Skoda to introduce new ‘modern solid’ Elroq electric compact SUV next year

Skoda’s smaller electric SUV will sit below the current and larger Enyaq but above the scheduled upcoming city SUV, the Epiq.

That sort of size makes it an electric alternative to the current Skoda Karoq SUV.

The Elroq is due to go into production later in the year and we can expect it on sale here by next April, though it is anticipated that the car will go on sale by order on October 2.

There is no indication on price but we can expect it to be in line with versions of the MG4, Hyundai Kona electric, smart#3 and Volvo EX30; from around the mid-€30,000 mark.

The new vehicle is a mid-sized crossover based on Volkswagen’s famous MEB platform and is expected to take on the rivals just mentioned as well as several others.

It marks the beginning of a new BEV campaign by the automaker with six battery-electric models planned over the coming years.

Critically, they have cut the overhangs and pushed out the wheelbase so there should be plenty of interior space; reckon on loads of room for four tall people.

There will be a 470-litre boot which can be expanded to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded.

The car heralds a new design language, we are told, but it’s hard to make it out from the heavy camouflage used on preview cars.

Skoda is describing its new design as “modern solid”.

It goes without saying that the new Elroq is Skoda’s first electric model in the important compact SUV category.

Its world premiere is set for the autumn and they expect it to impact heavily in what is the largest volume sub-segment in Europe.

As you would expect from a modern electric vehicle, there is an abundance of technology and driver assistance systems.

Its slippery, sloping design means aerodynamics are good; it has a drag coefficient of 0.26 which will help save precious energy.

Wheels get particular aerodynamic treatment too, and sizes range from 19ins to 21ins.

Inside, there is the driver cockpit we know from the Enyaq; it clearly displays the most important driving data. A heads-up system is optional. The central infotainment display – measuring 13ins as standard – now has a simplified menu and control interface.

There is a lot of focus on sustainable, durable and practical materials. Recytitan fibre in Dark Melange is used for the door panels, seats, dashboard, centre armrest and knee areas. Recytitan consists of 78pc recycled PET (from drinking bottles).

Like all but one of the models, the entry-level 50 has rear-wheel drive. It has a gross battery capacity of 55kWh. An electric motor on the rear axle develops a peak output of 170PS. The Elroq 60 has a 63kWh battery and a 150kW electric motor. The Elroq 85 and Elroq 85x variants have an 82kWh battery (gross).

While the rear-wheel drive 85 can produce 285PS, the 85x has an additional electric motor on the front axle, making it all-wheel drive with a peak output of 300PS.

All models support DC fast-charging, but the maximum charging rates differ. There is also automatic and manual battery pre-conditioning.

This preheats the battery in preparation for DC charging in low temperatures and that optimises charging speed.

You can start the process manually by pressing a button on the central infotainment display, or automatically on the way to a charging station, based on navigation data and battery temperature.

As well as the boot, storage options in the cabin extend to 48 litres, including several smart compartments.

Intelligent Park Assist has Remote Parking and Remote Trained Parking functions.

With Remote Parking, you can control parking manoeuvres from outside the car by using a smartphone and the MySkoda app.

The Skoda Charger wallbox is for at-home charging of up to 11kW.