Reviewing the Skoda Enyaq iV electric estate

The Skoda Enyaq iV review

Considering Skoda was once considered a sub-standard and budget car manufacturer, it’s truly amazing to see just how far this brand has come since being purchased by the Volkswagen group. Fast-forward to 2022 and Skoda are now recognised as a true quality, but value for money, brand which delivers style and substance to the UK’s fleet industry.

And in their “iV” product, which the Czech-group use to denote a Plug-In Hybrid or Pure Electric Vehicle, innovation and greener technology is pushing the brand even further into the fleet lists for many company car and sal sac schemes. And while the Skoda Enyaq is the only pure electric / battery electric vehicle available to buy or lease, the good news is that the UK customers not only have the choice of an estate and a coupe version (to compare with a VW ID.4 and VW ID.5), there are also a number of battery and specification options available. Unlike some manufacturers, Skoda recognised that bigger batteries do increase the costs for the end user and if they are not a high-mileage customer, the range provided is unnecessary for the cost.

So what battery options do Skoda offer?

iV 60 - the entry option offers a 58 kWh usable battery with 0 - 62 times of 8.7 seconds, 99 mph top speed and power of 132 kW (or 177hp). In terms of range, expect a combined winter performance of 170 miles on a full charge, with around 230 in warmer weather. On charging capabilities, the 11 kW AC maximum allows for 0 - 100% times of just over 6 hours with the 130 kW DC providing 30-minute rapid charge times. The 60 Enyaq has a fuel equivalent of 143 mpg. And in terms of towing weight this proffers 1000 kg (braked);
iV 80 - the robust option offers a 77 kWh usable battery with 0 - 62 times of 8.6 seconds, 99 mph top speed and power of 150 kW (or 201hp). In terms of range, expect a combined winter performance of 220 miles on a full charge, with around 300 in warmer weather. On charging capabilities, the 11 kW AC maximum allows for 0 - 100% times of just over 8 hours with the 135 kW DC providing 33-minute rapid charge times. The 80 Enyaq has a fuel equivalent of 137 mpg. And in terms of towing weight this proffers 1000 kg (braked); and

iV 80x - the all-wheel drive / 4x4 model comes with a 77 kWh usable battery with 0 - 62 times of 6.9 seconds, 99 mph top speed and power of 195 kW (or 261hp). In terms of range, expect a combined winter performance of 210 miles on a full charge, with around 285 in warmer weather. On charging capabilities, the 11 kW AC maximum allows for 0 - 100% times of just over 8 hours with the 135 kW DC providing 33-minute rapid charge times. The 80x Enyaq has a fuel equivalent of 137 mpg. And in terms of towing weight this proffers 1200 kg (braked).

On specifications, Skoda have utilised some interesting descriptions to denote the style and equipment provided. For example:

Loft - starting at £38,500 the entry model included grey/black cloth with artificial leather inserts, 19” Proteus alloys, LED headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, auto wipers, navigation, virtual cockpit;
Suite - for another £1,400 benefit from the soft leather seats and inserts; and
ecosSuite - for another £1,650 enjoy cognac leather and inserts.

Looking to build the perfect Skoda? Consider a range of amazing packages like the Plus Package (for £4800 enjoy keyless entry, wireless charging, privacy glass, LED headlamps, electrically-operated tailgate, full Matrix lights, climate control, heated front seats, heated multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable seats, blind spot detection, automatic heated and memory function door mirrors, tow bar preparation).

Clever Package (for £2750 enjoy a more frugal keyless entry, wireless charging, privacy glass, adaptive cruise control), Transport Package (for £320 include the mechanical rear seat release and trunk net) plus a whole host of great extras like the heat pump to increase battery performance (for just over £1000), the electrically retractable tow bar (for £815) and the upgraded 19” - 21” alloys which cost between £125 - £1200.

Undoubtedly the Enyaq is one of the best-value EVs for drivers, and families, needing a practical SUV. Unsurprisingly this was voted 4.5/5 by Auto Express, 5/5 from What Car? 8/10 by Top Gear and 4.5/5 by Car Buyer. While a little shorter and lower than the combustion equivalent Kodiaq, the driving-experience, Whole of Life cost position and styling do make this an attractive proposition - especially for business customers looking to enjoy the amazing tax benefits which electrification offers you and your employer. But the Enyaq is not without competition with the VW ID 4 and 5, Genesis GV60, Audi Q4, Ford Mach-e and Tesla Model Y.

But as part of an employer’s analysis, moving a fleet of vehicles across to electric format does need thought and review. As part of the e-car analysis, we don’t just offer information on the monthly cost of the EV, we also provide you with the rudimentary data for making the appropriate cost measurements on an electric vehicle if you are comparing them against a petrol or diesel option. But one of the key themes which arises across the employer and employee platforms is charging - how can I organise a charge point for my premises? How do I get a charging solution at home?

Providing automated and efficient responses is key to our e-car lease team, as we look to establish high standards for the selling and leasing of EV’s in the UK. As part of an enquiry, you will be asked about a charge point - do you need assistance or not?

For a business selecting yes, you will be sent the details for Raw Charging , one of the UK’s longest established charge point installation companies in the UK. The team at Raw are adept at managing landlords, hospitality, property agents and facilities managers with robust charging solutions.

With their “en-route” rapid charging (DC) solutions which can offer from 150 kW to 300 kW to their “destination” options which allow for dual AC solutions from 7 - 22 kW, their team can help you and your directors understand the investments required to future proof your business. For those fleets with large premises, a wholesale solution is key.

And for employees who need domestic points at their houses, e-car lease have partnered with the Rightcharge team, who compare the charge point and tariff market for you based on your location and vehicle including cost-effective finance and payment plans. Organising a charge point with your new BEV is essential but the Raw Charge and Rightcharge team are here to ensure that your new company car / salary sacrifice vehicle are managed to the highest of standards. For further information, just select YES - info needed, when selecting your car.

Skoda Enyaq IV Estate 132kW 60 Loft 62kWh 5dr Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Skoda Enyaq IV Estate 132kW 60 Loft 62kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration: