Review: Skoda Elroq Sportline 85

The Elroq is Skoda’s first all-electric compact SUV, the smaller stablemate to the Enyaq. Both are tremendous cars and rank among the best.

In the 12 months or so since launch, the Elroq has been the recipient of numerous awards - all very much deserved.

The front end is particularly impressive with clean lines and a distinctive shape. Key to this is the ‘Tech-Deck’ which replaces the traditional grille and hides cameras, sensors and the like.

The name Skoda is now on the bonnet in place of the historic flying arrow badge, which is a shame; I quite liked that. Skoda is also on the steering wheel in bold lettering for the first time.

The sides of the Elroq are nicely sculptured, and these creases help to give it a modern look, but it is not so futuristic that it will alienate the average car buyer - if such a person actually exists.

There is a good selection of powertrains and trim options: the 168bhp 50, the 201bhp 60 and the 282bhp 85. These are all rear-wheel drive, and there’s also an 85x and an RS, which are all‑wheel drive.

The 85 we had on test can sprint from 0-62mph in a smooth 6.6 seconds and has a potential range of 355 miles. The ride is comfortable and poised, and the Elroq is very much at home whether on motorways, twisty rural roads or in the town centre.

Skodas of old sported practical but austere interiors with lots of black plastic and not a lot of flair. That’s not the case now, and the soft-touch materials and smooth flowing lines make the Elroq a nice place to be.

There’s plenty of storage for the driver and all passengers, and a great selection of USB-C ports scattered around. There’s also a wi-fi hotspot and wireless charging with a cooling function.

Head, shoulder and leg room are generous, and the boot is a decent size at 470 litres, made even better by the flat load floor when the seats are folded down.

Equipment levels are impressive with an electrically operated boot lid with hands-free kick option, rear-view camera, dual zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and all manner of active and passive safety functions.

The 13in touchscreen with navigation system is intuitive to use.

I was pleased to find the famous Skoda brolly was present in a compartment by the front door - this is such a good idea, I don’t know why other manufacturers don’t follow suit. Ditto the ice scraper in the charging compartment flap.

Prices start at £31,500 for the entry-level SE 50. Our 85 began at £41,610, but a selection of extras and packages bumped this up to £46,310. The heat pump to optimise battery life in cold weather is another £1,100; the advanced package, with features such as a head-up display, electrically adjusted driver's seat with massage function and lumbar support and extra storage, is £2,250.

Skoda Elroq Sportline 85

Price: £41,610 (£46310 as tested)

Engine: 82/77 kwH battery

Power: 282bhp

Torque: 250lb/ft

Transmission: Single-speed electric rear wheel drive

Top Speed: 111mph

0-62mph: 6.6 seconds

Range: 355miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km