Skoda Elroq: Surprisingly Spacious Electric SUV Arrives in September – Pre-Order Now!

Is the Skoda Elroq Your Next EV? Surprising Space in a Compact Package

Looking for an electric SUV that doesn't compromise on space? Skoda's newest battery-powered offering might tick all your boxes. The 2025 Elroq, Skoda's second all-electric model for Australia, arrives in showrooms this September (pushed back a couple of months from the original July target), and it's got me genuinely excited about what it brings to the increasingly crowded EV landscape.

Compact on the Outside, Roomy Where It Counts

I'm always skeptical when carmakers claim their compact vehicles are "surprisingly spacious," but the Elroq actually delivers on this promise. Built on the same MEB platform as its bigger sibling, the Enyaq, it's essentially the electric equivalent of the Karoq in Skoda's lineup.

Despite being 170mm shorter than the Enyaq, this compact-to-medium sized SUV feels anything but cramped inside. What's even more impressive? It manages to deliver over 500km of WLTP range, putting it squarely in the fight against similarly priced Chinese competitors that have been dominating this segment.

At launch, you'll have two flavors to choose from: the entry-level Select or the fancy 130 Edition (a nod to Skoda's 130-year heritage). Sportline and RS versions are available overseas, and while Skoda's keeping quiet about exact timing, I'd bet good money we'll see these sportier variants hit Aussie shores eventually.

• Pricing: Starting at $54,990 (plus on-roads) for the Select, with the 130 Edition commanding a $10K premium at $64,990.
• Model Lineup:
  • 2025 Skoda Elroq 85 Select: $54,990 (before on-road costs)
  • 2025 Skoda Elroq 130 Edition: $64,990 (before on-road costs)

I recently got behind the wheel of a pre-production Elroq prototype at Luddenham Raceway in NSW. While track driving doesn't tell you everything about how a car performs in everyday situations, it certainly gave me a taste of what this EV can do when pushed. More on that in a bit.

Step Inside: Familiar Territory with Eco-Friendly Touches

If you've been in an Enyaq, you'll feel right at home here. The Elroq's cabin shares the same design DNA, with a thoughtful layout and plenty of soft-touch materials that make it feel more premium than its price tag suggests.

The prototype I drove featured the "Lodge" interior trim with Tellurium Grey leatherette punctuated by orange stitching. It's a bold look that won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I appreciated the departure from the usual sea of black and gray that dominates most interiors these days.

Skoda's putting its eco-credentials front and center with the Elroq. The TechnoFil fabric upholstery uses 75 percent recycled Econyl fibers – good for the planet without compromising on comfort or durability. Running your hand across the materials, you'd never guess they started life as something else.

Here's where the Elroq really surprised me: despite its more compact exterior, rear seat space is genuinely impressive. The 2765mm wheelbase (identical to the larger Enyaq) is the magic trick here. At 6'1", I could sit behind my own driving position with plenty of headroom and knee space to spare – something I can't say for many compact SUVs, electric or otherwise.

Need to haul stuff? The Elroq has you covered with smart storage solutions everywhere you look. Cupholders, cubbies, and shelves are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. I particularly loved Skoda's "Simply Clever" features, like the removable rear storage console and adjustable boot floor – practical touches that make everyday life with the car easier.

How Does It Drive? Better Than You Might Expect

For now, the Elroq comes exclusively in rear-wheel-drive form, powered by a single electric motor. The "85" in its name refers to the 85kWh gross battery capacity. Word is that Skoda Australia might introduce a smaller battery option down the track, but nothing's confirmed yet.

• Skoda Elroq 85 Specifications: Single-motor electric, 82kWh battery, 210kW power, 545Nm torque, claimed 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds, claimed range 529km (WLTP).

Taking the Elroq around Luddenham Raceway was an eye-opener. EVs often feel quick in a straight line but clumsy in corners due to their weight. Not this one. The low center of gravity (thank you, floor-mounted battery) combined with rear-wheel drive gives it a surprisingly playful character.

Stomp on the accelerator and there's that instant EV torque that never gets old – the car feels quicker than its 6.6-second 0-100km/h time would suggest. But what really impressed me was the mid-range punch. Need to overtake? Just squeeze the pedal and you're past before you know it.

The steering has a satisfying weight to it, and the car turns in with more eagerness than I expected from an electric SUV. Of course, I'll need proper time on real roads before delivering a definitive verdict, but the early signs are promising. This doesn't feel like an EV that's been designed purely for the commute.

Features That Matter in Daily Life

As you'd expect, the two trim levels offer different sets of goodies. Splash out on the 130 Edition and you'll get fancy Matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, and powered front seats, among other upgrades.

Safety is well covered across the range with seven airbags and all the driver assistance tech you'd hope for in 2025 – Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and parking sensors front and rear all come standard. It's a comprehensive package that removes the need for endless option ticking.

Ownership Experience: What to Expect

Peace of mind comes in the form of a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. Skoda Australia promises that servicing won't break the bank, though specific maintenance costs are still being finalized as I write this. As with many EVs, expect overall running costs to be significantly lower than equivalent petrol models – one of the key advantages of going electric.

Worth the Wait? First Impressions Matter

Based on my brief encounter, the Elroq makes a compelling case for itself in the increasingly competitive electric SUV market. It combines the everyday practicality Skoda is known for with a genuinely spacious interior and decent electric range – all at a price point that won't make your eyes water (at least by EV standards).

Supply will be limited at first, so if you're interested, I'd suggest getting to know your local Skoda dealer sooner rather than later. The Elroq hits showrooms this September, and I have a feeling they won't be sitting around for long. I'm looking forward to spending more time with it on regular roads to see if it lives up to this promising first impression.