Škoda Auto is starting sales of its new Škoda Elroq electric car. It will head a class lower than the Enyaq, i.e. into the C segment, and will create a fully electric alternative to the successful internal combustion SUV Karoq. Compared to it, the Elroq is 10 cm longer, but it is similar in purpose. However, it uses purely electromobile technology, taken over from Enyaq. This means that the proportions also differ; the MEB platform has the same wheelbase of 2,770 mm for the Elroq as in the larger Enyaq, and the car will thus offer an extraordinary crew space for its class, fully comparable to the Enyaq, which is 17 cm longer. Especially in the back, where there is literally plenty of space. The volume for luggage has decreased by 115 liters, but according to the best traditions of Mladá Boleslav, it remains at the top of its class with a basic value of 470 liters according to the VDA.
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From the above, it might seem that the Elroq will be a design scale-down of the Enyaq, but this is not the case. The Elroq is the first production Škoda in the new Modern solid design language, introduced by former Škoda Auto chief designer Oliver Stefani two years ago on the Vision 7S concept. It should follow the existing Škoda morphology and at the same time move the brand into a new era. So we will have to say goodbye to several elements that we have been used to for decades and that have helped to create a new, respected identity of the Škoda brand.
For the first customers, there will be an action version of the First Edition with unique design accessories and 21″ wheels. A light strip between the headlights will be available for an additional fee, as well as a two-tone version. 19″ wheels will be standard here, and the Sportline equipment will also be available
First of all, we start with a distinctive, chrome mask, although its typical hexagonal shape on the car has remained in the hints. At the same time, the legendary winged arrow logo disappeared from almost all visible places, even in the interior. While the ŠKODA inscription has been pushed out of the trunk lid some time ago, it will also be displayed on the hood for the first time since 1996. Inside, the steering wheel was also retouched, which was otherwise taken from the Enyaq, along with a large part of the interior elements. The last place to find it on the outside is the wheel hub covers. The reasons for this seemingly irreverent move are purely pragmatic; in the new markets where the brand is penetrating, logos alone do not mean anything to anyone. It is necessary to instill in the customers’ subconscious the names of the car companies, in this case additionally introduced with a new logotype, which also belongs to the Modern solid language.
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During the presentation of the revealed prototypes, we verified that from the front the Elroq resembles the Enyaq and, by extension, other current and past Skodas less than it looks in the photos. Whether it is good or not is the question. The traditionalist will not be satisfied, moreover, he will notice that Škoda can no longer be recognized at first glance as easily as before. And the Škoda signs all around the car change that only partially. The main design highlight not only of the Elroq, but also of other upcoming new models, are the camouflaged main headlights, which leave the dominant place to the daytime running light modules. They thus complete the visual impression of the car at any time when it is in motion, i.e. even during the day. But this trick, no matter how impressive, we already know quite well from the competition.
The headlights are always diodes, for higher equipment or for an additional fee, matrix headlights are available, which are even a generation further compared to the Enyaq. They already offer 36-matrix light modules, which is double compared to the larger model
On the side, the lineage to the Mladá Boleslav tribe is most obvious. Although the proportions with unusually short overhangs go directly against modern Škoda traditions (remember the almost 110 cm rear overhang at the four-and-a-half meter overall length of the Škoda Octavia I from 1996?), still the characteristic soft moldings, conventional handles (thanks for them) and the gently rising bottom line of the windows , going opposite the slightly sloping roof, leave no one in doubt. It is also because the side doors were, as the only body part, taken over from the Enyaq. However, the result, thanks to the rear wheels moved far back, seems more dynamic and more reminiscent of a hothatch than an SUV. This is thanks to the atrophied rear side window, followed by more vertical and optically subtle D-pillars compared to the Enyaq. Here too, however, we will find novelties, especially fender skirt covers. We already know these from the new Kodiaq, but here they kept their round shape and received a new protrusion plus an aerodynamic flap, limiting turbulence around the front wheel. She also earned a record frontal drag coefficient of Cx 0.26.
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The stern couldn’t seem to decide whether to belong to the old school or the new school. The upper half is most reminiscent of the design days of Kabaň and at the same time looks a lot like the Enyaq, even though it has added a significant frill between the headlights, where there was also a place for the RZ, and the ŠKODA inscription has been enlarged and moved higher. The lower half, however, is already a genuine Stefani novel, composed of horizontal, simple curves. These are flanked by fake air vents, which again add a sporty touch to a greater extent than we are used to from Enyaq. So Elroq will probably play a more dynamic chord overall than Enyaq.
You may or may not like the new brand identity, but that’s all you can do with it. Logos are no longer worn today, modern marketers are not interested in tradition, so almost all winged arrows have disappeared from the car. You can only find them on wheel hub covers
The traditional strength of all Mladá Boleslav models is practicality. The Elroq is not far behind, and even if the rear wheel arches cut more from the trunk thanks to the long wheelbase than the competitors, the architects still managed to conjure up not only a large volume, but also a regular shape with a double bottom. And also a number of simply clever solutions, led by a new load pocket in the top cover. It can hold up to 3 kilograms and can hold, for example, a charging cable, which will no longer need to be fished out from under luggage. The Elroq, like all other models on the MEB platform, has to do without a front panel, but the main disadvantage of this fact has been mitigated. However, smart solutions continue; the aforementioned cover can be stored in two heights and used as a dividing shelf. And in the corners behind the skirts we can find three voluminous pockets, complete with webbing for a first aid kit. There is also a 12V socket, which competitors like to cut for savings, or a semi-automatic retractable towing device. And finally another clever, new little thing; After scanning a QR code, the mobile phone will display an overview of equipment and functions plus interactive instructions on how to use simply clever elements, including the new network program.
