Skoda's compact yet versatile Elroq EV is might be an ideal second family car, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

Skoda widens its EV offering with this compact, yet spacious family model, the Elroq. It slots in below the Enyaq, but still manages to feel like a more usably-sized family car than the other small VW Group EVs whose engineering it shares. If you've been holding back for a more versatile kind of smaller EV, this Czech contender could be worth trading up to.

Background

With the Elroq, Skoda's EV product offensive at last gets into gear, after a lull following the introduction of the brand's first electric model, the Enyaq, back in 2020. The Elroq's a smaller car, positioned as the electric alternative to the brand's lower mid-sized combustion-powered SUV, the Karoq. In EV terms, it's the Skoda version of the engineering that's also brought us similarly-sized VW Group EVs like the Volkswagen ID.3 and the CUPRA Born. But the Elroq's a little bigger and costs less. Perhaps even more significantly, it costs a lot less than its most obvious market rivals too. Sounds good so far. Add in a trendy new design language and very competitive EV range figures and there might be lots to interest you here.

Driving Experience

There's plenty of choice in the Elroq powertrain line-up - and a reasonable set of range figures. Like other VW Group models using the same MEB EV platform (but unlike quite a few of its other segment competitors), this Skoda is rear wheel-driven. Thereby offering manoeuvrability advantages you might notice around town. The line-up kicks off with the base 50 model, which uses a 170PS motor energised by a 52kWh battery offering 232 miles of range. Ideally though, you'd stretch at least as far as the mid-level Elroq 60, which offers a more powerful 204PS motor linked to a slightly bigger 59kWh battery that takes range to 260 miles. The top Elroq is the 85 model, which has a much more powerful 286PS motor and a considerably bigger 77kWh battery (borrowed from the Enyaq) which boosts range up to 360 miles. Other markets get an 85x model with dual motor 4WD, but there's no word yet on whether that will make it to the UK. Expect driving dynamics to prioritise comfort over sportiness - so in VW Group small EV terms, this Skoda's more Volkswagen ID.3 than CUPRA born. But refinement will be helped by the relatively sleek 0.26Cd drag factor figure, aided apparently by the attention paid to closing the gap between the tyres and the bodywork.

Design and Build

Though the Elroq is priced against relatively compact EV crossovers, its dimensions are closer to more spacious ones. Here, the VW Group MEB architecture that underpins cars like the Volkswagen ID.3 and the CUPRA Born has been stretched to 4.49-metres - about the same as a far more expensive Ford Explorer and the little longer than its Skoda Karoq combustion equivalent (4.39m). But still 165mm shorter than the next EV up in Skoda's range, the Enyaq (4.65m). The Elroq introduces Skoda's so-called 'Modern Solid' design language, previewed by the company's 'Vision 75' concept model of 2022. The most notable aspect of this is the striking frontal 'four eyes' light signature of the 'Tech-Deck Face' nose section, which on the clamshell bonnet replaces the usual Skoda circular badge with lettering. Nothing else really jumps out at you; the side profile is clean and aerodynamic, with an Evoque-style sloping roof; and the rear features the brand's usual triangular LED lighting layout. Wheel sizes are quite big - 19 to 21-inches. Inside up-front, it's very like an Enyaq, with a stubby gear selector and a tiny instrument binnacle viewed through a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The usual big 13-inch central screen features the latest VW Group tech, which means short-cut buttons for climate, parking, driving modes and driver assistance systems. So you don't have to delve into sub-menus to find them. As usual with a Skoda, cabin storage is a strong point - the brand claims 48-litres of stowage capacity across the interior. Rear seat room is significantly better than other EVs at this Elroq's price point (like the ID.3 and the Niro EV), helped by the lack of a central transmission tunnel; there are storage boxes where that would usually be. The boot capacity is 470-litres, a versatile space with a storage net for charging cables under a parcel shelf which can also be used to divide the cargo area. There are mini shelves either side of the luggage bay - and under-floor storage too. Expect all the usual Skoda 'Simply Clever' features as well, like a tyre tread depth gauge mounted in the boot lid and an umbrella secreted in the front door lining.

