Skoda Enyaq Coupe – electric chic

VARIETY, they say, is the spice of life and for sure some exciting new experiences go a long way to making life more interesting.

That’s certainly the case with Skoda’s fully electric large SUV model the Enyaq in that it gives fans of the popular brand something of a dilemma.

Do they opt for the standard Enyaq iV, an extremely desirable offering in its own right, or splash out some extra dosh to really put on the style with the sleeker Enyaq Coupe?

Both have plenty to recommend them and share much in common, so that in the final reckoning it all comes down to personal taste – or perhaps the need for a touch more practicality.

Our tested model was the Enyaq Coupe iV 80 rear-wheel drive version in entry grade Loft trim, featuring an 82kWh battery and developing a useful 204PS.

That equates to a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds, so there’s plenty of punch available, but even more impressive is the car’s electric driving range of 345 miles – slightly better than the equivalent standard shape Enyaq which is less aerodynamic.

As for charging, you can top up the battery from 10-80 per cent at a public rapid charger in just 29 minutes while a 7kW home wallbox takes about 13 hours for a full charge. Having an AC Skoda iV wallbox cuts that time to between six and eight hours.

Out on the road the Enyaq Coupe really is a silky smooth vehicle to drive – very composed and relaxing, well balanced, easy to manoeuvre in busy areas courtesy of its tight turning circle and reassuringly quiet inside, while a full length panoramic glass roof adds to the feelgood factor.

The brakes don’t bite instantly, which can take a bit of getting used to, but when you lift off the brake regeneration is such that you rarely need to push down hard on the pedal.

Move inside and the front compartment is dominated by a 13-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dash, controlling most of the car’s functions including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while there’s also a 5.3-inch digital panel ahead of the driver.

Otherwise the Enyaq Coupe’s cabin is an enjoyable place to occupy with a generous amount of space everywhere and ample headroom in all seating positions.

Even the sloping roofline doesn’t hinder rear passengers who can travel in comfort, including when there are three across the back, though a centre rear occupant does have slightly compromised legroom.

The seats are made of a durable fabric, though microfibre and leather are also available, and a deep container between the front seats, a section beneath the centre console, tray behind the gear lever, cupholders, door bins and a glovebox ensure there are plenty of stowage options.

Boot space, too, is excellent with a capacity of 570 litres – virtually identical to the standard Enyaq and huge for a coupe – and there’s the added bonus of rear seats which split and fold 60:40 plus a low load sill.

While Loft is the most basic of the five trim grades – Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite and ecoSuite – it still offers a comprehensive amount of standard kit.

For instance, the likes of LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, that panoramic glass roof plus Skoda’s Simply Clever features like bag hooks, ticket holders plus an umbrella in the door are all included.

And safety features like auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and e-Call emergency assistance are standard too.

It all adds up to one of the most comprehensively equipped, enjoyable to drive and best value electric cars on the market.