Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV review (2023) – The Czechs put on trainers

The latest addition to Škoda’s toy box is the Enyaq Coupé iV, which joins the trendy coupe SUV party. Placed above the Enyaq iV, the coupé version avoids the entry-level battery and requires a budget extension of €3,500. On the other hand, it plays the seduction card with a more attractive style and improved standard equipment. Let’s see if the feeling is right with the 60 version, equipped with a 58 kWh battery and a 180 PS electric motor.

Discreet outside

The Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV is a complex animal: it smoothly unfolds an unsurprising but rather interesting design. With its roofline, its marked ribs and its imposing front end, it already feels the gentle breeze of a once lost sportiness. However, our 60 model is more of a gentle stroll than a fast one. Firstly, because its face is strictly identical to that of the standard model. Secondly, because its 19-inch high-sidewall tyres optimise comfort and inevitably lead to a calmer drive. Thirdly, because its heart and its small legs do not allow it to set any speed record. But this sobriety is good because on the other hand, the Enyaq Coupe iV also avoids overkill and vulgarity. Two terms that are both unwelcome at Škoda. Faced with a competition with a more exaggerated physique, our SUV is certainly playing it safe. Is this stylistic restraint reflected in the interior?

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Splendid on board

In the Enyaq Coupé iV, there is no opulence, no extravagance, not even luxury. Cosy would be the most appropriate word: no madness, only well calculated details. The best example is the dashboard with its generously upholstered fabric and matte aluminium inserts. Next to that, the seats are dressed in a mix of leather and light velvet. The Czech car has large windows and a huge glass roof, so it’s easy to enjoy the view. The cabin becomes a fabulous light well creating a real feeling of well-being. It’s also impossible to fault the Enyaq for its generous storage space. The door bins are copiously padded and particularly deep. However, the area underneath the centre console is the best. The space available is such that you can fit a rucksack, a pack of mineral water or even a person, within reason, please. More futile but still charming, the ambient lighting provides a wide range of colours for a very personal touch. Honestly, you’d almost want to spend a night in the car, the atmosphere is so nice. Or try to hide and seek while charging, that’s also possible. The Swedish loft, it is perhaps it after all…

In contrast to the Volkswagen ID. range, the Enyaq Coupe iV does not go crazy on touch controls. This is fortunate, as the ergonomics are much improved. All the controls on the steering wheel are represented by physical buttons, as is the control panel for the electric windows, which is reminiscent of the old world. As a result, the instrumentation on the 5-inch screen is an invitation to a digital detox. Just ignore the huge 13-inch tablet – it’s difficult, I know – to make the experience a success. The display itself provides decent graphics and fluidity, but the ergonomics are really unnatural. The menus are cluttered. Graphically speaking, the GPS accidentally pays homage to the Nintendo 64, but its planner has the merit of being quite precise. It’s a pity, however, that it doesn’t list the most recent fast charging stations such as TotalEnergies or Fastned. To optimise your journeys, use your head and make your own calculations! As for the general equipment, our test model offers more than the essentials with the electric driver’s seat with memory, the motorized tailgate, the tri-zone air conditioning, the semi-autonomous predictive driving and the Matrix LED headlights. We can even take it a step further with a stunning backlit grille at night that has a nice effect.

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The praise of zenitude

At almost 2.2 tonnes unladen, the Enyaq Coupé iV 60 is definitely a pretty baby. Add the kids on the back seat and their luggage in the boot and you’ll easily approach 2.5 tonnes. But the 180 PS are still a force to be reckoned with, especially in urban environments. The trick is the torque! And with 310 Nm available instantly, the Enyaq provides rigorous acceleration in the city where it feels perfectly at home. In addition to the excellent visibility, the ultra-short turning circle increases the agility of this 4.65 m SUV. The only things that spoil the party are the somewhat heavy steering and perfectible damping. With these criticisms, the Enyaq plays the ‘Reverse’ card of the Uno once it has escaped the city. The suspensions become conciliatory and the steering becomes more consistent. On the highway, the Czech shines with its good soundproofing, but its acceleration becomes sluggish after 100 kph. At this speed, the small battery ensures a range of 220 km. In other words, it’s not much. So you’ll have to think about taking a break… for a long time. If the charging power is given at 120 kW on a fast station, we will in reality rarely exceed 70 kW, even though our battery was at 20%. It will thus be necessary to prefer the 80 version equipped with a 77 kWh accumulator if you multiply the long journeys. In addition, you’ll get 204 PS and a charging power of 135 kW. And for dads in a hurry, Škoda offers a vRS version of the Enyaq. The programme includes two electric motors, 300 PS, a special body kit and interior, as well as a Mamba Green colour that will impress your eyes.

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It relies on the family to convince

At €48,010, the Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV 60 is priced rather low. However, our well optioned test model is a bit greedy, reaching €57,295. Faced with the star of the category, none other than the Tesla Model Y Standard Range (46,990 €, 204 PS), all the competition is out of luck. The Californian is much more efficient, offers more standard equipment, high charging power and a better range at a price that is among the most attractive in the segment. On the Japanese side, the Nissan Ariya Advance (€50,800, 218 PS) will feature an original design and a cabin similar to premium models. Staying on the Asian continent, we find the Kia EV6 Air Active (49 140 €, 170 PS) which also benefits from a singular design but a fast charge limited to 150 kW with the small battery while it climbs to 239 kW with the large accumulator. The Volvo XC40 Recharge Start (€46,800, 231 PS) benefits from competitive pricing and a long range. However, its smaller dimensions make it less habitable than the above models. Finally, the Volkswagen ID.5 is not comparable, as it is equipped with the 77 kWh battery.

Thank you, Enyaq. We will not forget your great cabin!

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Strengths

• Pleasant to live in
• Quite comfortable
• Rather rich equipment

Weaknesses

• Weak range on the highway
• Fast charging…not that fast
• Ergonomics of the central touchscreen

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Verdict: 15,6/20 – Good