Skoda Enyaq iV80 – On par with the best

Skoda Enyaq
Skoda Enyaq at Bergsvannet

The Skoda Enyaq is based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform - the same platform as, among other things, the ID.4. Our Enyaq was equipped with a 77 Kwh battery, rear-wheel drive and a long range.

 

Doesn't look like any electric car

When I got to see the Enyaq for the first time, I had to look twice – once at the car and once to check if it had an electric car number plate. An aggressive front with a large grill and sharp profiles doesn't exactly signal an electric car, but Skoda deserves praise for its appearance. Enyaq is a new model that is on the wish list of many. I noticed several people looking at it while we were parked.

Long range

You get it in several editions. The Enyaq iV80 means you get a long range – the longest in the Enyaq range. You can also get models with smaller battery packs or with four-wheel drive that steal a few miles of range. Life with an electric car is much easier when you have a long range. The fact that the iV80 is rear-wheel drive may bring to mind cars of yesteryear with poor winter performance - those that were left spinning on the slopes. But the disadvantages of rear-wheel drive are offset by the good weight distribution provided by the location of the battery pack - low between the axles. Speaking of winter features: You'll love the Enyaq's long reach in the winter cold.

Actual range

Our driving route was 50-50 motorway and country road in a quiet driving pattern. Based on the number of km driven and remaining battery capacity, we could achieve a theoretical range of between 470 and 480 km on a hot summer day. Stated range is 528 km (WLTP).
 
The average consumption was 15,5 kwh/100 km. This is right up there with the best.


 

Skoda Enyaq
Atmospheric at the southern part of Eikeren

Internal

Skoda offers several different fittings for the Enyaq. Our decor is called "Loft" and consists of light gray furniture fabric and partial leather in the chairs. The dashboard and door linings were covered in the same fabric - well padded. Homey, although I doubt it can withstand the nagging of toddlers. But families with children will undoubtedly feel at home in the car. Not only is there plenty of space – there are several smart details that seem carefully thought out

Behind the wheel

The driver's seat in our car had electric seat adjustment and it was easy to find an optimal sitting position. The small driver's screen is located deep inside the dashboard. The infotainment system in the large center screen was easy to use - even for me who is starting to pull on the oars. However, the placement of the two screens took some getting used to as I moved my gaze between them. Maybe it's because I'm used to the screens being more aligned. Skoda can also deliver a head-up display on more expensive equipment packages.
 
Gearing is controlled electronically via a small gear lever lever with R, N, D and B for extra regenerative braking. There is no "park" position. The car automatically goes into neutral when you apply the electromechanical handbrake. The automatic transmission probably also locks, but I don't like to park a car on a steep hill without it being visibly in gear or "park".


Skoda Enyaq
Homely with the dashboard covered in fabric

 

On the road

The Enyaq iV80 has the same drivetrain as the ID.4 that we drove a couple of weeks ago. There are many similarities. 204 horses and a torque of 310 Nm hold up well. Thanks to the good torque, it is easy to maintain a steady speed without using cruise control. The car weighs about 2 tonnes without the driver. It is the same weight as the ID.4 – and 150 kg more than the Tesla 3 Long Range. With 4 adults and luggage, the driving weight can reach 2,5 tonnes.
 
Like the ID.4, the suspension is more comfort than sport. At the beginning, I felt that the car "rocked and rocked" more than I am used to in the relatively hard-suspended Tesla that I drive on a daily basis. Like the ID.4, I felt the tires felt soft for the heavy car, especially in the corners. Perhaps one could advantageously go up from 20- to 21-inch wheels - or choose adaptive chassis as an option? By changing the driving mode from "normal" to "sport", I got faster throttle response and more steering resistance, but no tighter suspension. There are additional choices. I preferred driving in sports. Calm driving produced no noticeable increase in consumption. Quicker throttle response also made it easier to drive more actively through the bends and thus get less chafing on the tyres.


Skoda Enyaq
Standard furnishing of the "Loft" type

 

Looks bigger than it is

I think the Enyaq looks both longer and wider than the ID.4, but that's an optical illusion. They are the same size. My wife commented that the car seemed large - in her eyes unmanageable to park. The fact is that both Enyaq and ID.4 have the same width as our Tesla 3. The SUV is just taller. The fact that the Enyaq may seem larger than the ID.4 is perhaps because the Enyaq has sharper and more boxy lines - especially in the front.
 
