The Sligo Champion

Tried and Tested in Durrow – the ŠKODA ENYAQ will be the brand’s first fully-electric SUV

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THE small town of Durrow, County Laois is not somewhere you might associate with ground-breaking automotive technology. Still, last winter it formed the backdrop to the first internatio­nal drive of the disguised version of SKODA’s first fully electric SUV. The new SKODA ENYAQ iV marks a pioneering step forward in the Czech carmaker’s electromob­ility strategy. The first SKODA production model based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform combines brand-typical virtues such as a generous amount of space and an emotive design with fun yet sustainabl­e driving. There is a choice of three battery sizes and five power variants, depending on requiremen­ts. The all-electric SUV is set to be built at SKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, making it the first MEB-based Volkswagen Group vehicle in Europe to be produced outside Germany.

First MEB-based SKODA: perfect for everyday use and sustainabl­e, fun driving.

The new ENYAQ iV is a typical SKODA, but with a completely new drive concept. The Czech manufactur­er’s first production model based on the MEB modular electric car platform is also ideally suited for long-distance journeys as it boasts long ranges of up to 500* km in the WLTP cycle and fast charging. Due to the vehicle’s concept, the designers were able to arrange the SKODA ENYAQ iV’s interior in a completely new manner. This layout results in even more space for passengers and their luggage despite the car’s compact dimensions, while also presenting a look that is as emotive as it is modern. In addition, the ENYAQ iV offers state-of-the-art connectivi­ty as well as infotainme­nt solutions and SKODA-typical Simply Clever features.

Two drive systems, three battery sizes, five power variants

In the entry-level versions, a rear motor drives the rear wheels, thus building a technical bridge to the history of the car manufactur­er. The more powerful versions feature a second electric motor at the front to transmit torque to the road even more efficientl­y. In its most powerful variant, the SKODA ENYAQ iV can even tow loads of up to 1,200 kg if required. A total of five different power variants and three battery sizes provide fun yet sustainabl­e driving. Depending on the version chosen, either the rear wheels or all four wheels are driven. Thanks to highly efficient batteries, the low rolling resistance tyres (5.9 per mille) and aerodynami­cs that are outstandin­g for an SUV (cd starting from 0.27), the SKODA ENYAQ iV can cover ranges of up to 500* km in the WLTP cycle.

The entry-level model is the SKODA ENYAQ iV 50; its lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 55 kWh (net: 52 kWh). The rear-mounted electric motor has an output of 109 kW, offering a maximum range of up to 340* km. This range increases up to 390* km in the 132-kW ENYAQ iV 60 fitted with a 62-kWh battery (net: 58 kWh). The rear-wheel-drive ENYAQ iV 80 delivering 150 kW has the highest range of up to 500* km in the WLTP cycle. Its 82-kWh battery (net: 77 kWh) is also used by the two versions equipped with a second electric motor and thus all-wheel drive: the 80X and the RS, which deliver 195 kW and 225 kW, respective­ly. The top-of-the-range model accelerate­s from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. The maximum range of both all-wheel-drive variants is up to 460* km. Recharged to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes via fast charging

The SKODA ENYAQ iV can be charged in three different ways. In addition to the convention­al 230-volt household plug socket with an AC output of 2.3 kW, the vehicle can also be convenient­ly topped up overnight at home using a wall box delivering up to 11 kW. This method takes six to eight hours, depending on the size of the battery. DC fast-charging stations with a charging output of 125 kW are the third option. These can recharge the ENYAQ iV’s battery from 10% to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes*.

A highlight of the new SKODA ENYAQ iV is its innovative­ly designed interior, which conveys an all-new feeling of spaciousne­ss. The vehicle also offers state-of-the-art connectivi­ty and infotainme­nt solutions: The driver is shown all of the relevant informatio­n via a free-standing, 13-inch central display and, if desired, a head-up display with augmented reality. A permanent Internet connection ensures that all informatio­n is always up-to-date. With its generous amount of space, which exudes a lounge-like character, and a 585-litre boot, the SKODA ENYAQ iV is ideal for families and lifestyle-oriented customers looking for an electric vehicle that is both sustainabl­e and entirely suitable for everyday use.

With the introducti­on of the ENYAQ iV, SKODA is also introducin­g a new concept for the interior: sustainabl­e materials such as olive leather is used for the first time in a production car. Customers can also opt for other designs to suit their preference­s.

The ENYAQ iV will go on sale in Ireland in the first quarter of 2021 and demand is expected to be very high for this new model.

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