Škoda Enyaq for less than a million crowns has long been a target, achieved only in some Western European markets. It wasn’t until this spring that the Mladá Boleslav carmaker turned around and offered a cheap version with a smaller battery in the Czech Republic, for an attractive 899,000 crowns. The price for this is a relatively short range for a family SUV. Is it still worth considering?
In mid-October, the temperatures outside are not favorable at all, they often drop below ten degrees and it rains. These are not exactly ideal conditions for an electric car, it enjoys calm temperatures and more than ten degrees higher and friendly sun rays. The Enyaqu 50 on-board computer shows a range of just under 300 kilometers with a 99 percent battery charge. One is more used to this from small cars of the Mini Cooper E type, certainly not a family SUV with a length of almost 4.7 meters.
The numbers and climate prospects before the weekly test do not offer too much optimism, especially since we will avoid the natural environment for which the Enyaq 50 is intended. Already at the launch, representatives of the car manufacturer stated that it was a car for local mobility. Its ideal territory is therefore urban or suburban movement. Definitely not overcoming the highway sections from Prague to Brno, the 85 version with a 77kWh battery and a range of 562 kilometers is much more suitable for that.
However, the basic variant has a battery with a usable capacity of 52 kWh and a paper range of 375 kilometers. On average, it should say about 15.8 to 16.4 kWh per 100 km, according to the car company.
If the on-board computer is not inventing, then by driving around the city or districts you can easily fit into the table values, the consumption starting with the number 14 is no exception. Even on the highway, which makes up about two thirds of the route (although due to road closures and heavy traffic it was not possible to drive at the permitted limit) , we managed to reach 15.1 kWh / 100 km after the 150 kilometer journey from Jindřichov Hradec to Prague. However, there were almost ideal weather conditions in autumn, with sun and temperatures around 15 degrees.
At the same time, we can compare, a few days earlier we completed the journey from Prague to Brno in the same car, mostly on the D1, which is again frequently repaired, in significantly lower temperatures and occasional rain. There, the on-board computer already showed around 20 kWh / 100 km. The section from Brno to Jindřichov Hradec through districts and cities finally brought down the average for 350 kilometers on all possible roads to 17.9 kWh / 100 km, still in low temperatures and rain.
According to the on-board computer, the car consumed 17.1 kWh / 100 km during the one-week test, i.e. it only slightly exceeded the table consumption. This should therefore be enough for a real range of around 300 kilometers, but without long-distance highway journeys it can reach significantly better numbers.
The maximum charging power indicated by the car manufacturer is 145 kW, but the charging curve will be more important for practice. We tested this on a charging stand with a maximum output of 75 kW, where the Enyaq was able to use its full potential for up to half the battery capacity. Power fell below 75 kW only after reaching 60 percent of capacity, at 80 percent the car was charging 52 kW.
At 90 percent battery capacity, the stand still showed a solid 42 kW. This means that on the most common 50kW DC chargers, Enyaq can use their maximum power for most of the charging time. Nevertheless, due to the maximum charging power, charging could also be a little faster. If you drive the Enyaq 50 more often on longer routes with highway sections, expect more frequent 20- to 30-minute recharging breaks.
It is not recommended to normally charge a battery with NCM chemistry to full capacity, or to keep the maximum charge in a car that has been parked for a longer period of time (after all, Enyaq itself will warn you about this during charging). To speed up the charging process, there is battery preheating, which is started manually and thanks to which the battery can handle a higher charging power right from the start. It pays off especially in winter.
With an output of 125 kW, it is the weakest Enyaq in the range, but the electric motor above the rear axle provides the car with pleasant dynamics, especially during flexible acceleration. It won’t push you from rest to 100 km/h into the seats with a time of 9.1 seconds, but that’s not the purpose of this car. Even due to the comfortably adjusted chassis, its currency is above all smooth movements.