As a 5-seater, it works just fine in terms of space - also for the middle passenger in the back seat. The size is just right as a family car. It fills the size class between compact cars such as the Nissan Leaf and large SUVs such as the Audi e-tron. The trunk holds 585 liters and is easy to use. With a tow hitch, you can tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 1000 kg.

Regenerative braking

None of the electric cars in the Volkswagen group can be driven with one pedal like the BMW i3, Tesla and Nissan Leaf, but they are not far off. When you let off the gas, the car will first brake gently, then a little more forcefully until eventually coming to a soft stop. Then the hill start holder will keep the car stationary. If you need to stop or slow the car down a hill, you can either use the paddles on the steering wheel which provide 3 levels of regenerative braking, or put the gear lever in 'B'. All braking methods help to regenerate energy. I imagine the paddles on the steering wheel are made for those of us who are more than average focused on driving. The car regenerates energy well even during normal driving.


Skoda Enyaq
Holds 585 liters of luggage

 

Security

Enyaq has recently been tested by Euro NCAP. It scored 5/5 stars and 94% for adult protection and 89% for child protection. The figures for VW ID.4 are respectively 93% for adults and 89% for children. In comparison, ID.3 got 87% for adults and 89% for children.
 
The center airbag between the front seats worked well and protected those on board from harming each other in side collisions. The headrests also worked fine. Top score for whiplash. Isofix in passenger seat and rear seats.
 
Read the full report here

The trip

We went from Oslo via Vestfossen down along the beautiful Eikeren to Eidsfoss, where we had lunch Old Eidsfos tavern. We then went in and took pictures of the old locomotive shed from the Tønsberg-Eidsfoss railway. It was built to transport goods from the iron works in the center of Eidsfoss to the coast. The track was built in 1901 and was privately financed. But it was not a great financial success. It was closed down in 1938. When the rails disappeared, the routes were left behind. They are partly used for new roads and paths which it is still possible to follow today.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the Skoda Enyaq represents the new family car class. It does so together with stablemates VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron. We have driven the ID.4 with the same drivetrain, and can say that it is a matter of taste and preference which one you choose. I like Skoda for its sharp and distinctive appearance and homely interior environment. I recommend the models with the largest battery pack. As a family car, a few extra miles of range can mean a lot in practice - especially in winter. Then it is perhaps also worth mentioning that the Skoda Enyaq's biggest advantage is its characteristics as a family car.


 

Skoda Enyaq
Nice to sit in the garden at Gamle Eidsfos kro.

the polishing stable
The old loco stable/polishing stable with the remains of the turntable.
eidsfoss inn
Hallway at the back of Eidsfoss kro

enyaq vi80
The old locomotive. The route runs in a straight line to the right of the Enyaq


 

Facts Skoda Enyaq iV80

Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 465 / 188 / 162 cm
Wheelbase: 277 cm
Net weight: 2128 kg (without driver)
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1000 kg
- without brakes: 750 kg
Luggage compartment: 585 litres
Roof load: 75 kg

Drivetrain
Battery pack: LC Chem 77 Kwh with thermal management
Motor: Electric, located in the rear axle
Power: 204 HP
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: Stepless.
Rear wheel drive.

Performances
Top speed: 160 km/h
0-100: 8,5 seconds

Range
WLTP: 528 km
Own measurement: Calculated at 467 to 478 km based on a 160 km trip - at an outside temperature of 26 degrees and 50-50 motorway driving at 100 km/h and calm country driving.

Tires
Size: 235/50R20 100T (front), 255/45R20 101T (rear)
Type: Summer
Brand: Bridgestone Turanza

Price
Skoda Enyaq iV80: 455
Paint surcharge: 6 (Arctic Silver Metallic)
20″ wheels: 6 (VEGA)
Infotainment with dynamic traffic information: 7 (recommended)
Driver's package plus: 12 (with, among other things, adaptive chassis - should be considered)
Towbar: 9

About the car
Place of production: Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
Owner: Hire
Rented via the Hyre app
Model: 2021
Mileage: New
Km driven: 195
Source: skoda.no, vegvesen.no

 


enyaq vi80
Enyaq connected to free wall charger at Fornebu S. Estimated charging time was 2 hours and 22 minutes from 66 – 100%

 

See

id 4
Volkswagen ID.4 – Long range
id 3
ID.3 Politically correct
audi e tron
Aud e-tron 55

 

Terje Bjørnstad. Blog administrator, hobby photographer and car enthusiast.

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