Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you say Skoda is its magnificent value for money. That is if you do not know his outstanding background in competition, since in 1994 he was Two-Wheel Drive World Champion with the Favorit and his most recent dominance in the SWRC and WRC2 with the Fabia S2000, Fabia R5 and Rallye2 Evo.
But for a few years, it also wants to get fully into the world of electric cars, as shown by the launch of the Skoda Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé, but also the news spread by the brand itself that by 2030, 70% of its cars will be electric -three new models will be launched by 2026-.
And if you add to this electrified intention the renowned RS variants of its products, the car in this test is born, the Skoda Enyaq RS iV, the sportiest version of the first electric vehicle from the Czech company, and which shares the bill with the coupe version. .
outside and inside
As expected, its exterior design exhibits sportiness. Where were those electric cars that seemed to be taken from the ‘Museum of Horrors’… The Skoda Enyaq RS iV adopts different elements in glossy black such as the brand logos, the window frames, the exterior mirror covers, the roof bars, the rear diffuser, the side skirts and the E-shaped air curtain frame.
The SUV also equips the distinctive element typical of the RS – in addition to the lettering on the wings, which in this case are green – the front apron, glossy black, and the red reflector along the entire rear bumper.
But what stands out the most, without a doubt, is its ‘Crystal Face’. It is the name that has been given to the grille, which escorts the Full LED Matrix headlights and whose horizontal bars and the horizontal slat that crosses it are illuminated thanks to 131 light-emitting diodes. Full LED technology also works its magic on the taillights, which have ‘C-Light’ graphics all as standard.
Added to the set are huge 20″ alloy wheels, although there are also 21″ ones as an option -also with appendages in a different color-, and the suspension lowered 15 millimeters at the front and 10 millimeters at the rear. The icing on the cake is the solid Mamba Green color, which is exclusive to this version.
Skoda also wanted to give the interior a sporty look with seats with integrated headrests… which are amazing! Come on, what the company has accustomed us to in its models. Also with the polished aluminum bottom bracket and the three-spoke steering wheel, which is wrapped in leather. In addition, almost everything is upholstered in black, like the most dynamic cars.
To give it an even more racing touch, Skoda has launched the RS Lounge and RS Suite designs. In the first, the seats come in Swedish microfiber, and the seams and contrast stitching are in lime, the same as on the steering wheel. In the second, the upholstery is leather, and the seams and stitching are gray, like the steering wheel and the mats.
I continue the test of the Skoda Enyaq RS iV analyzing the interior space, which is enormous for both the legs and the head -advantages of having a wheelbase of 2,768 mm, a length of 4,653 mm, a width of 1,879 mm and a height of 1,605 mm-. In the case of the Skoda Enyaq Coupé there are five, which is also very good, and more considering that it equips the largest panoramic roof in a house car.
The same happens with the cargo, which has a volume of 585 liters, 1,710 if the rear seats are folded. In addition, the transmission tunnel is low, so the passenger in the central area can ride more comfortably. It hurts that the backrest is not as soft as the bench.
Things on board are enhanced by the three-zone climate control and wireless charger, while LED lighting adds color. By the way, all of this comes standard with the base price.
engine and performance
The propulsion system of this SUV is made up of two electric motors that are housed, one on each axis, so the four wheels are responsible for moving the vehicle. The front yields 204 CV and the rear, 109, although together they add 299 CV and 460 Nm of maximum torque delivered instantly.
These figures allow the Skoda Enyaq iV RS to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5″. For its part, the maximum speed is 180 km/h, 20 km/h more than the Enyaq without the last name RS. For True, the towing capacity is up to 1,400 kilograms on slopes of up to 8%.
And all this is possible thanks to a lithium-ion battery with a useful capacity of 77 kWh (82 kWh in total) with which it can travel more than 500 kilometers on a single charge. Charging that, by the way, can be done at a maximum of 11 kW in alternating current and 135 kW in direct current.
Behaviour
When I had the opportunity to test drive the Volkswagen ID.4, which shares the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Propulsion Platform (MEB) with the Enyaq, I was amazed by the excellent dynamic response it offered. The Czech, with sports suspension and lowered, is even better.
It is impressive how it can tackle the curves, fast, very fast, with all four wheels working and with the body not rocking. But don’t think that’s why it’s an uncomfortable car; Not at all. Filters the irregularities of the road very well.
But even more I have been struck by the good quality of rolling that it offers and, above all, the excellent soundproofing of the passenger compartment, which can be a danger when reaching, without realizing it, speeds that make you lose points on your driving license. It’s easy, believe me. And it is that Skoda includes acoustic windows as standard that use a special film on the front windows to reduce noise levels inside. Do they work; you see that they work.
Price, rivals and factors to decide the purchase
The Skoda Enyaq RS iV has a starting price of 64,600 euros (the same as the SUV Coupé version), 3,500 euros more than the Enyaq Sportline 80, with 204 hp, but with the same 82 kWh battery. The figure includes a very complete standard equipment consisting of the grill with lighting, 20″ alloy wheels, Full LED Matrix headlights, RS Lounge finish, sports seats -the driver’s seat with electrical adjustment-, three-zone climate control, sports suspension , keyless opening and starting, electric gate with Virtual Pedal and adaptive cruise system, among many other elements.
It is already on sale, both the normal version and the coupe body, although the first units will not arrive until the first quarter of 2023.
It is difficult to find a rival, because none has an image as sporty as the RS iV. It could be compared with the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, with a lower price (59,490 euros), and with the Audi Q4 S line, with a higher price (67,450 euros).
conclusion
The best
Acceleration. Curve response. Soundproofing of 10.
Worst
Rear center square. Price compared to the VW id.4 GTX