Otherwise, the basic variant is exactly the same as any other Enyaq. After a recent upgrade, it received new software that is significantly more intuitive than before. You can also chat with the digital assistant Laura, who also knows a few “jokes”. But even the Enyaq 50 could not get rid of ailments such as a touch bar for amplifying the audio or an air conditioner that can be adjusted exclusively via the display.
On the other hand, the advantages did not disappear either, such as a large interior space or good workmanship. With few exceptions, pleasantly softened materials are everywhere the hand can reach.
The Enyaq 50, available only in the Tour grade for the aforementioned 899 thousand crowns, certainly does not skimp on equipment. In the base, it has a set of assistants including blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, navigation with a 13-inch screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, keyless unlocking and starting, LED front and rear lights or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Skoda Enyaq Tour 50
Engine: rear electric motor, rear wheel drive
Power: 125 kW
Torque: 310 Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.1 s
Usable battery capacity: 52 kWh
Average consumption: 15.8 – 16.4 kWh/100 km
Range: 375 km
Dimensions (L / W / H): 4649 / 1879 / 1616 mm
Wheelbase: 2765 mm
Volume of the luggage compartment: 585 / 1710 l
Price from: 899,000 CZK
The car in the photos has a lot of extra equipment, including a glowing mask or a head-up display with augmented reality. But as soon as you start checking the items from the extra price list, the charm of the “cheap” Enyaq quickly disappears. However, if you don’t drive long distances often, a lighter and more affordable electric car with a range of around 300 kilometers certainly makes sense. All the more so because, unlike some purely urban models, it can transport the whole family comfortably for similar money.
However, in winter or in generally colder weather than was the case during the test, in which the kilometers decrease damn fast, the low range could get on the nerves of many an inexperienced electric motorist. And also long routes with a higher load will mean unnecessary frequent stops. The Enyaq 50 is simply not suitable for that.
Is the Škoda Enyaq 50 Worth Your Money?
So, let’s talk about the Škoda Enyaq, shall we? A family SUV that’s apparently so ‘affordable’, it’s practically a budget-friendly ticket to eco-friendliness! Looking at the headlines, you’d think Mladá Boleslav had discovered the automotive equivalent of alchemy, turning cheap metal into gold with this sleek-looking electric creature priced at 899,000 crowns. But let me tell you, my friends: it’s not without its quirks and quandaries.
Range: The Not-So-Great Outdoors
Now we all know that chilly October weather is about as welcoming to electric cars as a vegan in a steakhouse. Temperatures below ten degrees? Rain? What’s next, an ice cream truck during a snowstorm? The Škoda Enyaq 50’s computer claims a range of just under 300 kilometers with a full battery, which is more what you’d expect from a Mini Cooper E than a family SUV that’s nearly five meters long. I mean, come on, that’s a bit like trying to fit an elephant into a Smart car!
The Urban Safari
At its launch, Škoda referred to the Enyaq as a champion of ‘local mobility.’ Local mobility? Folks, when I hear that, I can’t help but picture it cramming the kids into the back for a trip to the nearest supermarket, not barreling down the highway from Prague to Brno! For long road trips, you’ll want to consider the ’85 version’ with a whopping 77 kWh battery and a much more impressive range of 562 km. No one wants to find themselves begging for a charge on the side of an icy highway, do they?
Efficiency: Is it Really That Efficient?
The Enyaq boasts a battery with a usable capacity of 52 kWh and a touted range of 375 kilometers. Sounds good, right? But while zipping around town, it managed an average consumption of around 15.1 kWh/100 km. Translation: if you’re planning any highway travel, prepare for some anxiety mixed with frequent stops, a bit like my Aunt Fiona at the All-You-Can-Eat buffet!
Charging? More Like Pausing!
The maximum charging power is 145 kW, but let’s be honest; that’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot if you’re only plugging into a 50kW station. Sure, you might get some zap in your battery, but don’t expect to be flipping the switch and rushing off. For driving enthusiasts, get ready for those 20-minute breaks across your long haul. Who doesn’t love bonding with the snack machine at the charging station?
