[Auto] First drive: 2021 Skoda Enyaq iV 80 prototype review

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Technically, there are three different battery sizes and two different drive systems, which make for a complete line-up of five models. The Enyaq 50 represents the entry-level offering and uses a 55kWh battery to power a 148bhp three-phase synchronous motor mounted at the rear axle. This version comes with a WLTP-certified range of 211 miles, which isn’t outstanding but isn’t terrible, either.

 

Then there’s the Enyaq 60, which has a 62kWh battery, a 177bhp motor and a claimed range of 242 miles; the Enyaq 80, with its 82kWh battery, 201bhp motor and 311-mile range; and the Enyaq 80X and Enyaq vRS models. Those last two also use the biggest battery, but gain an extra electric motor at the front axle for all-wheel drive. While this increases their total system outputs (to 262bhp for the 80X and 302bhp for the vRS), range takes a bit of a hit at the same time: both are rated for 286 miles.

As for charging, all Enyaq models will be able to draw power from chargers rated as high as 50kW as standard - so expect to be able to top up an 82kWh model in around 1.5 hours on a rapid charger. That said, if you fancy paying a bit more money, faster charging capability will be available optionally, which seems like a fairly cheeky way of making a bit of extra money on a car that is already set to cost between £ 40k and £ 50k and will likely make the used market a bit of a nightmare to navigate. Choose it, though, and on a 125kW outlet, you can expect to charge the battery from 10% capacity to 80% capacity in around 40 minutes.

Although our test car was heavily camouflaged inside and out, we have seen how the finished Enyaq will look. Truth be told, it’s a sharp-looking thing. From the front, its visual relationship to the Skoda Scala is clear, although where you get the sense the designers approached the smaller hatchback in a slightly reserved fashion, the Enyaq seems like a far bolder and more confident expression of Skoda's new design language. There are shades of MPV about its side profile and the light-up grille is a bit naff, but overall it's a handsome thing - particularly on big alloy wheels.

The cabin is even more impressive - largely thanks to material quality. On pricier models, the flat, expansive dash top is upholstered in tasteful leather, and the fabric used on other surfaces looks smart and feels plush. Then there’s the 13.0in infotainment system that crowns the dash and should inject a healthy amount of tech appeal into the cabin as well.