Test: Skoda Elroq 85 - The evil eye suits it

With the larger Enyaq, Skoda immediately had an electric model in its portfolio. With the smaller Elroq, the Czechs have recently launched an electric SUV that should once again appeal to the tastes of the Swiss. Despite its more compact dimensions (L x W x H 4.45 x 1.88 x 1.63 meters), the Elroq also impresses with its generous amount of space. We even enjoy enough legroom in the rear. In addition, 470 liters of luggage space, or even 1580 liters with the rear seats folded down, are easily enough for a large weekend shopping trip. The loading sill is a little high at 70 centimetres, but that's why you drive an SUV, appreciate the higher seating position, and shopping bags have to be lifted higher. Clever for this: There are various compartments in the trunk and an extra net and holder for the charging cable in the cover.

The Elroq is available from us So far with two batteries (63 and 82 kWh) and in two power levels (150 kW/204 hp and 210 kW/286 hp). We test the Elroq 85 with the large battery and the powerful rear-wheel drive. The Skoda test car thus packs a whopping 545 Nm onto the rear axle, but drives comfortably and not too emphatically sporty - and that's a good thing. The 2.2-tonne E-SUV goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Much more impressive is how agile and maneuverable the urban SUV is with its turning circle of just 9.3 meters. Even without all-wheel drive - still to come, as well as a sporty RS version - the Skoda cuts a fine figure in the test.

At the front, the Elroq as the first Skoda model with the new "Modern Solid" design language. However, the more aggressive look of the flat Matrix LED lights and the high-gloss black "Tech-Deck" cover instead of the traditional front grille are just as much a part of the modern appearance as the robust lower front bumper. The interior is beautifully finished with decorative stitching and orange seat belts. Clever: the storage compartment in the foot area of the rear center seat is removable. The head-up display impresses with its well-placed navigation and safety information, making it a pleasure to be guided or warned.

On paper the Czech car has a WLTP range of 581 kilometers. In everyday use, it is more like 450 kilometers, but that is easily enough. In addition, the Skoda Stromer proved to be quite efficient in the test with a consumption of around 18 kWh/100 km. This is despite the fact that there were often four of us on the road and most of the time we didn't use the three manual recuperation levels via the steering wheel paddles.

However, the compact e-SUV with its brand-typical "Simply Clever" details, such as the ice scraper in the trunk, the umbrella in the driver's door or retractable sun blinds in the doors, now also has its price at Skoda. The Elroq costs from 36,300 francs; our test car costs 44,511 francs.

Pros & cons
Skoda Elroq 85
+ Generous amount of space
+ Clever head-up display
+ Good ride comfort, very maneuverable
- Somewhat high loading sill
- Fair price, but not super cheap