Škoda Enyaq iV (2021) Review
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
Yet another highly anticipated vehicle from Škoda has arrived and we are delighted to have been offered a test drive. Welcome to the Enyaq iV which is Škoda’s first fully electric vehicle that comes hot on the heels of its sister product, the Volkswagen ID4. Based on the same platform the Enyaq iV is arguably a better looking vehicle on the road and most certainly an electric vehicle we could live with. In essence this is an SUV driven by an emission-free electric motor delivering power to the rear wheels. For those that like a little more capability from their SUV, you can wait for the all-wheel-drive version, which will be available in early 2022.
Inside the Enyaq iV, purchasers will get the latest modern technology and driver safety systems, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior crafted from hard wearing quality materials. Boot capacity is plentiful also at 585 litres and this makes it one of the largest of any electric vehicle currently on the Irish market. Maintenance is not something to fear either with inspecting only needed every couple of years. More than likely all you will need is a new cabin pollen filter during this time and if owners do experience any faults, they’re likely to be fixed through over-the-air updates without taking a trip to the dealership.
Features
From the exterior, impressive optional 21-inch Betria alloy wheels are the largest ever fitted to a Škoda and although replacement tyres wont be cheap, they do look incredible. When you look beyond the chunky robust exterior you will be delighted to discover an interior that’s brimming with comfort and tech. All iV vehicles come with the latest MIB infotainment systems with 13-inch colour touch screen display with an accompanying digital dashboard.
The Enyaq iV can be personalised like any other model in the vast Škoda range. What we like is that to make things simple, Škoda have consolidated their option list into 15 option packages; such as the “Light & View Package” that contains LED Matrix Head Lights, Dynamic Rear Indicators and Headlamp Washers from €1,417. Each package has something different and no doubt one will appeal to your needs. Storage space is plentiful throughout and there is easily enough room for four adults to comfortably do distance in.
Battery & Range
As of now there are two versions for buyers to choose from. The entry Enyaq 60 is powered by a 58 kW/h battery with a range of up to 412 km or you can step up to the Enyaq 80 which features a 77kW/h battery and has a range of up to 535 km on the WLTP cycle. In geographical terms,
Škoda are confident a one-way trip from Cahersiveen to Carndonagh is achievable when fully charged. Hopefully we will get to test this at some point!
Safety
Like all Škoda products safety is paramount and buyers will be delighted to know the Enyaq iV has already achieved a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It scored well across the board in crash tests, with 94% and 89% for adult and child occupant protection respectively. A score of 82% in the Safety Assist category also goes to show how impressive its crash-mitigation features are.
Standard safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags, lane assist, autonomous emergency braking and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points for the front and outer rear passenger seats. You are in good hands with a Škoda.
Škoda Enyaq iV Prices
Prices for the new Enyaq iV kick off from €37,465 inclusive of grants and rebates, the entry Enyaq 60 has a WLTP range of up to 412 km. As mentioned above the Enyaq 80 has better equipment levels with a WLTP range of up to 535 km and is priced from €44,712. The Enyaq iV is offered exclusively with a service and maintenance package including replacement tyres, which is very impressive.
The big problem right now might be trying to get one, as demand is pretty high! Availability will improve next year with 1,200 Enyaq iV secured for Ireland. Škoda have also indicated that a SportLine version and the aforementioned all-wheel drive 80x version, will be launched in 2022 with prices and specifications to be confirmed shortly.
Summary
So what is it like to live with and what charging options have we got with the Enyaq iV? Well first and foremost it drives incredibly well on any road or surface type. Smooth, fast and decent steering feel on more challenging roads. Our time was limited with vehicle but we simply charged it over night on a standard 3-pin plug to make sure we were good to go the next day. Buyers can purchase the Škoda iV Charger wall box unit which can charge an Enyaq 60 from 0% to 100% in just 6 hours and 15 minutes (eight times faster than a regular plug socket). Inevitably you will also need to charge the Enyaq iV away from home but thankfully options are plentiful.
Škoda recently launched PowerPass. This is a clever solution for accessing the public charging network around Ireland. A mobile app and card enables you to locate and access more than 1,667 charging points, including the ESB network. It also provides some of the most competitive rates for IONITY DC fast charging. PowerPass knows if charge points are available or occupied and provides access to charging points in Northern Ireland, GB and the EU. This for us is a bit of a game changer and something that will make living with an EV much easier.
The big question is, are you ready to make the switch? If so be sure to drop into your local Škoda dealer for a test drive of the glorious Enyaq iV.
To see our YouTube video review, please log on to the DoneDeal YouTube channel.
Škoda Enyaq iV Pros
Range
Safety
Drive
Škoda Enyaq iV Cons
Waiting time to get one!
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