While the best electric cars have historically been much more expensive than their petrol and diesel equivalents, that’s starting to change. In fact, they’re closer to achieving price parity than ever – something Skoda is targeting with its new Elroq.
This is a new compact electric SUV that slots beneath the popular Skoda Enyaq, a former Parkers Car of the Year, and is looking to reaffirm two of Skoda’s greatest strengths – value for money and spaciousness.
The Elroq is the first in a wave of new electric Skodas due by 2026, and is the first to adopt a fresh design language that you can expect to see rolled out across its future EVs.
Importantly, the Elroq will act as the electric equivalent to the Karoq SUV, which has been a staple of the brand’s line-up since 2017, and even as it ages remains one of its most popular cars – and best, as it remains Parkers’ favourite family SUV.
Let’s take a look at all the key details about the new Skoda Elroq, and – importantly – why this matters to you.
What powertrains can you have in the new Skoda Elroq?
A wide range of derivatives are set to be key to the Skoda Elroq’s appeal, with all initial models rear-driven, too. No four-wheel-drive models are penned for the UK yet, though will be sold in other markets.
The line-up starts with the ‘50’ model, which uses a 52kWh battery and electric motor producing 173hp, enabling 230 miles of electric range. It’s not a lot but should work for many motorists, especially as an entry-level model.
Above this sits the Elroq 60, predicted to be the firm’s best-seller, which features a larger 59kWh battery and more powerful 204hp motor, which Skoda says enables a range of ‘more than 250 miles’. At the top of the range sits the Elroq 85, using a powertrain shared with the Enyaq. Packing a 286hp motor and large 79kWh battery, Skoda claims a seriously impressive range of 360 miles.
What’s the new Skoda Elroq like inside?
Not too different from the larger Enyaq is the short of it. The Skoda Elroq gets the same 13.0-inch touchscreen, and though most controls are operated through it, there are new physical shortcut buttons to get you to the right menu in quicker time. The quality, up front at least, is impressive, with plenty of soft-touch materials used and various recycled materials.
Skoda is also increasing further personalisation through its various option packs it calls ‘Design Selections’. These include a ‘Lodge’ pack that brings orange accents to brighten the interior, not least the seatbelts and contrasting stitching on the seats and dashboard.
How spacious is the Skoda Elroq?
Skoda has long made some of the most practical and useful cars around and the Elroq is no exception. Despite its fairly compact dimensions, interior space is easily a match for cars from the class above.
Even a six-foot-tall adult could sit in the rear with plentiful head and legroom, and even space to stretch out. The fact it doesn’t have a ‘coupe’ rooflining works to its advantage, too. The boot is slightly smaller than that of the Renault Scenic at 470 litres, but Skoda has implemented various of its renowned ‘Simply Clever’ features. These include a parcel shelf that features a net to keep the charging cables out of the way yet easily accessible, with the parcel shelf available to sit at various heights to add more flexibility to the luggage space.
When can I buy the new Skoda Elroq and what will it cost?
Skoda opens orders for the Elroq on October 18, which is particularly soon after its reveal. First UK deliveries are planned for March 2025, and we’re expected to get our first drive before the close of 2024.
The Elroq will be available in four trim levels from launch – SE, SE L, Edition and a top-spec Sportline. Prices start from an £31,500, enabling the Elroq to undercut key rivals such as the Kia EV3.
What are the rivals to the Skoda Elroq?
At around 20cm shorter than the Enyaq, the Elroq sits in the compact to medium-size SUV segment, with similar dimensions to a Nissan Qashqai.
Along with the new Renault Scenic and Kia EV3 we’ve already mentioned, key rivals in this class include the popular Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The new Peugeot e-3008 and Ford Explorer also sit in a similar space, though are both more expensive than the Elroq.
What this means for you
At Parkers we have long championed Skoda’s approach to value-packed and spacious cars that are particularly popular with families. First impressions of the Elroq are positive, with its practical interior and manageable dimensions likely to prove a hit with buyers – this size and type of car being the most popular around.
The Elroq’s keen pricing, which will be very close to that of the petrol-powered Karoq, means that price doesn’t need to be a factor in determining which fuel type you choose. Importantly, we’re also pleased Skoda is keeping the Karoq on sale for the time being for those that aren’t quite ready for an EV as choice in the current market is essential.
