Skoda Enyaq iV Review

Practicality and Boot Space

With the battery pack packaged under the floor between the front and rear axles, Skoda’s design team were able to create an interior without transmission tunnels or large engine bulkheads. 

In addition to having plenty of space on the ground, the Enyaq cabin is also full of light - especially when the optional panoramic roof is fitted. Thanks to the shallow angle of the windscreen, the main dashboard is more open and flat than in a conventional internal combustion engined car. The dashboard features a series of layers, with each one introducing a different texture and material. In fact, the dashboard is so deep that Skoda has been able to integrate an augmented reality head-up display without the need for a pop-up screen panel. 

The driving position is good and has a broad range of adjustment and offers drivers plenty of legroom, while the telescopic steering column allows drivers to quickly find the perfect set-up. Skoda says that the seats have been completely redesigned for the Enyaq and come with massage option for the first time - if you want to pay for it of course. Both front seats come with height adjustment and lumbar support while the two-spoke steering wheel is heated and adds recuperation paddles on the 77kWh models. While it's generally comfy, we did find the seats on cheaper models lacked a little support and caused a few aches on long journeys. No one else complained though, so maybe we are just a weird shape.

In the rear, the Enyaq has plenty of legroom - even for the lankiest of passengers. Like other electric car, the floor is higher than in a petrol car, but there's so much foot room it doesn't feel like a problem. The flat floor means the middle passenger doesn't have to straddle a hump too. 

Further back, the Enyaq’s boot space has a capacity of 585 litres with the rear seats in the upright position and 1,710 litres with them folded.  Owners can also operate the tailgate remotely with Virtual Pedal – a feature included in the Convenience option package. Working these foot-swipe auto openers can be a bit hit and miss though.

Technology

Dominating the Enyaq’s cabin is a neat-looking integrated infotainment system. Both models feature a large 13-inch touchscreen display positioned high on the dashboard and angled towards to the driver. In addition, both Enyaq iV models have a smaller digital dashboard display behind the steering wheel which gives crucial info such as speed and nav directions. Unlike other VW Group cars we've driven recently, the screens seem to work really well too. 

SKODA says that the Enyaq is its first car to come equipped with an optional head-up display featuring augmented reality, which projects information onto two different areas. In addition to the current speed and detected traffic signs, information from the assistance systems and navigation instructions can also be displayed on the windscreen just above the dashboard in immediate view of the driver. 

The projection zone for augmented reality is larger and is located higher up on the windscreen, still in clear view of the driver. It projects an image onto the road ahead of the vehicle, where larger symbols such as directional arrows indicate navigational instructions. Information relating to Adaptive Lane Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control can also be shown along with traffic signs or warning. 

Safety   

Like its Volkswagen sibling, the Enyaq is packed with clever safety tech. For example, it can automatically warn of collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and fixed obstacles while what Skoda calls its Optional Crew Protect Assist (£685) automatically tensions the seat belts during emergency braking and closes the windows and the panoramic sliding roof in the event of an impending collision. It's a shame rear airbags are an option too, since this is clearly going to be a car which appeals to families.

The Enyaq equipped with LED headlights and tail lights as standard, with full LED Matrix headlights available as an option. Each Matrix high-beam module contains 24 LEDs, which can be controlled individually and enable the driver to have the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users. Clever stuff.