Skoda is on the cusp of an EV rampage; with no fewer than six upcoming all-electric models in the works. The Czech brand has decided to start this with the Elroq: a compact SUV. No surprise, but it’s a safe bet as the compact SUV is the most popular type of vehicle in Europe. Sales aside, the Elroq is a paradigm shift, with a bold design choice and being just the second electric model to come from Skoda.
Goodbye Grille, Hello Tech-Deck Face
Despite recently unveiling an updated grille, Skoda has elected to ditch it – for EVs anyway. It seems not every brand is a fan of faux grilles on electric cars. Instead of the grille, the Elroq has the Tech-Deck Face – strange name, I know. It’s hard to tell exactly what it will look like, due to the wacky camouflage wrap, but the front end is angular and has hints of aggression. However, it does seem to lack a focal point – as there’s no grille. The Tech-Deck Face is part of Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language, which aims to revolutionise their styling. More change at the front comes, with the lack of a badge. Instead, Skoda lettering will feature, as it does at the rear. Add in the striking barely-there headlights and you have a head-turning design that’s different from anything Skoda has ever produced before.
The side and rear profiles provide significantly less shock factor. The rear is recognisably Skoda, with a similar look to the Kamiq and Karoq crossovers. The roofline is gently sloped and flows into the rear spoiler, which is designed to improve aerodynamics – granting better efficiency. Optimised wheels also contribute to a drag coefficient as low as 0.26 and range from 19 to 21 inches in size.
More of the Same
The Skoda Elroq’s interior supposedly complements the Modern Solid design language well. I say supposedly because Skoda has not revealed pictures of the interior as of yet and it’s likely to stay that way until autumn. The 5-inch Digital Cockpit features in the larger Enyaq and the 13-inch infotainment screen promises simplicity. There’s also the option of a heads-up display if that’s your thing. There’s also a focus on sustainability; as the Design Selection Loft features a material called Recytitan throughout. Recytitan is made from 78% recycled PET. The rest is obtained from new PET and mechanically recycled fibres. Despite the small size of the Skoda Elroq, its storage packs a punch. A boot space of 470 litres can increase to 1,580 litres when the rear seats are folded, and storage within the interior totals 48 litres.
Plenty of Powertrains
EVs often have few powertrain options, but, yet again, the Elroq bucks this trend. There are four: the 50, 60, 85 and 85x. The base 50 has a 55 kWh battery and 167 horsepower, while the 60 has an increased capacity of 63 kWh. The 85 and 85x both have an 82 kWh battery and the 85 has 281 horsepower. The 85x is the only all-wheel-drive model, offering up to 296 horsepower. Both the 85 and 85x have a range of an impressive 348 miles.
On the charging front, the Skoda Elroq impresses again. All variants support DC fast charging, but the rate varies. The Elroq 85 and 85x offer charging at up to 175 kW. All models can go from 10% to 80% in under 28 minutes, meaning, if you find the right charger, you won’t be waiting long. The Elroq can also pre-condition the battery for DC charging in cold weather, improving the speed.
A New Dawn for Skoda
All in all, the Elroq looks to be a step in the right direction for Skoda, albeit a step that most manufacturers are also making. When it’s unveiled in autumn, the Kia EV3, which looks fantastic on paper, will likely be on sale. It will be hard to sway buyers from such a great proposition, but the success of the Enyaq proves the Czech brand can sell EVs to the masses, something the Elroq will likely solidify.
