Skoda an obv Vious winner
Having both driven the Enyaq iV, JOHN MURDOCH and GILES BLAIR explain why this all-electric SUV deserves the Scottish Car of the Year title
THE new Skoda Enyaq iV is a handsome, roomy, all-electric SUV and it has just been crowned the 2021 Scottish Car of the Year.
You can buy this relative newcomer with two different battery sizes: 62kWh (badged the iV 60) or 82kWh (badged the iV 80).
While the popular Czech marque’s latter model is tempting for its impressive 331-mile electric range, the former can still cover 256 miles.
That will be good enough for a lot of buyers and the smaller-battery model also qualifies for the government’s plug-in car grant. So prices start from about £32,000 – a fair tag for a large electric SUV.
The higher-powered version is also offered in a top-end 80x SportLine version, which gives you all-wheel drive, costing a competitive £46,610 on the road.
All Enyaq iV models come very well equipped, with standard features including a 13in navigation system, 19 or 20in alloy wheels and rear parking sensors across the range. Buyers can also choose from a variety of different interior trims to personalise their vehicle.
This Skoda – apart from the 80x –has an electric motor powering the rear wheels and the performance is more than adequate.
The Enyaq is good enough to convert those reluctant to buy an electric car and it very easy to get used to and drive, including the regenerative braking that slows the car down as soon as you lift off the accelerator.
It just feels like any other SUV but much quieter and inside there is stacks of room for five, while the interior finish is cool and modern, with good-quality materials, as well as being very practical.
The standard Loft interior that the Road Record team sampled combines fabric, artificial leather, brushed aluminium and bright chrome decor to good effect.
Like all Skodas, it boasts a large boot – 585 litres to hold the family luggage and a stowage space below the load area floor to keep the recharging cables.
Fold the rear seats and you have 1710 litres to play with and the Enyaq also has all of the
company’s clever features, including an umbrella stored in the driver’s door.
As mentioned, all models come with the same impressive customisable 13in infotainment system, standing tall and proud atop the dash and angled towards the driver, that provides superb hi-tech features and access to real-time information.
It includes permanent online capability, wireless smartphone connectivity, remote access via a mobile app, intelligent voice assistance, in-car wi-fi for up to eight devices and over-the-air software updates.
Sat nav, DAB radio and gesture control also form part of the package, while a 5.3in digital display in front of the driver provides vital information. And you can opt for a head-up display as part of an improved infotainment offering for £740.
Other goodies include dual-zone air con, keyless stop/start, auto lights and wipers, a collision avoidance system, lane keep assist and an emergency call feature.
Our iV 80 review car, with 204PS of power on tap, covers 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds – a fifth of a second quicker than the iV 60 – and has a top speed of 99mph. It takes just an hour and 10 minutes to get the batteries back to 80 per cent using a using a 50kW rapid charger, and less than 40 minutes using a 125kW unit.
Fit a home wallbox and you can fully recharge the car in 13 hours – ideal for overnight – while it is also possible to use a domestic socket.
Steering wheel paddles allow you to alter the braking recuperation levels so you need hardly use the brake pedal and can increase the range.
A “B” mode on the gear lever does much the same job, and there are Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes to further enhance the driving experience.
With the batteries stored in the floor between the axles, the car has a low centre of gravity and great weight distribution, making the Skoda feel balanced and well-planted.
It was really smooth and packed bags of punch for darting out of junctions or overtaking, and was ideal for motorway cruising.
The suspension set-up is spot-on and the rear-wheel-drive ensures confidence-inspiring grip during acceleration and great steering feedback.
In short, the Enyaq is easy to drive, with good all-round visibility and the rear-view camera – standard on the 80 models – helps in tight parking situations.
Parked up, the Enyaq drew remarks from passers-by about its good looks. A bold, chrome-framed, black grille is complemented by powerful aerodynamic features below, sleek LED headlights and a sculpted bonnet.
Side on, there’s a blend of sharp lines and a flowing profile, while the standard 19in wheels had been replaced with silver 20in alloys for our review vehicle.
Chrome roof rails and window surrounds added a touch of class to the Enyaq, and the rear is notable for its neat roof spoiler and smart, sharp, tail lights.
With the 80 version priced from £39,365, we reckon you get a lot for your money by electric vehicle standards.
It is a great all-round package that has lots of appeal and it is little wonder that it has just been named as the top car of 2021 by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.