Elroq to take on Kia EV5, Toyota bZ4X: Skoda

SKODA Australia has come out swinging against Korean and Japanese electric SUV rivals at the launch of its all-new Elroq mid-sizer in Sydney this week.

The Czech brand says its MEB-platform-based Elroq EV will punch above its weight in a segment bustling with new arrivals, specifically targeting established marques with well-equipped offerings including the Kia EV5 and Toyota bZ4X.

While the importer would not be drawn on sales forecasts for its handsomely-styled Elroq, it said it would go toe-to-toe with the EV5 and bZ4X, suggesting a monthly average of close to 300 units is possible – making it Skoda’s best-selling electric model to date.

“When we look at the Elroq against mainstream entrants from Kia and Toyota we see it is the most affordable, the most powerful and the fastest in terms of acceleration,” said Skoda Australia product manager Aline Carrullo.

“It also has the longest range … and although Kia claims to have a higher DC charging rate, the cooling system in the Elroq’s battery keeps the temperature at the perfect point to avoid heating up the cells (meaning) it can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 28 minutes.

“In terms of ownership, we offer a seven-year warranty with eight years on the (high-voltage) battery, as well as the best turning circle in the class.

Ms Carrullo said the Elroq’s availability from $54,990 placed it favourably against the $56,770 sticker price for the Kia EV5 and the $66,000 asked for the Toyota bZ4X.

She also noted a 210kW/545Nm output as favourable over the entry-grade EV5’s 160kW/310Nm and the bZ4X’s 150kW/265Nm.

Against the stopwatch those figures translated to a 6.6-second 0-100km/h sprint for the Skoda Elroq against 8.5- and 7.5 seconds respectively for the Kia EV5 and Toyota bZ4X.

In terms of range, the Skoda Elroq offers a claimed 529km of travel between charges, 129km more than the EV5 and 93km more than the bZ4X.

The Skoda is also offered as standard with both Mode 2 and 3 charging cables where the Kia and Toyota offer only a Mode 2 cable.

Charging times for the trio are listed at 28 minutes, 36 minutes, and 45 minutes respectively with the Elroq offering 11kW AC and 135kW DC charging, the EV5 6.6kW AC and 350kW DC capacity, and the bZ4X 11kW and 150kW DC charging capacity.

The Elroq also includes metallic paint as standard, with both Kia and Toyota charging $600 extra for the privilege.

Importantly for medium-sized SUV buyers, Ms Carrullo called attention to a cargo area of 470 litres for the Elroq, placing it between the Chinese-made EV5 (with 513 litres) and the Japanese-built bZ4X (with 452 litres).

In relation to the Elroq’s rivals, Ms Carrullo said it was important buyers understood that Tesla was not the only alternative when it came to buying an EV, urging Australian consumers to research every offering in the market before committing to a deal.

“When people think about an EV, Tesla often comes to mind,” she said.

“But there are a few points I’d like to make known that are a very good reason to look at an Elroq.

“It is more agile, it is European designed and manufactured, it offers a better driving range (in standard form), standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a longer seven-year warranty.

“There is also the peace of mind of our flexible financing solutions – including guaranteed future value – metallic paint as standard, and both Mode 2 and 3 cables that Tesla make you pay for.”

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the all-new Skoda Elroq.

Skoda Elroq versus key segment rivals*:

*Comparative data supplied by Skoda Australia.