Czech carmaker Skoda has decided to drop the heavy psychedelic foil wraps with its latest Enyaq prototype giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect from the brand’s first purpose-built electric model that’s expected to go on sale in Europe before the end of the year. [Updated 7/15/2020]
Skoda will tap deeper into the EV market with the Enyaq iV, a zero-emissions crossover derived from the Volkswagen ID.4.
Photographed undergoing testing in Europe, the first prototype was seen wearing the final production body wrapped in psychedelic camouflage, while the latest red tester shed that camo in favor of some selective patches including fake rear lights to hide what it can. Nonetheless, we can still see the overall shape quite well – enough to realize it stays true to its German sibling.
The front end is defined by the enclosed grille, slim headlamps and three cutouts in the bumper that will help with the aerodynamics and keep the brakes cool. At the back, we can see a clean-looking tailgate, roof-mounted spoiler and LED taillights. Shots of the profile reveal the tall shoulder line, slightly arched roofline and rather long front and rear overhangs.
Read Also: 2020 Skoda Citigoᵉ iV Is VW Group’s Cheapest Electric Vehicle
The cockpit has yet to open up to the camera, but we expect a layout similar to the ID.4, albeit with several Skoda touches. The Enyaq iV should feature a free-standing infotainment system next to an instrument digital cluster, a combo that has become way too common in today’s vehicles; other technology gear and several safety systems should be part of the package as well.
Underpinned by the VW Group’s MEB platform, the Enyaq iV will be offered with rear- and all-wheel drive, as Skoda has previously confirmed. The entry-level variant will feature a rear-mounted motor with 146 HP (148 PS / 109 kW) and a 55 kWh battery that will give it a range of up to 211 miles (340 km).
The mid-spec trim level will get a 178 HP (180 PS / 132 kW) motor, powered by a 62 kWh battery for a 242-mile (390-km) range, while the RWD range-topper will benefit from a 201 HP (204 PS / 150 kW) motor, an 82 kWh battery and a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
The all-wheel drive range will kick off with a 262 HP (265 PS / 195 kW) model, which will pack an 82 kWh battery that will allow it to drive for 286 miles (460 km) on a single charge. Finally, the Enyaq iV RS will serve as the top-of-the-line version, with 302 HP (360 PS / 225 kW), the same 82 kWh battery and a 286-mile (460 km) range.