Skoda is entering a new space with the unveiling of the Elroq. This bold electric compact crossover is poised to steal sales from the likes of Volvo EX30, Kia Niro EV and Smart #1.
For it undercuts its main rivals and some smaller ones as well with prices starting from $NZ67k equivalent in the UK.
Previewed a little over a month ago, Elroq is the first model to adopt Skoda’s Modern Solid design language. There’s the new Tech Deck face, consisting of a black bar that spans the width of the front end. It’s studded with LED daytime-running lights, while the main headlights sit below this.
Modern Solid design also benefits aerodynamics. With a cooling flap up front that automatically shuts to reduce air resistance, Elroq has a Cd 0.26.
Underneath the attractive skin is the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, shared with Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID 3. At 4.49m long, Elroq is slightly larger than Karoq (4.39m) but somewhat smaller than Enyaq (4.65m).
Three powertrains are offered at launch, labelled 50, 60 and 85 after their battery packs. The base model gets a 52kWh battery pack and a 125kW rear-mounted motor. It has a claimed range of more than 368km. The 60 version has a 150kW motor and 400km of range. At the top is the 85 that gets a 77kWh battery and 210kW, with more than 576km per charge. The 50 and 60 can both be charged at up to 145kW (10-80 per cent in 25min), and the bigger 85 pack can take 175kW, for a 28 minute recharge.
Read our long term Enyaq review here.
Inside, the Elroq reminds of Enyaq. It has the same 13-inch infotainment touchscreen and physical button bar with shortcut buttons for the driver assistance systems, drive modes, and climate controls.
Three-quarters of the entry-level Loft interior is upholstered in recycled drink bottles. The Lodge trim is mainly made of Econyl which is nylon sourced from fishing nets and waste carpets, and the rest is recycled polyester.
