What's this new car all about then?
A Skoda Elroq is an ELectric KaROQ. Cute, huh? Not literally, of course, because Skoda's latest is a pure-electric compact-SUV based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, while the Karoq is a conventional combustion-engine vehicle.
They're of a similar size and genre, but totally different technology. The closest thing to the Elroq is in fact the upgraded Enyaq: same platform, similar powertrain and a lot of shared components, including the core dashboard architecture.
For our money, the Elroq definitely looks the business, though. While Enyaq has had some new-gen styling details overlaid on a familiar base, Elroq is a whole new design and embraces Skoda's latest "Modern Solid" (yeah, that's a weird name) styling proportions and "Tech-Deck" (again, weird) face, with running lights on top and the main beams nestled in the bumper. Some unusual ingredients, but the whole thing looks striking, substantial and well-proportioned.
While Elroq is theoretically Skoda's first "compact" EV-SUV, it's not a whole lot smaller than Enyaq: the wheelbase is just 13mm shorter (so cabin space is similar), while there's a 170mm difference in overall length (there's a smaller Skoda urban EV on the way called Epiq).
So the most significant gap between Elroq and Enyaq is really luggage capacity: 470 litres versus 585l for the Enyaq. Oh, and price. Price of course.
How much is it?
The new model arrives in two specifications: an Elroq 60 with a 59kWh battery (range 394km) and the 150kW/310Nm rear electric motor carried over from the previous generation of MEB products (OG Enyaq and VW ID.4, for example), or an Elroq Sportline 85 with a 77kWh pack (same as the new Enyaq, giving 529km range) and the new 210kW/545Nm motor.
The 60 is $69,000, which is a useful $20k less than the entry-level Enyaq Sportline. But get the Elroq a little closer to what the Enyaq offers, with the 85 Sportline, and you're much closer in price: $79,000. Think of Elroq and Enyaq as a single model line and you've got neat $10k steps from start to finish across the quartet of models: rounded up to $70k, $80k, $90k and $100k.
Elroq is a whole new design and embraces Skoda's latest 'Modern Solid' (yeah, that's a weird name) styling proportions.
Specification is strong across both Elroq models: comprehensive safety and driver assists (although the Sportline has a bit more, read on), approach/walk-away unlock/lock (the range is around 2.7m), power front seats with massage function, interior ambient lighting, 13-inch infotainment display and the obligatory umbrella packaged in the driver's door.
With the Sportline, aside from the extra performance/range, you're getting matrix technology for the LED headlights, low-speed traffic assist with a more advanced lane-keep system (it can take control during a medical event), rear-side airbags, acoustic glass and hands-free power tailgate.
Elroq doesn't drive like a small car, because it isn't really one: 4.5m long (almost as big as a Mazda CX-5) and over two tonnes.
There's also an interior trim upgrade that includes multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and wireless phone charger.
As with the Enyaq, what you don't get in either version is a live car (no remote connectivity, no OTA updates). VW Group brands in NZ seem to be dragging the chain in this area in a big way; but we've already moaned about it extensively in our Enyaq first drive, so click here if you want the details. We won't bore you again here.
What's it like to drive?
The entry-level Elroq 60 is still on the way, so our introductory drive was limited to the flagship 85 Sportline. The car you see here is finished in a colour unique to Elroq, Timiano Green. Nice.
Elroq doesn't drive like a small car, because it isn't really one: 4.5m long (almost as big as a Mazda CX-5), a long wheelbase with interior space equivalent to an Octavia, and a weight of well over two tonnes.
Skoda NZ has managed to specify the Sportline with a number of choice items that draw you towards the more expensive model.
But in Sportline form it's sprightly and fairly agile, helped by the fact that the single motor is at the back. Not in the interests of being especially sporting, but it does allow you to use the instant torque on tap from electric power without fear of wheelspin.
The Sportline is neat and well-balanced and rides pretty well, too. How different is the 60 likely to be? Same 20-inch wheels (in a different design), less powerful but 140kg lighter and 15mm taller in ride height. Might be an even more pleasing drive experience, and it's hardly slow: 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds versus 6.6 for Sportline. But we'll have to wait to find out.
And to answer the obvious question: yes, there is an RS version of the Elroq in Europe, which should be quite something with the full 250kW AWD powertrain (same as an Enyaq RS).
It's not part of the Kiwi launch lineup, but we'll keep you posted. Warning: it would have to be pretty expensive, given the near-$80k for the much more mainstream Elroq Sportline.
What’s the pick of the range?
Well, that's putting us on the spot, given we've only driven half the lineup. But at first glance, the Elroq 60 looks like the better deal. Remembering this is supposed to be a smallish SUV, you're saving $10k over the Sportline 85 and still getting pretty decent range and performance. It doesn't look a whole lot different, either. It puts Elroq at a price point where it really needs to be.
And yet. Not that we're into conspiracy theories or anything, but Skoda NZ has managed to specify the Sportline with a number of choice items that draw you towards the more expensive model.
It doesn't necessarily need the extra range (although it is an impressive number) or power, and that's what accounts for a lot of the extra cost; but surely for a city EV you'd want the extra driver-assists for traffic, if you're carrying back-seat passengers you'll want the rear-side airbags, and supermarket trips are so much more pleasant with a fully automatic power tailgate.
What other cars should I consider?
Small EV-SUVs with a bit of personality: there are a suprising number to choose from, especially when you consider that the Elroq's price range ($70-80k) covers quite a lot of ground.
The car we'd most like to line Elroq up against is our Car of the Year top-three finalist, the Kia EV3. Similar sense of quality and solidity, lots of style; and like the Skoda, impressive driving range. The Kia's price spans $55,520-$75,220.
The Mini Countryman SE would have to be in the picture: it's right at the top of the Elroq price range at $80,990, but grunty with 230kW and it boasts dual-motor AWD (the single-motor model is not currently listed by Mini NZ).
If you've a mind for a more value-led approach and you're happy with a more mainstream (okay, non-Euro) brand, we also rate the new MG S5 EV: built on the platform of the excellent MG4 hatch and priced from $44,990-$54,990.
There are many others, but it's also worth pointing out that the Elroq's top price point puts it in the frame with many medium-sized EVs, including the Tesla Model Y ($67,900-$77,900 for the Standard and Long Range AWD versions). You can also now buy a VW ID.4 with the same 250kW powertrain as an Enyaq RS for $76,990.