The Interior: A Comfortable, Yet Frustrating Ride
Inside, the Enyaq embraces all the touches of luxury one could expect: ample space, quality materials, and a digital assistant named Laura who’s chattier than your best friend at a reunion. However, some aspects are like using a rotary phone in the age of the smartphone. Controls for the audio system and AC sit touchlessly on a dashboard display that often feels like it’s trying to play hide and seek or giving you more trouble than a toddler in a toy store!
Pricing: The True Cost of ‘Affordable’
At first glance, the price tag of 899,000 crowns for the Enyaq in the Tour grade might seem like a steal…until you start ticking boxes on the extras list and realize your dream SUV quickly morphs into a not-so-affordable luxury vehicle. If you’ve got a tight budget, just remember: the more you want it to do, the less your wallet will feel when they hand it over!
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Tricks
So, is the Škoda Enyaq 50 the electric vehicle for you? If you’re after a city-friendly ride for weekend jaunts and neighborhood runs, absolutely! Just don’t boo-hoo when the winter chill takes a toll on your range, or if the expectation of a long family road trip feels more like a logistical challenge than a leisurely escape. In the end, it’s not about whether it’s worth it; it’s about how well you can handle a few good laughs—and charging breaks—on your way!
Škoda Enyaq has long been a coveted model priced under a million crowns, a milestone only realized in select Western European markets. This spring, however, the Mladá Boleslav auto manufacturer shifted gears and introduced a more affordable variant equipped with a smaller battery, now available in the Czech Republic for the attractive price of 899,000 crowns. Yet, this option comes with a caveat—its relatively limited range raises the question: is it truly worth the investment for potential buyers?
As mid-October approaches, the outdoor temperatures are far from accommodating, frequently plunging below ten degrees accompanied by persistent rainfall. These environmental conditions pose challenges for electric vehicles, which typically thrive in milder climates and benefit from higher temperatures with sunshine. The onboard computer of the Enyaq 50 indicates a driving range of just under 300 kilometers when fully charged to 99 percent. Such figures are usually associated with smaller models like the Mini Cooper E, not with a family SUV that stretches almost 4.7 meters in length.
The initial data and climatic predictions before our week-long test drive do not inspire confidence, especially since we will largely steer clear of the natural environments for which the Enyaq 50 was designed. At its launch, Škoda representatives emphasized that this vehicle was intended for local mobility, with urban and suburban commuting as its prime focus. It is decidedly not suited for extensive highway journeys, such as the route from Prague to Brno; the 85 version, featuring a more robust 77kWh battery with a commendable range of 562 kilometers, would be a far better choice for such travel.
However, the base model is equipped with a battery offering a usable capacity of 52 kWh, boasting an official range of 375 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, the average consumption should hover between 15.8 and 16.4 kWh per 100 kilometers.
If the onboard computer proves accurate, city driving or cruising through urban districts can yield consumption figures starting with 14 kWh, a certainly achievable number. On the highway, which constituted approximately two-thirds of our route (though road closures and heavy traffic forced us to drive below the speed limits), we recorded consumption at 15.1 kWh per 100 km during a 150-kilometer trek from Jindřichov Hradec to Prague. However, this segment benefitted from near-ideal autumn weather, with sunshine and temperatures resting around 15 degrees.
In stark contrast, just days prior, we completed a route from Prague to Brno under much harsher conditions—lower temperatures and sporadic rain—during which the onboard computer reflected a much higher consumption of around 20 kWh per 100 km. The journey from Brno to Jindřichov Hradec, which cut through urban and suburban areas, ultimately averaged out to 17.9 kWh per 100 km for the entire 350-kilometer drive, again under frigid and wet conditions.
Over the course of our week-long evaluation, the Enyaq 50’s onboard computer indicated an average consumption of 17.1 kWh per 100 km, only slightly surpassing the manufacturer’s estimated figures. Consequently, this suggests a realistic range of approximately 300 kilometers—impressive for daily urban commutes, yet perhaps a challenge for longer highway adventures.
