Whenever Skoda unveils a new model, I'm always on the lookout for those 'Simply Clever' features that make life a bit easier. These aren't just marketing gimmicks; most are genuinely practical. The new Elroq is packed with these handy items, but one feature stood out to me: the tire wear gauge that doubles as an ice scraper. Now, I know what many Europeans will think: Skodas have had this for years. True, I have it on my 2017 Octavia, but mine is inside the fuel door. On the Elroq, Skoda has relocated it to a dedicated compartment in the tailgate's left section, where you can store the eco-friendly, two-in-one tool.
The list of 'Simply Clever' features is extensive, ranging from the Rolls-Royce-style umbrella in the driver's door to a warning triangle in the tailgate. There's also a net under the parcel shelf for the charging cable and folding hooks in the cargo area. Despite being fully electric on a dedicated platform, the Elroq has a noticeable hump in the middle. However, the central tunnel houses a cargo box with built-in cup holders for rear passengers. In the luggage area, Skoda has added two upper storage trays above the usual pockets.
We're glad Skoda hasn't ditched physical buttons yet, with a row of hard keys below the air vents. The steering wheel, driver's door, and dashboard lights are controlled by traditional buttons, not frustrating touch-sensitive ones. Inside the cargo area, a QR code links to the vehicle's available equipment and functions. The 13-inch infotainment screen hasn't led to the removal of the digital instrument cluster, which sits below an optional head-up display.
As Skoda's first model to adopt the new 'Modern Solid' design language, the Elroq retains the attributes that have made Skodas popular in Europe. It boasts the largest trunk in its segment, offering 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters) with the seats up, expanding to 55.8 cubic feet (1,580 liters) with the rear bench folded. Several compartments add another 1.7 cubic feet (48 liters).
Positioned below the Kodiaq, the Elroq is a compact electric crossover, similar to VW's ID.4. Interestingly, VW doesn't have its own version of the Elroq yet, although the ID.3 hatchback somewhat fills that role. The Elroq features split headlights, unlike the one-piece lights on the larger Enyaq. The rear design closely resembles that of its bigger sibling.
Available in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations with single- and dual-motor setups, the Elroq 50 model offers 168 horsepower and 229 pound-feet (310 Newton-meters) of torque. The mid-level Elroq 60 delivers 201 hp and the same 229 lb-ft (310 Nm). The Elroq 85 ups the ante with 282 hp and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm), sent to the rear axle. The top-tier Elroq 85x adds an extra electric motor at the front for all-wheel drive, with sales slated for later in 2025.
Depending on the version, the Elroq comes with three battery sizes: 52 kWh, 59 kWh, and 77 kWh. The largest battery, reserved for the Elroq 85 and 85x, supports charging up to 175 kW, replenishing from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes using a DC station. The Elroq 60 charges at 165 kW, while the base Elroq 50 at 145 kW, both taking 25 minutes for the same charge. AC charging is supported at a maximum of 11 kW.
If range is your priority, the rear-wheel-drive Elroq 85 offers over 348 miles (560 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle. Top speed isn't a strong point, with the 85 models reaching 112 mph (180 km/h) and the cheaper models maxing out at 100 mph (160 km/h).
At 176.7 inches (448 millimeters) long, 74.1 inches (1884 millimeters) wide, and 65.1 inches (1654 millimeters) tall, the Elroq is significantly smaller than the ID.4 and the Enyaq. Skoda claims the car weighs 4,297 pounds (1,949 kilograms), though weight by trim isn't specified. The Timiano Green paint is exclusive to the Elroq, with wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Skoda is asking €33,900 ($37,600) for the base model, noting it costs about the same as the similarly sized Karoq with a combustion engine. Orders open in 12 Euro markets tomorrow, with a limited-run First Edition featuring a front light bar and black A-pillars and roof. Sadly, the VW Group has no plans to bring Skoda to the US, but Cupra will offer a couple of electric crossovers in North America by the end of the decade.
