New Skoda Elroq prototype review
Skoda’s second electric car isn’t set to be a game-changer, but this could actually be a good thing
The Skoda Enyaq has been an undeniably successful electric car debut for the Czech brand, but it’s been a few years since the family-size electric SUV first hit our roads. Now, at long last, there’s another zero-emission Skoda on the way - the Skoda Elroq.
Rather than taking the high-risk path of trying to be hugely groundbreaking with its new arrival, Skoda has instead stuck with a tried and tested formula. The Elroq is heavily based on the Enyaq but it’s a bit smaller in size. In fact, Skoda is referring to its new EV as ‘an electric Karoq’, which further emphasises the intended sense of familiarity.
Four versions of the Skoda Elroq are set to go on sale, along with three battery options. The entry-level model, known as the Elroq 50, will be powered by a 168bhp single-motor powertrain and a 55kWh battery. Moving up to the mid-range 60 variant boosts power to 201bhp and the battery’s capacity to 63kWh.
At the top end of the line-up sit the Elroq 85 and 85x. Both of these are fitted with an 82kWh battery pack, which Skoda claims will let the car cover more than 348 miles between charges. The standard 85 is powered by a single 282bhp motor, while the 85x gets dual motors and a combined power output of 295bhp. These range-toppers will also offer the fastest DC charging rate at 175kW. Regardless of this, though, Skoda claims that all Elroqs can be topped up from 10-80% in under 28 minutes, despite their varying battery sizes.
Our prototype Skoda Elroq test car was carefully disguised, but what we can tell you is that the new model employs a similar styling blueprint to that seen on the Karoq and Enyaq, and even the name has been chosen in order to pay tribute to these existing Skoda SUVs. The biggest difference, is at the front where you’ll find Skoda’s new ‘Tech Deck Face’. This is a flush-fitting panel which has been designed to house multiple sensors, and is part of the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language.
Elsewhere, as part of the ‘Modern Solid’ approach, it appears that Skoda has done away with a traditional badge, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see the name written in typeface instead (as seems to be the trend with several brands lately). A similar design will also be applied to the Enyaq when it receives a midlife facelift in 2025.
Step away from the front end and things become a bit less drastic. For the most part, the Elroq looks almost identical to the Enyaq, but it has a slightly shorter overhang at the rear. This means the Elroq’s boot is smaller than the Enyaq’s, but the wheelbase is expected to be very similar, if not the same.
Another area of the Elroq where things remain familiar is the interior. Once again, there are more features to be found here that have been taken straight out of the Enyaq. Key among these are the 13-inch centre touchscreen and five-inch digital dashboard display, although they do feature updated software. An optional head-up display function will also be available.
Our prototype test car is a Skoda Elroq 85, which means it’s fitted with large 20-inch alloy wheels. It’s still very clear that this SUV has been built with comfort in mind rather than sportiness, though, as it takes a considerably bad bump in the road to upset the ride quality. The trade-off is a little bit of body roll and a driving experience that’s best described as pleasant rather than engaging, but this is a price worth paying.
It may be a bit smaller than the Enyaq but there’s still plenty of room inside the Skoda Elroq, cementing its credentials as a family car. There’s 470 litres of boot space at the back, and this increases to 1,580 litres when you fold down the rear seats. Five adults will be able to sit comfortably in the Elroq, too, including the person who ends up in the middle of the back row.
The Skoda Elroq isn’t without fault at this prototype stage, though. One of the biggest issues we experienced during testing were the pedals being noticeably difficult to modulate. This caused the brakes to feel rather grabby, and the throttle to be overly sensitive. Hopefully these issues will be addressed by the time the production version goes on sale. The first UK cars are expected to arrive in Spring 2025.
It doesn't look like the Skoda Elroq is about to revolutionise the market, but the use of proven pre-existing tech should help to keep costs down and that, in turn, can help to keep prices under control. Although the official number is yet to be unveiled, we’re expecting the Elroq to start from around £37,000. This is currently £2,000 less than the entry-level Enyaq, although this gap could increase when the Enyaq receives its facelift next year.
