The Skoda Enyaq, the brand’s first electric car developed from the start as such (the CITIGOe iV is a simple conversion of a combustion model), will hit the market later this year. It’s to become a practical and rational alternative to other electric D-segment SUVs such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Nissan Ariya, or the Tesla Model Y, among others.
Derived from the Volkswagen ID.4, this model will also be the first electric car of the Volkswagen group based on the MEB modular platform to be produced outside of Germany. While the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, SEAT el-Born, and Audi Q4 e-Tron will be produced at the Zwickau plant, the Enyaq will leave the Mladá Boleslav factory. Evidence of Volkswagen’s high confidence in its Czech subsidiary.
Even though the model has not yet been presented, some media have already been able to test a series of heavily camouflaged pre-production units. Thus revealing both their driving impressions and data regarding their measurements, versions, autonomies, etc. What secrets does the Czech SUV hide?
According to journalists, the Enyaq will measure 4.65 meters long and will have a large 585-liter capacity boot. Also, it will be available with three battery packs and two traction systems (rear or total), configuring a total of five different versions at the customer’s choice.
Enyaq 50: 55 kWh battery, autonomy of 340 km WLTP, 150 hp, rear-wheel drive.
Enyaq 60: 62 kWh battery, 390 km WLTP autonomy, 179 hp, rear-wheel drive.
Enyaq 80: 82 kWh battery, 500 km WLTP autonomy, 204 hp, rear-wheel drive.
Enyaq 80X: 82 kWh battery, 460 km WLTP autonomy, 266 hp, all-wheel drive.
Enyaq vRS: 82 kWh battery, 460 km WLTP autonomy, 306 hp, all-wheel drive.
All Skoda Enyaq will have a fast charge series in direct current at 50 kW (the 82 kWh battery takes an hour and a half to charge at that power). However, optionally it can be expanded to 125 kW (in this case, the Enyaq equipped with the larger pack it would take from 40% to 80% charge in just 40 minutes).
Aesthetically, and despite the camouflage, the testers praise the proportions of the car. Sharper than an SUV in use and with particular reminiscences of a minivan (short hood, front windshield and stretched, etc.). Its aesthetics are rounded by large diameter wheels (18 to 21 inches). Inside stands out the horizontally designed dashboard, the 13-inch touch screen that crowns the panel, the high quality of the materials, and the leather and fabric upholstery that will equip the top-of-the-range versions.
International media have been able to test the Enyaq 80, which is stable and comfortable on the road, although somewhat dry in the city (something probably due to the weight of the batteries, which has forced Skoda to install more rigid suspensions). It’s well-calibrated steering, driving posture, habitability, and good acceleration also stand out. It is broadly defined as a “pragmatic” electric car.