Skoda New Zealand has cut the retail prices of its Enyaq battery electric vehicle (BEV) by $13,000... before the new model has even arrived in the country.
The brand launched the new pure-electric SUV in February, inviting customer orders for first deliveries in September. At the time, the company was firm on its relatively high specification and relatively high pricing, which started at $92,990 for the Sportline - taking it right out contention for a Clean Car Discount rebate, which has a price cap of $80k.
“We are completely changing the [Skoda] mission and vision,” said Skoda NZ marketing manager Natalie O’Brien. “We’ve got a new design strategy for the cars and we’re extending our target audience.
“We’re still positioning ourselves across mainstream and entry segments, but we’re now… entering the premium space with the introduction of Enyaq.”
However, Skoda NZ has now reframed the Enyaq with a $13k reduction across the board as "launch pricing", meaning the $79,990 will now be eligible for the post-July maximum $7015 Clean Car Discount. The Sportline Max and Coupe Sportline Max are now $84,990 and $89,990 respectively - neither eligible for the Discount, but both also $13k cheaper than previously.
Skoda says there is no change to the Sportline and Sportline Max equipment levels with the price drop.
A sub-$80k model means Enyaq can match rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the forthcoming Volkswagen ID.4 (based on the same platform as the Skoda), all of which offer price-leading models under $80k.
Check out our Enyaq first drive video from February below (bearing in mind it doesn't take the price cut into account).