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The interior has adopted most of the controls and panels from Enyaq, but the colors, some details and especially the materials are new. To a much greater extent than before, they threw themselves into recycled raw materials, among which we can find in various proportions, for example, crushed PET bottles or cupped old clothes. However, there is still natural leather among the materials, although to a lesser extent than before. There was also leatherette and synthetic material TechnoFil, consisting of a quarter of polyester and 75% of Econyl yarn, i.e. recycled nylon from fishing nets, fabric remnants and used carpets. The individual lines of equipment will also have new names, while the basic Essence will retain the black color, while the higher ones will add color to a previously unknown extent. We are expecting not only two-tone seat upholstery, but also orange contrasting elements, including seat belts. By the way, there was a time when color belts were reserved for big premium models and fetched high five-figure sums.
The interior matches the larger and significantly more expensive Enyaq down to the details, which also applies to the quality of the materials. There is no major discounting here, on the contrary, we can look forward to several changes for the better
After sitting in the salon, the reminiscence of Enyaq is heard in full. The shapes practically do not differ, although in some places there have been new, more colorful colors. In addition to the missing logo on the steering wheel, also replaced by the ŠKODA inscription, the new wind is brought mainly by redesigned seats and contrasting pastel colors of the Modern solid language, especially on the already mentioned seat belts. However, the good things remained, starting with a pleasant and soft dashboard, through the two-story center console, to the adjustable armrest, which is a rarity among compact models. The big change is the redesigned seating position, thanks to which the dashboard no longer presses the driver’s knee. And also the absence of a skylight in any form. This may change in the future, but we don’t know yet.
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Infotainment wants to draw a thick line behind the recent past, when Enyaq had rather big problems with the functionality of on-board systems, applications and connections. This is because a completely new, fifth generation will start right away, which should not only make you forget about these ailments, but also bring new functions. So it will offer, for example, remote parking from a mobile phone, a store with applications including Spotify, etc., plus already known things such as two-way charging, manual activation of battery preheating, the V2X system. While the physical displays, including the main 13″ one, remained unchanged, the virtual one, projected onto the front window, will offer augmented reality, a large radius and a high-quality, full-color display with the option of setting the displayed values.
The size and practicality of the trunk belong to the traditional values of all modern Škoda cars. The Elroq is no exception, so to traditional virtues such as a large and well-usable volume, full variability and various organizers, it also adds some novelties, for example a load pocket in the flip-up cover
The technology used almost literally corresponds to Enyaq, including the range of motors. So there will be versions 50, 60, 85 and 85x, with the numbers very roughly indicating the usable capacity of the battery. As in the Enyaq, rear-wheel drive will be a matter of course, with the exception of the 85x twin-engine four-wheel drive. Only a sports version of the RS has not been talked about yet. The entry-level Elroq 50 with an older type of APP310 electric motor, tuned to a maximum torque of 310 Nm and a power of 170 hp, accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It will offer a battery with a net capacity of 52 kWh, made up of eight modules. It is charged with an input of up to 145 kW and the SoC is filled from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes. The target range according to WLTP should be over 370 km, the final homologation has not yet been completed.
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The charging record holder will be the middle Elroq 60, which fills its nine-module battery with a net capacity of 59 kWh in 24 minutes with an input of up to 165 kW. So it’s probably a different type of battery than the rear-wheel drive Enyaqs. That’s enough for a preliminary WLTP range of over 410km, while the 204hp/310Nm output matches the older Enyaq 80, which it also resembles with 0-100km in 8.5 seconds. And finally the range champion Elroq 85, whose more than 560 km according to WLTP will set a new record among electric Škoda cars. Its twelve-module battery with a net capacity of 77 kWh is charged in 28 minutes with an input of up to 175 kW, which parameters do not differ from the 85x quad bike. Here, the same battery will obviously serve for both versions. The APP550 electric motor here offers 286 hp, it conquers 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and continues up to 180 km/h.
The set of cheap and practical simply clever accessories is convenient for manufacturers and customers, so Škoda Auto continues to develop it successfully
It’s still too early for a definitive price list, but at this point we already know the “from” amount, and it’s really interesting. The Elroq 50 is supposed to be the price draw because it kept the base price even lower than expected. It starts below the 800,000 mark, and with a basic price of CZK 799,000, it already reaches the level of the internal combustion Karoq in some markets. Initially, it will be sold together with the Elroq 85 version as the only one, from October 2, 2024. The Elroq 60 will be added later and the 85 quad next year. The first cars will arrive to customers in the first quarter of 2025, we can promise you that we will focus extremely intensive attention on this model in the editorial office.