The vehicle’s maximum charging power is listed at 145 kW, yet the charging curve holds key significance for practical use. We tested the Enyaq 50 at a charging station with a capacity of 75 kW, where it effectively harnessed its full potential for up to half the battery’s capacity. After reaching 60 percent charge, power dipped below 75 kW, and by 80 percent, the vehicle charged at a rate of 52 kW.
At 90 percent battery capacity, the charging station still recorded a solid 42 kW. This indicates that on the commonly used 50 kW DC chargers, the Enyaq can maximize charging power for most of the charging duration. Nevertheless, due to the maximum charging capability, the recharging process could be streamlined further. Frequent long-distance drivers should prepare for more regular 20 to 30-minute recharging breaks.
For safety and battery health, it is not advisable to regularly charge a battery with NCM chemistry to full capacity or maintain maximum charge for extended periods of inactivity (the Enyaq itself warns users during charging). To facilitate swifter charging, the vehicle incorporates a battery preheating feature, which needs to be activated manually, allowing it to withstand higher charging voltages from the get-go—especially beneficial during winter months.
Although the Enyaq 50 is the entry-level variant with a power output of 125 kW, delivering a rear-mounted electric motor that provides commendable dynamics, especially under quick acceleration, it lacks the prowess to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 9.1 seconds. However, such rapid acceleration is not the intention behind this model. The vehicle’s key attribute is its ability to glide smoothly along the road, aided by its comfort-tuned chassis.
In terms of features, the base variant stands on equal footing with other Enyaq models. Following a recent software upgrade, the system has become significantly more user-friendly. Furthermore, the digital assistant named Laura is available for interaction, boasting a few humorous quips. Nevertheless, the Enyaq 50 still grapples with issues like an audio control touch bar and a climate control interface that can only be operated via the central display.
Despite some shortcomings, the Enyaq 50 does not compromise on advantages like ample interior space and high-quality craftsmanship. Soft-touch materials are generously found throughout the cabin, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience for all occupants.
Priced at 899,000 crowns, the Enyaq 50 is only available in the Tour trim, and it is well-equipped as standard. Buyers will benefit from a suite of driver assistance systems including blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, as well as three-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system with a generous 13-inch display, heated front seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, LED lighting all around, and stylish 19-inch alloy wheels.
The vehicle depicted in the accompanying images showcases numerous additional features, such as an illuminated front grille and an augmented reality head-up display. However, as soon as one begins to check off items from the additional options list, the allure of the “affordable” Enyaq rapidly diminishes. Nonetheless, for drivers who do not frequently undertake long journeys, this lighter and more financially accessible electric vehicle, with a realistic range of around 300 kilometers, certainly presents a compelling choice, especially given its capability to comfortably accommodate an entire family for a comparable price.
However, in cold winter conditions or during inclement weather scenarios, the Enyaq 50’s limited range could frustrate novice electric vehicle operators. Additionally, long-distance trips with heavier loads would necessitate more frequent stops, as the Enyaq 50 is simply not designed for such demands.
Y, making adjustments feel clunky at times.
Reviewing the pricing reveals that while 899,000 crowns might initially seem appealing, the cost can skyrocket once you start adding various optional packages. This makes it comparable to more premium offerings in the SUV category. If you find yourself hankering for certain features or upgrades, prepare for sticker shock—your budget may take a hit quicker than you can say “extra chrome trim.”
the Škoda Enyaq 50 presents itself as a solid option for urban drivers and those mainly engaged in shorter trips. Its pricing and space make it attractive for families looking for an electric vehicle. However, considerations around range anxiety, charging times, and the vehicle’s limitations during colder months cannot be overlooked. For those planning to take it on longer journeys, investing in the enhanced battery version may be a more prudent choice. Ultimately, navigating the quirks of the Enyaq could lend itself to an eclectic mix of joy and frustration—a journey worth taking for the right driver.