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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 stable’ design language, an aesthetic type that may also be worn by future fashions together with a flagship electrical SUV due in 2027.
The Elroq additionally represents a press release of intent from Skoda Australia to affect 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 world launch, and there’s no secret as to why. The Australian Authorities’s New Car Effectivity Normal (NVES) is now in drive, and which means it’s time to wash up or pack up.
So, it’s secure to imagine that boxy, battery-powered Skoda’s are set to turn out to be the norm.
Whether or not that lands with clients is but to be seen, though the Elroq definitely has a problem on its palms, because the mid-size SUV phase is among the many most hotly contested in Australia. Even if you slim the sphere all the way down to EVs, options to the Elroq are plentiful.
From inside the Volkswagen Group steady, 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 options embody the BYD Atto 3, MG S5 EV, and Good #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 appropriate course for Skoda? We attended the native launch in Sydney to reply each these questions.
How a lot does the Skoda Elroq price?
Nationwide drive-away pricing at present sees the Elroq provided 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 unlimited array of mid-sized electrical SUVs together with the Tesla Mannequin Y, BYD Atto 3 Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, and Good #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, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the Skoda Elroq like on the within?
Sensible, useful and designed with trendy minimalism entrance of thoughts.
Above: Elroq 85 Choose
EVs generally tend to really feel bit space-age from the driving force’s seat, however the Elroq is totally different. Right here, the cabin is offered in a method that’s refreshingly acquainted, and that’s in step with Skoda’s description of the Elroq as ‘surprisingly electrical’.
For example, there’s a standard gear selector by the driving force’s left thigh, in addition to bodily shortcut buttons and correct mirror controls.
The cabin is correctly spacious, and in true Skoda style there are many storage options dotted across the place. On this case, which means twin telephone trays under the infotainment system, a cavernous centre console, roomy door bins, and a further storage tray below the central ‘bridge’.
Nonetheless, the glovebox will nearly definitely disappoint. That’s as a result of it’s about half the dimensions you’d count on, a product of the fuse field taking over precious house. There’s no cubby for sun shades, both.
Whereas we’re with reference to practicality, connectivity choices are additionally plentiful. Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is commonplace throughout the vary, as are a pair of USB-C shops that dwell 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 pictures on this evaluate depict the 85 Choose, which is trimmed in gray recycled material that’s gentle to the contact and nice sufficient on the attention. Nonetheless, the lighter gray leatherette within the 130 Years Version is certainly an improve.
Comfortable, 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 gentle and welcoming, whereas there’s padding in between your left knee and the central tunnel.
No matter specification, the seats are exceptionally adjustable and type 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 can be acquainted to those that have skilled the up to date Kodiaq or Octavia, which implies a clear app grid design with crystal clear graphics and spectacular processing energy.
Skoda has positioned important emphasis on configurability, and as such the house display screen format and shortcut icons may be chopped and altered to go well with person 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.
You can too 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 below the infotainment display screen.
Along with a user-friendly interface, Skoda’s newest system affords notable mod-cons together with upgraded voice management, driver profiles, and the power to preset the cabin temperature for every drive.
Whereas the infotainment display screen is a carryover half from different Skoda fashions, the driving force’s show has a extra bespoke appear and feel to it.
Measuring in at simply 5 inches, the instrument space is small however neatly offered and cleanly built-in into the sprint. Three totally different show layouts can be found, every of which prioritises totally different readouts.
This setup is merely ample for the bottom 85 Choose. Nonetheless, 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 venture navigation cues, lane markings, and distance warnings onto the highway forward, though the previous is just suitable with Apple Maps (iPhone) and Google Maps (Android units). It’s a helpful improve over commonplace HUDs, and one which goes some option to justifying the hole between the 2 Elroq variants.
I can’t say that very same in regards to the sound techniques, as I used to be left dissatisfied by the uninteresting 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 measurement – largely all the way down to the truth that the Elroq boasts an an identical wheelbase to the longer Enyaq.
The rear doorways open large aiding ingress and egress, and when you’re inside there’s loads of leg- and headroom for taller adults.
