The new Skoda Enyaq has been put to the test, and the results are impressive. The exterior design has undergone a mid-cycle facelift, with a more minimalist approach replacing the previous “crystalline” design. The front of the car features sharper, black-backed headlamps and a smooth, closed-off grille. The Sportline trim adds a sporty touch, with 21-inch alloy wheels and a distinctive design language.
Inside, the cabin is a blend of anthracite materials and accent lighting, with a deep instrument panel and a useful head-up display. The touchscreen is intuitive, and the navigation system is excellent, making it easy to plan charging stops and maximize the battery’s range. The Enyaq glides smoothly on the road, with plenty of grip and a hint of understeer when pushed too far. The regenerative braking system is effective, and the car feels planted and pleasant to drive.
However, there were some issues with the user experience. The cupholders were poorly designed and couldn’t hold any of the test team’s drinks receptacles, and the home charging cable was faulty. The speaker system was also problematic, with a persistent buzzing noise that was distracting and annoying.
Despite these issues, the Enyaq is a nice place to spend time, with a well-designed interior and exterior that feels in line with Skoda’s ethos of useful but not boring family cars. The car’s range anxiety was not a problem, even without a home charger, and the navigation system was excellent at planning charging stops. With a price tag of £50,810, the Enyaq Sportline 85x is a competitive option in the electric SUV market.
The Enyaq’s design team, led by Oliver Stefani, has done a great job of updating the car’s look and feel, while still maintaining Skoda’s distinctive design language. The car’s performance is impressive, with 286PS and 545Nm of torque, and a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds. The WLTP combined range of 332 miles is also impressive, making the Enyaq a viable option for those looking for a practical and stylish electric SUV.
Overall, the Skoda Enyaq is a solid choice for those in the market for an electric SUV. While it may have some minor issues with the user experience, the car’s design, performance, and range make it a compelling option. With Skoda’s 125-year history of motorsport and 35 years with the Volkswagen Group, the Enyaq is a car that is sure to stand the test of time.