Skoda Elroq review

Skoda’s compact electric SUV, called the Elroq. We’re told it’s an electric alternative to the Karoq, but we reckon you should just think of it as a smaller Enyaq, a car we like very much indeed. It won’t be the smallest electric Skoda mind, with that crown going to the upcoming Epiq, which is set to start under £25k.

Back to the here and now though, and we reckon the Elroq is a rather good-looking piece of design, particularly in the now familiar Skoda blue you see pictured above. It debuts the Czech firm’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, most noticeably from the front, which sees a gloss black panel in place of the traditional grille, Skoda lettering on the bonnet and slim LED headlights.

It’s altogether more familiar viewed from the side and back, from the traditional SUV shape to the copycat Enyaq rear. All very sensible, all very Skoda, but based on recent form that’s a good thing. It goes up against the like of the Volvo EX30, Kia EV3, Renault Megane E-Tech, Smart #1, and Ford Explorer.

What flavours are available?

First up is the entry-level Elroq 50 which gets a 55kWh (52kWh net) battery mated to a rear-mounted 168bhp electric motor. Claimed range is 230 miles.

Next up is the Elroq 60. It gets a slightly larger 63kWh (59kWh net) battery powering a 201bhp rear e-motor. Here you’re looking at 260 miles of range. Supported charge rate is up to 145kW in the 50 and 165kW in the 60, meaning a 10-80 per cent recharge takes precisely 25 and 24 minutes respectively.

Top of the tree is the Elroq 85, featuring an 82kWh (77kWh net) battery, powering a 281bhp motor, again on the rear. 360 miles of e-range is the claim, but it also supports 175kW rapid charging, meaning a 10-80 per cent charge in 28 mins.

Otherwise, that’s your lot. A more powerful all-wheel drive variant is available overseas, but we don’t get that option here.

How does it go?

The Skoda Enyaq proved just as good a drive (but came in considerably cheaper) as its VW Group stablemates; the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4. So it comes as little surprise that the Elroq isn’t too dissimilar.

It steers accurately, while the accelerator and brake pedals are smooth and progressive, and all but the base versions get adjustable regen too. The ride is on the firmer side, but there’s minimal body roll, at least on the smooth Mallorcan roads we've tried it on. Dynamic chassis control is optionally available, but we don’t reckon it’s worth it. Click through to the Driving tab for the full details.

Its cabin is very similar to the Enyaq too: smart to look at and practically laid out. Drivers get a 5in display, while adorning the dash is a busy 13in central touchscreen that takes some getting used to. Same old story there then, but the material and build quality feels just as good as any Skoda these days.

Up front the driving position is well judged, there’s plenty of head and legroom in the back, and there’s a good size boot complete with a storage net for any charging cables under the parcel shelf too. Clever, huh? See the Interior tab for more.

How much is it going to cost me?

Prices kick off at £31.5k for the smallest batteried variant. That beats both the EV3 and EX30, both of which start from just shy of £33k.

You’re looking at £41,600 for the biggest batteried variant in the top trim. Head over to the Buying tab for the full lowdown.

The Skoda Elroq follows closely in the Enyaq’s footsteps, and for good reason. That car proved better than either of its VW Group siblings, and the Elroq - debuting Skoda’s new language - looks even smarter. It drives equally as well, and is just as competitively priced too.

Sure, it doesn't capture the imagination like some of its rivals, the ride is slightly firm and the touchscreen isn't our favourite. But otherwise it oozes Skoda sensibility and will no doubt have competitors glancing nervously in its direction.