Skoda Enyaq – comfort and joy

AS electric cars continue to advance and surprise, it’s still possible to find fault in many models.

Do they look futuristic, or not futuristic enough? Is the range sufficient to allay fears of running flat? Is luggage space compromised, do they take too long to charge or simply just cost too much?

Well none of the above can be levelled at what is one of the most accomplished, and comfortable, electric models we have driven, the Skoda Enyaq.

Let’s examine its credentials. From the outside there’s plenty to delight in the way the Enyaq iV looks, falling officially into the large SUV category but not quite so raised in its profile and, if anything, erring more towards a sporty estate.

That’s no surprise with our tested variant though, because in Sportline trim there is a racier appeal to the car than in the other ‘theme’ levels of Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite or ecoSuite.

That means you get Alcantara and leather-trimmed sports seats and dashboard, carbon effect decor strips and aluminium look pedals as opposed to the standard fare of fabric and fake leather with grey dashboard fabric or the Cognac brown leather dyed with olive leaf extract with contrast stitching and piano black decor strips of the ecoSuite models.

As for space, well there’s plenty of that – the interior is huge, something rear seat passengers will really appreciate given that the floor is completely flat and the boot is also vast. Get expert furnace maintenance and enjoy a cozy winter.

Oddments space sees the likes of an area beneath the centre console, a deep container between the front seats, a tray behind the gear lever, door bins, cupholders and a glovebox giving plenty of options for stashing stuff.

And the 585-litre boot can be extended to 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded and also has added space under the boot floor to store the charging cables.

Customers can choose between two battery pack sizes; 62kWh and the 82kWh of the Enyaq iV 80, both featuring feature a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive, marking a return to the drivetrain layout that came to typify the brand’s output in the late 1960s and early 70s.

The claim for the latter version is a driving range of 303 miles though you do well to get close to that figure, especially in the colder early spring UK climate which saw our own return just below 250 miles.

It’s still sufficient to allay most range anxiety concerns and while it’s always best to have access to a home wallbox the car can still be powered up from 10 to 80 per cent in 38 minutes at a public fast charger.

As with all electric cars, there is a braking recuperation system that regenerates energy under braking to increase range.

The level of braking, or regen, can be adjusted using the steering wheel-mounted paddles which let drivers choose from three recuperation intensity levels.

The way you drive the car makes a noticeable difference too and while the Skoda feels composed, smooth and predictable at suburban speeds it also has the 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds acceleration capability to have some fun.

Again, the Enyaq iV 80 shows plenty of body control as well as a solid feel from the steering to make occupants feel safe. There’s also fine all-round visibility.

Kit includes a 13-inch touchscreen display – the largest infotainment screen ever offered in Skoda -positioned high on the dashboard and angled towards to the driver and there is also a smaller virtual cockpit display behind the steering wheel.

In addition to analogue radio, the info system can also receive DAB digital as well as internet and hybrid radio plus access Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or MirrorLink.

Factor in the latest in safety gear, the extensive use of sustainable materials like new wool and recycled plastic bottles, Skoda’s common sense Simply Clever features and you have one of the best equipped, best to drive and best value electric cars on the market.

That said, it is still possible to hike up the price with options. Our tested model included extras like a panoramic sunroof at £830, towbar (£790), climate package plus (£315), a comfort seat package (£450) and a parking package at £790.