Skoda Enyaq Review

Performance

The entry-level Enyaq is fitted with a 178bhp rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive and has a maximum torque output of 310Nm. The Enyaq 77kWh has recently been updated with a new motor and inverter unit and is now significantly quicker than before. Power has gone up from 201bhp to 283bhp while peak torque has been lifted from 350Nm to 545Nm. 

As a result, it feels much livelier than the original model. The 0-62mph time has come down by nearly two seconds, and mid-range acceleration is much improved. Overtaking slower traffic is a breeze - just hit the throttle and go. 

Drive

In terms of drive, entry-level models are rear-motor, rear-wheel drive, marking a return to drivetrain layout that underpinned a generation of classic Skoda models from 1960 up to the 1990s. It means that the front wheels don't have to put down power and steer, which means the steering feels much nicer, and it gives a tighter turning circle too. The sportier SportLine, vRS and new L&K models come with a second motor on the front axle to deliver all-wheel drive. 

The Enyaq is quiet and easy to drive whatever mood you are in. Drivers can choose from three driving modes; Normal, Eco or Sport, all of which modulate throttle behaviour to achieve the desired driving experience. Sport offers the sharpest response while Eco dulls power deployment to help extend range. Normal, as its name suggests, provides the best balance of the two and is the mode we used the most during our week-long test.  

As with all electric cars, the Enyaq features a braking recuperation system that regenerates energy under braking to increase range. There are two modes, auto and manual and both work well. Although the level of braking doesn’t give a true ‘one pedal’ experience, there’s enough going on to reassure you that plenty of energy is being fed back to the battery pack when you’re coasting or going downhill.