Market and Model

Prices from launch started from around £31,500, which is very good value indeed for a compact EV of this relatively spacious size. That sum gets you the entry-level 50 model with the cheapest 'SE' trim level. Ideally, Skoda wants you to stretch up to the mid-range 60 version with its slightly greater range. Prices there started at launch from £33,350 and there's the choice of 'SE L', Edition' or 'Sportline' trim levels. The top Elroq 85 model was priced from launch from £38,650 and comes with the choice of either 'Edition' or 'Sportline' trim. Standard equipment levels are reasonable across the range. Even base 'SE' trim comes with 19-inch 'Proteus' silver alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and LED rear lights. Plus fabric and artificial leather upholstery, a 'digital cockpit' instrument display and single-zone climate control, plus a large 13-inch touchscreen display. Standard safety systems include blind spot detection and traffic sign recognition. Mid-level 'SE L' trim adds a two-spoke leather heated multifunction steering wheel with paddles for the recuperation selection; plus heated front seats, satellite navigation, dual zone climate control, a drive mode select system, front parking sensors and three years use of the 'Skoda Connect' Infotainment Online and Remote Access set-up. Move on to plusher 'Edition' trim and you can expect 19-inch 'Regulus' anthracite alloy wheels, unique dark chrome roof rails and window surrounds, plus privacy glass with acoustic side windows. 'Edition' customers also benefit from the 'travel assist plus' semi-autonomous driving system, predictive adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, keyless entry and a 15W wireless charging mat with a cooling function for your handset. Finally, top 'SportLine' models are distinguished by 20-inch 'Asterion' black alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, unique SportLine bumpers and gloss black roof rails, door mirrors and tailgate lettering. Inside, 'SportLine' models come with a bespoke Design Selection package that features microsuede and artificial leather upholstery, carbon-effect decorative inserts, front sports seats and a black headlining. A three-spoke artificial leather heated sports multifunction steering wheel with paddles for recuperation level selection is also fitted as standard. There's also progressive dynamic steering, rear side airbags and an electrically operated tailgate with kick activation.

Cost of Ownership

The smaller 52kWh and 59kWh batteries DC charge at a maximum speed of 145kW, which means that when hooked up to public rapid charger, Elroq models fitted with them can be energised from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes. The biggest 77kWh battery can be DC-charged at up to 175kW and can hit a 10 to 80% DC charge in 28 minutes. AC charging takes 5 hours 30 minutes with the 50 version, 6 hours 30 minutes with the 60 variant and 8 hours with the 85 derivative. The battery pack sizes we quoted reflect usable capacity and all models come with a six-metre, 32A Type 2 charging cable as standard. The battery's optimised preheating function increases efficiency at DC fast-charging stations. It is either activated automatically when using the navigation system's route guidance or can be started manually in the infotainment system's charging menu. The current temperature of the battery and the current state of charge are constantly monitored by the battery thermal management system, which activates the temperature control if necessary. There's a fixed servicing schedule, with a basic inspection after two years (unlimited mileage) and subsequent services every year or 18,750 miles. Skoda says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car too and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles. There's the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile Skoda warranty (only the third year has a mileage limitation). And there's 12 year body protection guarantee, a three year paint warranty and three years of Skoda assistance, which includes European breakdown cover.

Summary

Ideally, the Elroq is the EV Skoda would have launched its electric vehicle offensive with back in 2020. Today, it's the car that was originally envisaged to replace the combustion Karoq SUV, but won't do for some time while so many of us remain wedded to fossil fuel. When the larger Enyaq was first launched, it had a very affordable entry-level price that rapidly went northwards. Let's hope that doesn't happen again here because, in its entry-level forms at least, the Elroq really does seem very good value indeed against rivals that aren't as spacious inside. It also looks quite sharp and appears competitive on range. As a result, in this segment you'd have to seriously consider it.