The house feels mild and ethereal no matter specification and, being an EV, the Elroq has a flat flooring that encourages use of the center seat. Nonetheless, there isn’t a heap of room for toes below 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 shops, intelligent break up map pockets, and window blinds aren’t restricted to the 130 Years Version.
Different helpful facilities embody a detachable storage field that matches completely into the centre part of flooring, as effectively an armrest with retractable cupholders and sensible door bins.
All rear seats are outfitted with the requisite ISOFIX and prime tether baby seats anchors for secure transportation of little ones.
Alternatively, the rear bench folds in 60/40 style to maximise cargo room, albeit with a steep step between the boot and bench storage.
That’s effectively value 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 stated, 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 luggage and gadgets gadgets from sliding round.
And whereas there’s no under-bonnet storage space, charging cables match properly below the boot flooring. An influence tailgate is among the many upgrades for the 130 Years Version, and it’s value having because the guide model is surprisingly heavy.
| Dimensions | Skoda Elroq |
|---|---|
| Size | 4488mm |
| Width | 1884mm |
| Top | 1625mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capability | 409-1580L |
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s below 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 scorching 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 |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 16.6kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 12.8kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 529km |
| Max AC cost fee | 11kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 135kW |
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
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 different 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 only-motor electrical powertrain is whisper quiet and suitably punchy round city, delivering ample torque in a clean method. I’d argue that the Elroq’s outputs signify 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 appropriate 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 standard 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 highway.
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 option to correctly customise the expertise.
Vitality recuperation needn’t be a serious concern although, because the Elroq is the one of the crucial environment friendly EVs going round. We noticed common power consumption figures within the 12-14kWh/100km vary over a number of hours of combined 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 highway, because the Elroq proves to be too agency for Australia’s patchy tarmac. It thumps over highway joins and imperfections all too often, which sends shudders reverberating up via the chassis and driver’s seat.
On clean surfaces that firmness makes the Elroq really feel sporty, however it might shortly turn out 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 may come within the type of adaptive suspension, extra particularly Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Management (DCC) system. The Czech automaker affords DCC as an choice for the Elroq in different markets, and we’d like to see that right here.
Smaller wheels may additionally assist to treatment the trip. The usual 19-inch alloys are massive sufficient and lots fashionable, however the 130 Years Version suffers from the fitment of unnecessarily large 21s.
Fortunately, the wheel and tyre package deal doesn’t translate to extreme highway 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 pace restrict with out breaking a sweat, and the cabin stays a quiet place during which to spend your time.
Don’t count on 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 highway journeys.
It’s an easy automobile to steer, the Elroq… simply don’t count on 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 after we reached a twisty part of nation highway. That by no means got here to move, because the Elroq is succesful however by no means thrilling.
It handles particularly effectively for two.2-tonne SUV, demonstrating glorious grip and physique management when pushed enthusiastically via tighter corners. Nonetheless, that doesn’t essentially make it thrilling. However, driving engagement is unlikely to determine within the determination making of potential patrons.
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
Two grades of Elroq can be provided 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 shops
- 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 perform
- Clever Park Help
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Electrical lumbar
- Therapeutic massage perform
- 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, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Skoda Elroq secure?
The Skoda Elroq is but to obtain an ANCAP or Euro NCAP security ranking.
Normal security options embody:
- 7 airbags
- Journey Help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Site 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, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Skoda Elroq price 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 price (10 years) | $195 |
| Complete capped-price service price (10 years) | $1950 |
Servicing is comparatively cheap should you go for one in all Skoda’s pay as you go service packages which cowl upkeep prices for as much as 10 years. Pay-as-you-go servicing can be out there, with Skoda quoting $502 per go to.
Skoda Australia may also be launching the Elroq with its Skoda Selection assured worth and finance program.
To see how the Skoda Elroq strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Elroq
Electrical SUV patrons take observe, the Elroq ought 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 provides 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 reasonably priced to each purchase and personal too.
After all, the right 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 effectively and actually outweigh the cons.
That leaves the query of which variant represents the most effective worth. To be trustworthy, you may’t go unsuitable with both.
The bottom 85 Choose embodies the principle strengths of the mannequin at a horny asking worth, whereas the 130 Years features 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 great factor for brand spanking new automobile patrons.
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MORE: Discover the Skoda Elroq showroom
