Skoda Enyaq review: Practical electric SUV is a family winner

The iV 80 Loft offers a compelling mix of practicality, range and specification for a relatively low price
Matt Allan
By Matt Allan
Published 25th Nov 2021, 14:58 BST
Updated 26th Nov 2021, 16:16 BST

The Skoda Enyaq has been a bit of a trophy magnet since it was launched in early 2021.

It’s gathered five-star reviews left right and centre, received awards from the likes of What Car? and Parkers, and scooped two awards at the Scottish Car of the Year, including the Car of the Year title.

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Back when I drove it on the media launch in June I suspected the electric SUV would be on my own personal shortlist and a further week using it for day-to-day family purposes has convinced me it’s my top car of 2021.

I’ve driven faster, fancier, more expensive and more exciting vehicles but the Enyaq ticks so many boxes as a proper everyday car that will fit into so many people’s lives.

It looks good, drives well, has loads of space and kit, a decent range and in a world where an electric city car can cost £30k+, it’s remarkably good value.

As with so many family cars these days, it’s an SUV shape built on the VW Group’s EV-specific MEB platform - the same one that underpins the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron.

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The looks are clearly linked to the rest of the Skoda family. It’s hardly a revolution in automotive design but it’s a slightly sleeker, more modern stablemate to the traditional Kodiaq SUV. A coupe-style fastback version will be along in 2022 to offer a more sporting look.

The interior is slightly more of a step away from other Skodas. The flat floor and lack of transmission tunnel creates a spacious feeling cabin and there’s a simplicity about the controls and layout that feels pleasingly modern. Touches like the neat “pocket” that wraps around the simple digital instrument unit and low-level dash are a nice alternative to the traditional chunky cluster and enhance the feeling of space as well as aiding visibility.

The Enyaq is offered in two drivetrain variants. Entry level cars, badged 60, feature a 60kWh battery and 175bhp motor driving the rear wheels. Models badged 80, like our test car, feature an 82kWh battery and 201bhp rear-mounted motor with 229lb ft.