Skoda’s new Elroq EV aims at mainstream market

Skoda has taken the wraps off the new Elroq, which is billed as “the most affordable electric car in its segment, given its battery size and extensive standard equipment”. While pricing varies by market, this model starts at £31,500 in the UK and costs around €33,000 in continental Europe.

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When it goes on sale early next year, customers will find a modern solid design with a so-called “Tech-Deck Face.” The latter replaces the traditional grille and is actually a gloss black panel that hides the sensors and front-facing camera.

More: Skoda Epiq is a €25 small electric SUV due in 2025

In addition to black filler panels, designers also gave the model split lighting units and a contoured bonnet. The latter is known for using letters instead of badges, a first for a production Skoda.

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Other highlights include split lighting fixtures, vertical air curtains and active cooling vents. They are joined together by plastic body cladding and an aerodynamically optimized design that results in a drag coefficient as low as 0.26. Buyers will also find dark chrome trim and 19- to 21-inch wheels.

In terms of dimensions, the crossover is 176.7 inches (4,488 mm) long, 74.2 inches (1,884 mm) wide, 64 inches (1,625 mm) tall, and has a wheelbase of 108.9 inches (2,765 mm). This means the model is 3.9 inches (98 mm) longer than the Karoq and has an extra 5 inches (127 mm) between the wheels.

Minimalist cabin with ChatGPT

The interior features a minimalist aesthetic, and drivers will find a small digital instrument cluster and a steering wheel with Skoda lettering. They also come with a freestanding 13-inch infotainment system and an available augmented reality head-up display.

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The technical features don’t end there, Laura voice assistant also features ChatGPT integration. This enables the digital companion to “answer general knowledge questions in addition to controlling the vehicle’s infotainment, navigation and climate control systems.”

While most functions are controlled via the infotainment system, Skoda also includes a few physical buttons and a minimalist gear lever. We can also see a floating center console as well as an ambient lighting system. Customers also have access to sustainable materials such as RecyTitan fabric and TechnoFil.

Being a Skoda, there are many “simple smart” details. These include door-mounted umbrellas, rear passenger storage compartments and an ice scraper with tire tread depth gauge. While these are mostly gimmicks, everyone can appreciate the biggest boots of their kind. It holds 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters) of luggage, but this can be expanded to 55.8 cubic feet (1,580 liters) by folding the rear seats.

Three batteries and available all-wheel drive

The crossover rides on the MEB platform and will be available with a variety of different powertrains. The entry-level Elroq 50 comes with a 55 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 9 seconds, reach a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h), and have a WLTP range of 233 miles (375 km) .

The Elroq 60 has a larger 63 kWh battery pack, which increases the range to over 249 miles (400 km). Buyers will also find a more powerful motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. While top speed remains unchanged, 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time drops to 8.5 seconds.

Last but not least, is the top-of-the-line Elroq 85. The rear-wheel-drive version is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack and is expected to provide a WLTP range of 361 miles (581 km). Its electric motor produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. /hour (180 km/h).

Skoda has also confirmed plans for the Elroq 85x, which will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. However, the company doesn’t have much to say about it right now.

Charging times and technology vary by model, but the crossover supports DC fast charging rates of 145 kW, 165 kW and 175 kW. The latter can charge the 82 kWh battery from 10-80% in just 28 minutes.

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