Skoda Enyaq iV review

The Enyaq iV is Skoda’s first fully electric car, so it’s important for it to be able to convince family buyers that the move to battery power will fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Does it deliver? Absolutely, yes. The Enyaq iV is most definitely still a Skoda at heart, with great usable space, robust build quality and decent levels of kit making it an appealing choice.

Impressive levels of on-board technology and excellent safety features just add to a very convincing family package, while any concerns about making the move to electric drive should be eased when you take into account the Enyaq iV’s fast charging options and reliable range.

With Skoda having built its reputation on producing affordable, family-friendly cars, it perhaps seems fitting that the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Czech firm’s first all-electric offering, is a large, practical SUV.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Enyaq iV is pretty similar under the skin to a VW ID.4 or an Audi Q4 e-tron, while the same architecture is also used for the ID.3 and Cupra Born models. The Enyaq, however, will be the first to be built outside Germany, at Skoda’s home factory in the Czech Republic.

Buyers looking for an all-electric family car are becoming increasingly spoilt for choice and the Enyaq iV not only has to compete with rivals from its own stable, but also has to persuade customers away from the likes of the capable Kia e-Niro and more premium Mercedes EQA. The eye-catching Hyundai Ioniq 5 and sporty-looking Kia EV6 aren’t just style without substance, either, as both offer practical space together with excellent range and charging capabilities.

Skoda has kept the Enyaq iV range pretty simple to understand, with two battery sizes available: the 58kWh iV 60 and 77kWh iV 80. The smaller battery model produces 177bhp via a rear-mounted electric motor powering the rear wheels, while the 201bhp iV 80 is also rear-wheel-drive. 

The manufacturer claims a range of 252 miles for the iV 60 and 329 miles for the iV 80. If you’re looking for the reassurance of all-wheel-drive, the 261bhp iV 80X SportLine should fit the bill, although it costs over £3,000 more than the RWD variant and range from a single charge falls slightly to 312 miles.

There is more choice when it comes to deciding on the look and feel of the Enyaq iV’s interior. Skoda offers five individual ‘Design Selections’ to help personalise the cabin: Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite and ECO Suite – each using different materials to create a distinctive style.

Loft is included as standard at no extra cost, while you’ll find the others on the options list priced from around £550 (Lodge) to £1,650 (ECO Suite). The iV 80 and 80X models feature a SportLine specification which offers more aggressive exterior styling and upgraded cabin trim, while buyers that prioritise style over practicality may be tempted by the Enyaq Coupe model with its more aerodynamic, swooping profile.

The entry-level Enyaq iV 60 model starts at around £36,600, which means it doesn’t qualify for any government plug-in car grant. After that, things get a little more expensive with the iV 80 variant starting at almost £41,000 and the iV 80X in excess of £47,000.

For an alternative review of the Skoda Enyaq iV, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk…