These wanting a sneak peak at the way forward for Skoda needn’t look additional than the brand new Elroq SUV.
That’s as a result of it debuts the Czech producer’s new ‘trendy strong’ design language, an aesthetic fashion that will even be worn by future fashions together with a flagship electrical SUV due in 2027.
The Elroq additionally represents an announcement of intent from Skoda Australia to impress its native lineup.
Whereas it took 4 years for the associated Enyaq to succeed in our shores, the smaller Elroq arrives simply months after its international launch, and there’s no secret as to why. The Australian Authorities’s New Automobile Effectivity Normal (NVES) is now in pressure, and which means it’s time to scrub up or pack up.
So, it’s protected to imagine that boxy, battery-powered Skoda’s are set to grow to be the norm.
Whether or not that lands with prospects is but to be seen, though the Elroq actually has a problem on its fingers, because the mid-size SUV section is among the many most hotly contested in Australia. Even whenever you slim the sector right down to EVs, alternate options to the Elroq are plentiful.
From throughout the Volkswagen Group secure, the VW ID.4 and Cupra Tavascan come to thoughts. Then there’s the Kia EV3/EV5, Toyota bZ4X, and Subaru Solterra. Cheaper however no much less worthy alternate options embrace the BYD Atto 3, MG S5 EV, and Sensible #3.
And naturally, you may’t talk about electrical SUVs with out mentioning the Tesla Mannequin Y, regardless of its bigger dimensions.
So the place does the Elroq rank amongst its rivals? And is it a step in the proper course for Skoda? We attended the native launch in Sydney to reply each these questions.
How a lot does the Skoda Elroq value?
Nationwide drive-away pricing presently sees the Elroq supplied for between $59,990 and $69,990, with no extra to pay.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Skoda Elroq 85 Choose | $54,990 | $59,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Elroq 130 Years Version | $64,990 | $69,990 |
That pits Skoda’s new EV up towards an enormous array of mid-sized electrical SUVs together with the Tesla Mannequin Y, BYD Atto 3 Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, and Sensible #3. You could possibly additionally think about cheaper, extra mainstream choices such because the MG S5 EV, Geely EX5, and Deepal S07.
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s the Skoda Elroq like on the within?
Sensible, useful and designed with trendy minimalism entrance of thoughts.
Above: Elroq 85 Choose
EVs tend to really feel bit space-age from the motive force’s seat, however the Elroq is completely different. Right here, the cabin is offered in a means that’s refreshingly acquainted, and that’s consistent with Skoda’s description of the Elroq as ‘surprisingly electrical’.
As an illustration, there’s a conventional gear selector by the motive force’s left thigh, in addition to bodily shortcut buttons and correct mirror controls.
The cabin is correctly spacious, and in true Skoda trend there are many storage options dotted across the place. On this case, which means twin telephone trays beneath the infotainment system, a cavernous centre console, roomy door bins, and a further storage tray beneath the central ‘bridge’.
Nevertheless, the glovebox will nearly actually disappoint. That’s as a result of it’s about half the dimensions you’d anticipate, a product of the fuse field taking on helpful house. There’s no cubby for sun shades, both.
Whereas we’re with regards to practicality, connectivity choices are additionally plentiful. Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is normal throughout the vary, as are a pair of USB-C retailers that reside on the base of the centre stack. Stepping up from the bottom 85 Choose to the 130 Years Version brings a wi-fi charging tray.
The 2 variants additionally differ on inside supplies. A lot of the photographs on this evaluate depict the 85 Choose, which is trimmed in gray recycled material that’s delicate to the contact and nice sufficient on the attention. Nevertheless, the lighter gray leatherette within the 130 Years Version is unquestionably an improve.
Mushy, textured plastics additionally characteristic prominently, wrapping across the higher sections of the door playing cards and sprint. The entire design may be very cohesive, giving the cabin a premium really feel.
It’s a cushty house, too. The centre armrest is delicate and welcoming, whereas there’s padding in between your left knee and the central tunnel.
No matter specification, the seats are exceptionally adjustable and sort to your bum over lengthy distances. Each the entrance seats and steering wheel are heated, though the worst of winter is now behind us.
As with the remainder of the inside, the know-how suite strikes a pleasant stability between newness and familiarity. The 13-inch infotainment system will probably be acquainted to those that have skilled the up to date Kodiaq or Octavia, which suggests a clear app grid design with crystal clear graphics and spectacular processing energy.
Skoda has positioned vital emphasis on configurability, and as such the house display screen format and shortcut icons may be chopped and adjusted to swimsuit consumer preferences. By default, shortcuts for audio output, telephone performance, smartphone mirroring, navigation, and local weather controls are pinned to the bottom of the display screen.
It’s also possible to swipe down on the display screen for fast entry to A/C and audio controls, in addition to a brightness slider – identical to an iPhone.
So, whereas bodily buttons and switches are few, their absence isn’t felt as strongly within the Elroq as it’s in competitor merchandise. And the Elroq principally does with out the problematic controls which have featured on some VW Group fashions, bar a touch-sensitive quantity slider beneath the infotainment display screen.
Along with a user-friendly interface, Skoda’s newest system gives notable mod-cons together with upgraded voice management, driver profiles, and the flexibility to preset the cabin temperature for every drive.
Whereas the infotainment display screen is a carryover half from different Skoda fashions, the motive force’s show has a extra bespoke feel and appear to it.
Measuring in at simply 5 inches, the instrument space is small however neatly offered and cleanly built-in into the sprint. Three completely different show layouts can be found, every of which prioritises completely different readouts.
This setup is merely satisfactory for the bottom 85 Choose. Nevertheless, it makes rather more sense when paired with the high-tech head-up show discovered within the 130 Years Version.
This trick new toy utilises augmented actuality to mission navigation cues, lane markings, and distance warnings onto the street forward, though the previous is just suitable with Apple Maps (iPhone) and Google Maps (Android gadgets). It’s a helpful improve over normal HUDs, and one which goes some strategy to justifying the hole between the 2 Elroq variants.
I can’t say that very same concerning the sound techniques, as I used to be left disillusioned by the boring sound high quality from the ‘premium’ 12-speaker setup.
Shifting again behind the entrance seats, the second row is surprisingly spacious for an SUV of this dimension – largely right down to the truth that the Elroq boasts an equivalent wheelbase to the longer Enyaq.
The rear doorways open extensive aiding ingress and egress, and when you’re inside there’s loads of leg- and headroom for taller adults.
The house feels gentle and ethereal no matter specification and, being an EV, the Elroq has a flat flooring that encourages use of the center seat. Nevertheless, there isn’t a heap of room for ft beneath the outboard seats. On the flip aspect, the 130 Years Version brings seat heating for outboard passengers.
Prime-spec variations of the Elroq additionally get a 3rd zone of local weather management, though USB-C retailers, intelligent cut up map pockets, and window blinds aren’t restricted to the 130 Years Version.
Different helpful facilities embrace a detachable storage field that matches completely into the centre part of flooring, as properly an armrest with retractable cupholders and sensible door bins.
All rear seats are outfitted with the requisite ISOFIX and prime tether youngster seats anchors for protected transportation of little ones.
Alternatively, the rear bench folds in 60/40 trend to maximise cargo room, albeit with a steep step between the boot and bench storage.
That’s properly price understanding, because the Elroq is missing for boot house in comparison with rivals. Skoda claims 409 litres of capability – lower than you get in a Mini Countryman or Kia EV3.
With that mentioned, a number of ‘merely intelligent’ extras assist to offset the dearth of actual property. For instance, the movable load cowl doubles as a storage shelf, and there’s a further internet connected to its underside. Additional, the wall homes a number of cubbies and bag hooks to maintain baggage and gadgets gadgets from sliding round.
And whereas there’s no under-bonnet storage space, charging cables match properly beneath the boot flooring. An influence tailgate is among the many upgrades for the 130 Years Version, and it’s price having because the guide model is surprisingly heavy.
| Dimensions | Skoda Elroq |
|---|---|
| Size | 4488mm |
| Width | 1884mm |
| Peak | 1625mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capability | 409-1580L |
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Each variants are powered by a rear-mounted 210kW electrical motor fed by an 82kWh (internet) battery, good for a 0-100km/h dash in a close to sizzling hatch-like 6.6 seconds and a mixed WLTP driving vary of 529km.
| Specs | Skoda Elroq |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 82kWh li-ion |
| Energy | 210kW |
| Torque | 545Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2180kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.6 seconds |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 16.6kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 12.8kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 529km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 135kW |
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Skoda Elroq drive?
The Elroq is a right-sized electrical SUV that’s well-suited to each metropolis and freeway driving.
By taking the Enyaq and shaving off some size at both finish, Skoda has created a compelling various mannequin that’s simpler to drive and no much less spacious inside, boot house apart.
Fairly merely, the Elroq feels much less cumbersome than an Enyaq or Mannequin Y. It advantages from manageable entrance and rear overhangs when pushed in tight areas, and that sense of manoeuvrability is evidenced by a class-leading turning circle of simply 9.3 metres.
The one-motor electrical powertrain is whisper quiet and suitably punchy round city, delivering ample torque in a easy method. I’d argue that the Elroq’s outputs characterize a candy spot for EVs, as there’s sufficient shove to induce some pleasure however not an excessive amount of that the automobile is intimidating for these coming from much less responsive ICE SUVs.
As such, it’s straightforward to get snug with the proper pedal, and that’s additionally true of the opposite driving inputs – the brake pedal feels progressive and pure, whereas the steering is direct with simply sufficient weight to remind you that you simply’re driving a automobile, not enjoying a online game.
The inclusion of a conventional begin/cease button and central shifter contribute to a way of familiarity that many rivals lack. And to a level, the absence of single-pedal driving from the Elroq additionally makes it really feel extra like an old-school SUV on the street.
The regenerative braking system is adjustable, however solely to a restricted extent. Switching between ‘D’ and ‘B’ utilizing the gear selector alters regen, however there’s no strategy to correctly customise the expertise.
Power recuperation needn’t be a significant concern although, because the Elroq is the probably the most environment friendly EVs going round. We noticed common vitality consumption figures within the 12-14kWh/100km vary over a number of hours of blended driving, which suggests you’ll get upwards of 600km from a single cost. Few rivals can match that.
To this point, so good then.
That’s till you hit a bump within the street, because the Elroq proves to be too agency for Australia’s patchy tarmac. It thumps over street joins and imperfections all too repeatedly, which sends shudders reverberating up by means of the chassis and driver’s seat.
On easy surfaces that firmness makes the Elroq really feel sporty, however it could actually shortly grow to be tiresome. I wouldn’t go so far as to name the suspension setup a dealbreaker, nevertheless it positively leaves room for enchancment.
That enchancment might come within the type of adaptive suspension, extra particularly Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Management (DCC) system. The Czech automaker gives DCC as an choice for the Elroq in different markets, and we’d like to see that right here.
Smaller wheels might additionally assist to treatment the trip. The usual 19-inch alloys are giant sufficient and many trendy, however the 130 Years Version suffers from the fitment of unnecessarily big 21s.
Fortunately, the wheel and tyre package deal doesn’t translate to extreme street noise on the freeway, and the Elroq stays principally spectacular at greater speeds.
With 210kW and 545Nm at your disposal, the Elroq can cruise on the nationwide velocity restrict with out breaking a sweat, and the cabin stays a quiet place wherein to spend your time.
Don’t anticipate the serenity to be damaged by hyperactive security techniques both, as Skoda has calibrated its ADAS to be intuitive and non-intrusive.
Higher but, the adaptive cruise management and lane help techniques are straightforward to function utilizing buttons on the steering wheel, which takes the stress out of lengthy street journeys.
It’s an easy automobile to steer, the Elroq… simply don’t anticipate it to ever set your hair on fireplace.
Contemplating the Elroq packs loads of punch and sends all of it to the rear wheels, I used to be half anticipating to have some enjoyable once we reached a twisty part of nation street. That by no means got here to cross, because the Elroq is succesful however by no means thrilling.
It handles particularly properly for two.2-tonne SUV, demonstrating glorious grip and physique management when pushed enthusiastically by means of tighter corners. Nevertheless, that doesn’t essentially make it thrilling. However, driving engagement is unlikely to determine within the choice making of potential patrons.
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Two grades of Elroq will probably be supplied from launch in Australia.
2025 Skoda Elroq 85 Choose tools highlights:
- 19-inch Regulus alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Roof rails
- Keyless entry, begin
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi App-Join
- Apple CarPlay – wi-fi
- Android Auto – wi-fi
- 5-inch digital driver’s show
- Wi-fi smartphone charger incl. air flow
- 4 x USB-C retailers
- 8-speaker sound system
- Twin-zone local weather management
- LED ambient lighting
- Gray RecyTitan with green-stitched fake leather-based appointed seat upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel – heated
- Heated, folding, auto-dimming aspect mirrors
- Mode 3 (Kind 2) charging cable
- Facet and rear privateness glass
- 1 x door-mounted umbrella
Elroq 130 Version provides:
- 21-inch Supernova alloy wheels
- Matrix LED headlights
- Dynamic headlight vary management
- Dynamic cornering lights
- Premium LED tail lights
- Head-up show incl. augmented actuality operate
- Clever Park Help
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Electrical lumbar
- Therapeutic massage operate
- Reminiscence
- 360-degree parking cameras
- Canton 12-speaker sound system
- Energy tailgate with hands-free opening
- Anthracite TechnoFil /orange-stitched gray fake leather-based seat trim
- ‘Premium’ inside finishes
- Rear sunshades
- Heated rear seats (outboard)
- Three-zone local weather management
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Skoda Elroq protected?
The Skoda Elroq is but to obtain an ANCAP or Euro NCAP security ranking.
Normal security options embrace:
- 7 airbags
- Journey Help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Visitors Jam Help
- Adaptive Lane Help
- Emergency Help
- Entrance Help – AEB
- incl. Flip Help
- Facet Help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver fatigue detection
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Rear-view digicam
The 130 Years Version provides:
- Park help
- Encompass-view digicam
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Skoda Elroq value to run?
The Elroq is roofed by Skoda’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new automobile guarantee in Australia.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Skoda Elroq |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 2 years free, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 2 years or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 10 years (Service Pack) |
| Common annual service value (10 years) | $195 |
| Whole capped-price service value (10 years) | $1950 |
Servicing is comparatively cheap when you go for considered one of Skoda’s pay as you go service packages which cowl upkeep prices for as much as 10 years. Pay-as-you-go servicing can also be accessible, with Skoda quoting $502 per go to.
Skoda Australia will even be launching the Elroq with its Skoda Alternative assured worth and finance program.
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Elroq
Electrical SUV patrons take observe, the Elroq needs to be proper on the prime of your shortlist.
Whereas it’s no object of burning lust, the Elroq is an immensely habitable household runaround that gives practicality, know-how, effectivity, and ample efficiency in a right-sized package deal.
And for a automobile that’s been developed, designed and in-built Europe, it’s comparatively inexpensive to each purchase and personal too.
In fact, the proper automobile scarcely exists. On this case, I discovered the Elroq to be too agency for Sydney’s patchy roads, and the boot is on the smaller aspect. However on stability, the professionals properly and really outweigh the cons.
That leaves the query of which variant represents one of the best worth. To be sincere, you may’t go incorrect with both.
The bottom 85 Choose embodies the primary strengths of the mannequin at a beautiful asking value, whereas the 130 Years beneficial properties simply sufficient gear to be well worth the improve.
Regardless, the Elroq factors to a shiny electrified future for Skoda, and that may solely be a very good factor for brand spanking new automobile patrons.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Skoda Elroq. Click on right here to get an ideal deal
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