Skoda’s all-new EV carries forward familiar Skoda DNA on the inside, but shows off a whole new design language for the brand
Singapore – The name ‘Elroq’ might first come to mind as Spanish Dwayne Johnson, but it really isn’t. It’s the latest EV to join the Czech brand’s electric lineup.
Skoda uses the Elroq to expand its EV SUV line-up on top of the Enyaq, in addition to bringing forth its new Modern Solid design language while retaining its roots as a practical people-mover. Think of after Dwayne Johnson shaved his head and got new tattoos, but still remained the wrestling superstar who enjoyed asking about the smell of his cooking.
Speaking of cooking, you might say the Elroq cooked (in Gen-Alpha slang, it means ‘to conjure and present something excellent’).
Modern Solid what?
With the launch of the Elroq, Skoda debuts the new Modern Solid design, championing the new EV to represent Skoda’s roadmap for the future.
The most obvious changes to Skoda’s revised design direction are angular headlights atop a redesigned bumper, as well as the Tech-Deck face. Literally a bold new face, featuring a Tech-Deck grille with integrated radar, with Skoda lettering to replace the previous logo of a winged arrow. No, that old logo was never a bird.
The rest of its body’s sculpting shows clean, confident proportions, with the rear finished with a black diffuser and Unique Dark Chrome inserts. Overall, it’s a strong start for Skoda in carving a new path for itself, and I do appreciate its uncomplicatedness in its efforts to keep evolving.
Hold on, let it cook
The interior isn’t anything to gloss over, too.
Sure, it pretty much follows the same “templates” you find in most modern cars today. That is, a multifunction steering wheel, a central infotainment touchscreen (13-inch in this one), wireless charging and phone connectivity, ADAS safety systems, and the works.
However, in the same spirit as its exterior, the interior offers some fresh looks in the form of grey artificial leathers paired with black Technofil recycled fabric. These blend style and sustainability to show Skoda is pretty serious about their fresh take on things.
Perhaps the most jolting eye-catcher takes the form of… bright orange seatbelts. ‘Why though’, you may ask? I don’t know either. Maybe it’s just a dash of mischief, maybe it’s a statement that cars don’t have to take themselves so seriously. Or maybe, Skoda wants to tell you that being practical can be hip… But one thing’s for sure: it contrasts quite jarringly against the rest of the car’s calm surfaces, but it does add a touch of personality.
Nevertheless, this overhaul does not affect what we as drivers or passengers really need. Following Skoda’s traditional veins, the Elroq retains physical controls for essential functions, physical air conditioning vents, and a little gear stalk in the centre console. It’s a comforting familiarity. None of these things are taking heat in the name of “minimalism” or whatever, so we’re glad to see these tiny-but-big things go uncompromised. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
A quick DNA test
Belonging to the Volkswagen Group family, the Elroq shares its electric MEB platform with the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Cupra Tavascan. But that doesn’t mean they’re three peas in a pod, it’s more of taking the same chicken wing but Wingstop can offer a wide variety of sauces and flavours. Either that analogy makes sense, or I’m just a bit hungry as I write this.
With its boxy body coming down to a flat floor above a 2,765mm wheelbase, you won’t find yourself wanting any more headroom or legroom for anyone in the car. It’s fairly easy to settle in and get comfortable. In fact, I learnt that the Elroq has identical passenger room to the larger Enyaq, which means that passengers at the rear can quite easily stretch themselves out. But the Elroq is still a smaller car, so where it trades off is with its smaller boot – 470 litres, versus the Enyaq’s 585 litres. Skoda has definitely made efforts to make the Elroq as versatile as possible, with cubbie holes and all sorts of storage and hooks located around the interior, while the boot also comes with a cargo net to keep things in place.
Roq’n Roll
Driving the Elroq feels like driving most of Skoda’s products, too. It’s unfussily straightforward, and everything is very intuitive to get your way around.
Powered by a 59kWh battery that drives a motor producing 204hp and 310Nm of torque, the Elroq finishes the century sprint in 8 seconds flat white claiming 430km of WLTP range. Handling is surprisingly pretty well put-together. This is especially since bread-and-butter Skodas tend to be on the spongier side. Overall responsiveness, steering weight, (especially) braking feel and acceleration, all show signs of significant improvement from older MEB cars, which is a more-than-welcome change. Noise insulation is worthy of compliments too, creating a sense of calm posh-ness as you glide over the roads.
That faithful friend
The Elroq is pretty on-brand for most of Skoda’s range of products, existing as a buddy that doesn’t scream for your attention but is loyally dependable if you call upon it.
With refreshing changes and improvements to the MEB platform, it truly earned the ‘all-new’ when it was launched. While pricing might make things tough for the Elroq, given its position in an ever-competitive market segment, that doesn’t mean it should be so easily overlooked.
Text: Titus Tang, Edited by Clifford Chow
Photos: Kalani
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of storage like a Skoda should have | More expensive than some of the competition |
| Identical passenger space as the larger Enyaq | A few scratchy bits of plastic on the inside |
| Well-built |
Skoda Elroq Electric Plus 63 kWh
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 198hp / 310Nm |
| Battery capacity | 63kWh |
| Efficiency | 20.8kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 430km |
| 0-100km/h | 8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Skoda Singapore |
| Price | S$219,900 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Practical, like a Skoda should be. The Elroq gives you spacious Enyaq passenger room, but for lesser coin |
- 2026 Land Rover Defender First Drive Review: Now it is just Defender
- Forget runflats, Pirelli introduces Pirelli Cinturato Rosso tyres with Seal Inside Technology
- Alfa Romeo Junior unveiled. Category A and electric.
- Toyota Vios 1.5 eCVT Review: Fuel-sipping goodness
- Memories of gruelling automotive challenge, brought back to life with the Defender Trophy. Ron Ng to represent Singapore at the global finals
