Škoda New Zealand has kicked off a major new chapter in its electric future with the dual launch of the facelifted Enyaq and the all‑new Elroq, two EV SUVs designed to push the brand deeper into the mainstream electric market. Modern Solid design philosophy, improved aerodynamics, smarter tech, more range, and a clear focus on usability, these two models mark a turning point for the Czech brand’s EV ambitions.
Škoda’s suprising EV pedigree
Škoda’s electric journey didn’t start with the Enyaq or even with modern lithium-ion batteries. The brand’s flirtation with electrification goes all the way back to 1908 with a hybrid-style vehicle that used an internal combustion engine to charge an electric motor, an impressively forward-thinking layout for its time. By 1938, Škoda was already building electric transport vehicles equipped with rechargeable batteries, marking one of its earliest purpose-built EV applications.
Fast-forward to the 1990s, and the Czech manufacturer was experimenting again with full EV concepts, including an 80 km/h electric model designed by linked Alfa Romeo talent, an early precursor to the idea of a practical, European electric runabout. Later prototypes like the Octavia Green E Line estate expanded the brand’s electric know-how even further, though they never made it to production.
The modern EV era truly began in 2020 with the original Enyaq iV, Škoda’s first ground-up electric car built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. Despite challenges adapting a highly connected European EV for New Zealand’s less connected market, Škoda persisted, ironing out software issues and steadily improving the model through five major software versions. Now, the more Refined 2025 ENYAQ, Skoda’s EV flagship returns.
The new Enyaq lands in New Zealand in two variants: the rear‑drive Enyaq Sportline 85 ($89,000) and the all‑wheel‑drive Enyaq RS ($99,000). Both adopt the brand’s sleek new Modern Solid design, characterised by clean surfaces, a bold Tech‑Deck Face, sharper lighting signatures, and a more robust stance.
The Tech‑Deck Face is the centrepiece of the redesign, replacing the traditional grille with a glossy black sensor panel framed by a striking full-width Light Band. The four‑eye LED Matrix headlights give the Enyaq a sharp, purposeful look, and newly designed 20‑ and 21‑inch wheels add significant road presence while aiding aerodynamics.
A key improvement is the drag coefficient, now as low as 0.245, helping the Enyaq achieve more than 530 km of WLTP range. New aero-smoothed details, sealed front-end elements, and improved air curtains work hand-in-hand to push efficiency further than before.
Inside, the Enyaq continues Škoda’s hallmark focus on comfort and practicality. The cabin is airy and refined, with excellent ergonomics, a 13‑inch infotainment system, a 5‑inch Digital Cockpit, and a generous 585–1,710 litre boot.
Standard gear has taken a huge step up: heated seats, heated steering wheel, three‑zone climate control, advanced keyless entry, and upgraded driver assistance systems all come included. Simply Clever features make everyday life easier too, including a sustainable umbrella in the driver’s door, a tyre-depth‑gauged ice scraper. mobile phone pockets and bag hooks.
Both Enyaq variants use the larger 82 kWh battery, Sportline 85, 210 kW/545 Nm, RWD and the RS 85, dual-motor AWD, faster charging up to 175 kW, and a lowered, sport-tuned chassis. Charging from 10–80% takes as little as 28 minutes on the RS at DC fast chargers.
Admittedly our time behind the wheel of the refreshed Enyaq was more of a taste than a test, but the RS we played with has stepped up the dynamism with its lowered suspension, progressive steering, and punchy power delivery, giving it genuine performance SUV character without compromising comfort. It’s rapid without being gut-wrenching, on overall offers plenty of confidence on the road.
Then there’s the all-new Elroq. Slotting marginally below the Enyaq, the Elroq is Škoda’s first electric compact SUV. New Zealand gets two variants: the Elroq 60 ($69,000) and Elroq Sportline 85 ($79,000). In a strikingly similar vane to the Enyaq, the Elroq carries the Modern Solid look confidently, but with a slimmer, more angular interpretation of the Tech‑Deck Face and a strong, clean profile. With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, it’s among the most aerodynamic compact SUVs on sale. Matrix headlights are available on the Sportline 85, offering adaptive lighting modes including City, Country, Highway, All‑weather, and Tourist settings, ideal for New Zealand drivers who travel varied conditions. Clever elements such as an active cooling roller blind for the battery system, optimised wheel designs, and wheel gap reducers ensure airflow stays smooth and stable.
The Elroq 60 comes with a 63 kWh battery, 150 kW motor and RWD, boasting 400+ km range. The Elroq Sportline 85 ups the ante with a 82 kWh battery, 210 kW motor, 545 Nm and 530+ km range. DC charging takes 25–28 minutes depending on the model, and optimised preheating ensures maximum efficiency at fast chargers.
The Elroq’s interior is arguably a copy and paste of the Enyaq, which is not a bad thing. It distinguishes itself with sustainable materials and minimalist design. It’s fabrics are made from 78% recycled PET and post-consumer clothing fibres too. Moreover, its 470‑litre boot (expanding to 1,580 litres) makes this one of the most practical compact EVs on the market. Storage compartments totalling 48 litres add further day‑to‑day usefulness.
The updated 13‑inch infotainment system debuts a cleaner UI with more intuitive controls and customisable shortcuts. Up to nine airbags and a full suite of advanced driver aids (Travel Assist, Adaptive Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Cyclist Detection and more) deliver outstanding safety credentials. The Sportline variant adds blacked‑out chrome trim, a lowered sport suspension, progressive steering, and larger alloy wheels for a sharper drive and more aggressive look.
On the road, the Elroq feels a tad more nimble. Its frame size has been reduced around the rear (albeit only a few mms) but to me it added a more more ‘hatch’ feel about it. Again, our time behind the wheel was limited (we will be getting follow up drives soon), but power delivery is good and handling (even when aggressively-prodded) was very predictable.
With the updated Enyaq and all‑new Elroq, Škoda is doubling down on its longstanding EV heritage and delivering its most complete electric lineup yet. The Enyaq remains the flagship, offering space, refinement, and long‑distance capability. The Elroq arrives as a handsome, efficient, and smartly packaged compact SUV that feels ready to become a best-seller. Both models embody Škoda’s Modern Solid ethos, clean design, smart usability, sustainable materials, and technology that genuinely improves everyday life. We’re looking forward to spending some real time with these beauties.
