The Skoda Enyaq iV was one of my favourite cars last year, the first fully electric model from the brand, and an attractive crossover body style that seemed to me the best from the Volkswagen Audi Group's burgeoning EV line-up.
Now a new version of the Enyaq has made its debut, a coupé style crossover that is even more attractive than its progenitor, and as sure-fire a hit as I've ever seen.
There's only one problem, though. Production of the Enyaq in all its forms has been suspended, for now anyway, because key components are manufactured in Ukraine, so when I tell you about the new car, it comes with the health warning that it simply is impossible to say when you might be able to buy one.
The war has had other impacts too, with two assembly plants in Russia and one in Ukraine also shut down until the conflict ends, though this is less significant for us as the cars made there are intended solely for the domestic markets.
Nonetheless, demand for the original Enyaq already was so high in Ireland, there was a shortage of supply and long waits for those who persevered. Obviously, this inconvenience pales into insignificance against the suffering of the Ukrainian people, but it does have to be borne in mind if you were planning to buy.
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The good news is that when we eventually do get the Enyaq iV coupé, it is a worthy addition to your shopping list if the time is right for you to go full EV. It comes in two battery sizes, 62kWh and 82kWh, with electric motors delivering power outputs between 180hp and 300hp. In order, these are the 180hp iV 60, the iV 80 with 204hp, both of which are rear-wheel drive; the iV 80x, with electric motors on both axles for allwheel drive, and output of 265hp; and the top-of-the range RS, again with allwheel drive and 300hp on tap.
The latter is an absolute belter, and while no price structure has been announced for Ireland, I suspect you'd be lucky to see any change out of 70 grand. Obviously, entry-level pricing will be closer to the mid-40s where the original Enyaq sits.
I really enjoyed the RS model, which boasts top speed of 180kph and a 0-100kph acceleration time of just 6.5 seconds. The aerodynamics contribute to a range of up to 540km on a single charge, depending on the model bought.
Despite the tapering roofline, headroom is actually greater than in the crossover style, and cargo space of 570 litres is just 50 litres smaller. All versions of the coupé come with a tinted black glass panoramic roof, the largest one available on any Skoda model. The crystal face is standard on the RS and an option on other trim levels; it has 131 LEDs illuminating the vertical ribs and horizontal slight strip. This is where I slightly part company, because while it looks great at night, it seems a bit cheap and gimmicky in daytime. The wheels come in sizes between 189 and 21 inches.
The cockpit has a 5.3-inch digital cluster, while the infotainment screen measures a generous 13 inches. A headup display is available as an option. I drove the car on mostly rural roads in Tuscany, and found the handling to be sharp without being thrilling. The real attraction is that massive bursts of speed possible when you need to overtake in a short window of opportunity, which was often, thanks to farm vehicles, trucks and just generally slowcoach drives in clapped out old Fiats.
The drive wasn't long enough to put the range fully to the test but from what I managed to ascertain, the official claim wouldn't seem to differ greatly from what I achieved.
New software (that soon will be available as an upgrade for existing Enyaqs too), allows for fast charging of up to 135kW for the all-wheel drive models.
For the 82kWh battery, that means recharging from 10-80% in 29 minutes, or adding 100km of range in seven minutes or thereabouts.
On an 11kW home wall box, you're looking at between six and eight hours to fully charge the battery, for most drivers an operation that shouldn't be necessary more than once a week.
For me, the greatest appeal of the car is the design. Colours can be divisive, for sure, but I particularly loved the Hyper Green paint job that makes the black detailing really stand out. In profile, the car looks maybe a little chubby, but from the rear, it is a delight, which all too often is far from the case.
It's easy to see significant demand for the Enyaq iV Coupé, in all its power versions, because it certainly is eye-catching, and with the range, charging speed and driving chops to match.
All that really remains to be seen is when we'll actually get it in dealerships here.
