The all-electric Skoda Elroq is a compelling companion for daily drive duties
Skoda is in an enviable position to be defined by its salient character traits — or core values, if you prefer — as opposed to specific powertrain traditions. As the world moves inexorably towards electrification and lowered emissions, it becomes harder for the iconic technical elements of many legacy car makers to defy the ravages of time and progress.
Take Audi and BMW, for instance, because changing times have seen rear-wheel-drive and quattro powertrains, as well as singing five- and six-cylinder engines make way for turbocharged threes and fours and front-drive platforms.
Beyond Skoda’s “Simply Clever” tagline, we also feel the brand’s cars are resilient, solid and dependable, arguably Czech traits.
There is little fuss or fanfare, because the various Skoda models just get things done and this is exactly what we are experiencing with the Elroq, the brand’s latest electric compact crossover.
For starters, the test-car’s Timiano Green is subtle and stylish — not quite green, not quite grey, but a tasteful mix of the two. Compared to the oversized grille on the brand’s ICE cars, the electric models feature a “tech-deck face”, with “Skoda” in script instead of a brand emblem taking pride of place on the bonnet. The Elroq also marks the debut of the brand’s confident, clean “Modern Solid” design philosophy, with gleaming Matrix beam headlights that create a distinctive visual identity.
Unlike many of today’s electric offerings, the Elroq is quickly recognisable as a Skoda, but this design continuity and coherence are just some of the benefits that come with a legacy manufacturer.
The doors open to a tastefully appointed cabin that sees the use of recycled materials and sustainable textiles. In keeping with the times, an oversized touchscreen tablet takes centre stage, but there is a intriguing blend of faux leather, real leather and hardy fabric that creates a chic ambience for the occupants.
Personally given the choice, we will take factory fabric seats over local-fit leather or pleather, especially if it is a point of contact like the Elroq’s seats (technical fabric) and steering wheel (leather).
The user interface is familiar VW territory and easy enough to come to grips with. The Elroq doesn’t feature a lot of the extra frills you see in EVs today. It has everything you need, with alerts and warnings instead of active intervention, so your driving abilities aren’t dulled by over-reliance on technology.
As far as the Elroq is concerned, driving requires active participation and focus, which is no consolation prize considering the rear-drive Elroq serves up direct and engaging dynamics. Here’s a thought: instead of expecting the car to bail you out of trouble, why not learn to pay better attention when driving? After all, it is possible to resist the dumbing-down that comes with increasingly intelligent vehicles.
With 204hp and 310Nm, it is more lively than languorous and there is sufficient punch to zip around the city. Best of all, it can be driven smoothly, without the shock and jolt that accompany more powerful EVs under pedal-to-metal acceleration.
There is a nice composure to the Elroq’s body control and it acquits itself well over poorly surfaced roads. There are smart storage bins in the cabin with sensible ergonomics that never leave one wanting.
The Elroq serves daily-driver duties with admirable aplomb and makes for an uncomplicated companion to spend one’s time with. In terms of tech niceties, it may not match up to the latest and greatest of the Chinese offerings, but there is always a movement that savours the familiarity of a legacy brand and shuns the excess that comes with the upstarts, especially if one does not avail themselves to these features.
Škoda Elroq
Battery: 63kWh (gross), Lithium-Ion
Power: 150kW (204hp)
Torque: 310Nm
0–100km/h: 8 secs
Top speed: 160km/h
Range (WLTP): up to 430km (combined)
