses and boxes
What every Enyaq does get as standard is a container of interior space. Skoda owes that to its stand, and the shape of the Enyaq already shows that a significant part of the length benefits the interior. We were allowed to sit in the back seat for a while and there indeed appears to be more than enough space available. For adults there is little reason to complain, except for the somewhat limited foot space under the front seats. The flat floor is a nice bonus compared to, for example, a Superb, with which the Enyaq shares luxurious furnishings such as sunshades, ventilation grilles, rear seat heating and even a ‘sleep package’ with a blanket and special headrests. Obviously not standard, but it is possible. With 585 liters, the Enyaq cannot compete with the Kodiaq, Superb Combi and Octavia Combi in terms of luggage space, because the powertrain does consume some space. Nevertheless, this luggage compartment is also spacious, practically formed and easily accessible. Handy features such as hooks for shopping bags, storage compartments for loose items and an ingenious bag for the charging cable make loading and unloading as pleasant as possible.
13 inch
In addition, some liters of storage space can be found between the front seats, because Skoda has made good use of the flat floor here. A high center tunnel full of compartments separates driver and passenger. Although the basic layout of the Volkswagen ID.3 is certainly recognizable in the dashboard, it also applies on the inside that the Skoda has a more conservative design. The sleek dashboard looks very tidy and by using the upholstery material of the seats also on the dashboard, a fairly cozy atmosphere is created. The two- or three-spoke steering wheel offers a view of a small, 5.3-inch instrument panel that is inconspicuously integrated into the dashboard. It is clear that the epicenter of the information provision can be found a little further to the right, at the central touchscreen. This measures 10 inches in standard form and is 13 inches in the more expensive variant shown. A large part of the functions in this screen are also hidden in the Enyaq, up to and including the temperature control and all audio controls. The Enyaq is of course very connected, with options for over the air updates, smart online tools to facilitate navigation and an app to operate certain functions from a distance. For example, the heating, but don’t worry: Skoda is still hiding a window scraper in the car. You can see exactly where in the introductory video.
Three batteries, five capacities
Like the other cars on the MEB platform, the Enyaq is basically a rear wheel drive with the engine on the rear axle. However, variants with two engines and four-wheel drive will also be available with the Enyaq. Skoda keeps little under wraps, because it immediately presents a remarkably wide range of powertrains. Three battery packs and five power options are available, with a larger battery automatically meaning more power. The versions are separated by a number in the type designation that indicates the size of the battery in kWh (approximately). The slip-on is called Enyaq 50 iV. This car must be able to drive 340 km on a full 55 kWh battery and has an output of about 150 hp (109 kW), good for a 0-100 sprint in 11.4 counts. The Dutch importer expects that most buyers will opt for the Enyaq 60 iV, which offers 180 hp (132 kW), a battery of (gross) 62 kWh and a range of 390 km.
RS
This is followed by the version that has the largest battery and the longest range with 82 kWh and 510 km. This Enyaq 80 iV has 204 hp (150 kW) in standard trim, but is also available in two more powerful flavors. These variants have a second engine on the front axle, which in the case of the Enyaq 80x iV pumps up the power to 265 hp (195 kW). The top version is called, yes, RS, with which Skoda is one of the first brands to contribute its sporty label to an EV. The fastest Enyaq comes to 306 hp (225 kW) and sprints from 0 to 100 in 6.2 seconds. The top is 180 km / h, 20 km / h more than the other variants. In addition, this version is the only one allowed to pull 1,400 kg, against a maximum of 1,200 kg for less fortunate Enyaqs. The power of the four-wheel drives does mean a small sacrifice in terms of range, because for these versions Skoda gives up to 460 km.
Addition
Thanks to a three-phase charger, charging is done at a regular pole or box at a speed of 11 kW. Fast charging comes standard with an unimpressive 50 kW, but that can be increased to 125 kW at an additional cost. Skoda announces the first prize for an Enyaq 60 iV. You can order from the end of September, after which delivery should start in the first quarter of 2021. There is therefore no longer an 8 percent addition, but with 12 percent up to 40,000 euros, there is still the necessary advantage for the business driver to gain next year.