It’s not long before the wraps come off the new Škoda Elroq, one of the most important new cars in Škoda’s long and illustrious history. The brilliant Škoda Enyaq may have put Škoda firmly on the electric vehicle map, but the Elroq is set to take things on even further as the first of a new generation of Škoda EVs.
So far, we’ve only seen the Elroq clad in camouflage, but what can we expect from the new model? Earlier this year, I took Škoda CEO Klauz Zellmer for a drive in an Enyaq and talk inevitably turned to what we might expect from the Elroq.
“Škoda is all about functions,” said Klaus “It just has to work; it has to be intuitive, with huge space for luggage and for passengers. You should feel comfortable – it's more family oriented, it's your companion that provides everything you need.”
Now, with the Elroq unveil just weeks away, I wanted to dig a little deeper into what we can expect from the new model, so I sat down for a chat with Harriet Venters, Škoda’s product manager for the Elroq.
One thing I’m looking forward to seeing is the first, full interpretation of Škoda’s Modern Solid design theme that’s already influenced this year’s other new arrivals from Škoda. So what secrets can Harriet give us about what’s behind that disguise?
“The Elroq is maintaining the elements people love about Škoda – our real comfort, convenience, and simply clever features – but it's also doing something completely new,” she told me.
“It's a real step change for aligning our cars for the future, bringing a sleek, minimalist and bold design on the car, while also giving it a real presence on the road with the shaping at the front and how that flows through into the aerodynamics at the side. All these elements give it a dynamic look and feel, but they play a part in the drive as well.”
“We've worked really closely on what that means so it not only looks great but combines with the engineering to make it a really smooth ride and we can get more range out of the car. It really brings it all together with a brand-new design for our Tech-Deck face, new bonnet lettering and distinct angular lines."
We’ll apparently see more usable technology inside the car, too, with Chat GPT supporting Škoda’s voice assistant, Laura. So, who does Harriet think the Elroq is going to appeal to most?
“The Elroq will be Škoda’s first electric compact SUV. We talk about Everyday Explorers here at Škoda, and the Elroq is about creating a more accessible electric vehicle – one which is slightly more compact in terms of the outside, but still has all that space on the inside. For Everyday Explorers, it’s the accessibility of moving from city driving to higher range, longer drives, too.”
It's clear to me that there is a whole load of reasons to get excited about the Elroq, but what one thing is Harriet looking forward to customers seeing most?
“You work on a new car for years, so it’s so exciting to get other people to see it as well,” she said. “But for me, I think it really is the styling of the car. It looks really distinctive on the road, and I cannot wait for customers to see a whole new era of Škoda design.”
I’ll be waiting eagerly for the covers to come off the new Elroq on October 1, so to make sure you don’t miss a thing sign up now to get the news as it happens.