Skoda Elroq revealed – entry-level C-segment EV SUV, RWD or AWD, over 560 km range, built-in ChatGPT

Skoda’s range of electric SUVs has grown to three with the introduction of the new Elroq, joining the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé. Equipped with a name that sounds like it came straight out of a Dungeons & Dragons monster manual, this C-segment crossover is said to be the most affordable one yet from the Czech carmaker.

Prices in Europe start from €33,000 (RM151,900), which Skoda says means that the Elroq won’t cost more than its combustion-engined Karoq sibling. For that, you get a choice of three battery sizes and either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Only single-motor models will be available at launch, starting with the Elroq 50 with outputs of 170 PS (125 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, plus a 55 kWh battery that provides a WLTP range of over 370 km of range. The Elroq 60 bumps power up to 204 PS (150 kW) and gets a larger 63 kWh battery, the latter stretching the range to 400 km.

For the longest range, you’ll have to step up to the Elroq 85, netting you 286 PS (210 kW), 545 Nm and an 82 kWh battery that enables the car to travel up to 560 km on a single charge. Later on, there will be an Elroq 85x all-wheel-drive model with dual motors. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h for the 85 variants and 160 km/h for the other versions.

Charging speeds vary depending on the model – the Elroq 50 and 60 can accept up to 145 and 165 kW of DC fast charging power respectively, topping up the battery from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes for the 50 and 25 minutes for the 60. The 85 models can instead reach 175 kW, taking 28 minutes to charge their larger batteries. All Elroqs are limited to 11 kW AC charging.

Visually, the Elroq is the first Skoda to feature the brand’s Modern Solid design language. Still angular with clean surfacing, the car sports a couple of key changes such as the Tech-Deck Face that integrates a slimmer grille with the upper daytime running lights, along with a new Skoda script on the bonnet and steering wheel – replacing the traditional roundel.

All models come with full LED lighting and flat four-a-side DRLs as standard, with matrix LED headlights available as an option. Also on the options list is an illuminated grille, fitted to the introductory First Edition and made available to other variants later on.

Inside, the Elroq continues Skoda’s no-nonsense interior design approach, fitted with a simple horizontal dashboard and a sloping centre console with a small pebble-like gear selector. In the centre sits a 13-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen that comes with a new user interface and a Laura voice control system with ChatGPT integration – similar to the facelifted Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5.

You also get a small digital instrument display, a 15-watt Qi wireless charger and an optional augmented reality head-up display. The Elroq comes with a full range of driver assists, including remote park assist via the MySkoda app. Skoda has designed the Elroq’s cabin to be more sustainable, using materials such as faux leather, RecyTitan fabric (made from 78% recycled PET and six per cent recycled clothing fibres) and TechnoFil fabric (made from 75% recycled Econyl nylon and 25% polyester).

A Skoda is nothing if not practical, so the Elroq offers a claimed segment-leading 470 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded. There are also several of the brand’s Simply Clever features, including a charging cable storage net underneath the adjustable parcel shelf, an additional 48 litres of storage on either side of the boot, a boot storage organiser, an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door and an ice scraper stored in the tailgate.

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