Skoda NZ nails down a customer ‘look and learn’ date – but has steered clear of confirming what’s coming and exactly when.

ANNOUNCEMENT of 2023 availability of Skoda’s first all-electric model, the Enyaq iV, to Kiwis has chimed nicely with news that a performance flagship has now gone into right-hand-drive.

Whether the new hotshot Enyaq iV vRS (above) figures in Skoda New Zealand’s immediate plans is not yet clear.

In a media share today the Auckland-based distributor restricts product information to saying simply that it is taking the car in both its five-door sports utility and slinkier fastback Coupe formats.

Information about specific grades, and pricing, will be made on February 25, via linked events at national Skoda franchises, where pre-production cars will be displayed. But that seems to be a preparation phase, as the brand says pre-sale orders are being taken from that point. Suggestion from that is that showroom stock won’t arrive until some point later in the year. Still, at least the ball is starting to roll.

It is also unclear if the car will release with the 2023 upgrades announced in Europe two months ago and now availed to the biggest right-hook market, the United Kingdom, though probability seems high.

These span software improvement, including the ability for future updates to the car’s operating software made over the air, revised trim, more standard equipment and improvement to the infotainment and battery management, with faster charging speeds.

As in typical of the VW Group MEB platform fully electric cars – which in NZ-confirmed representation also include the VW ID.4 and ID.5, Cupra Born, Audi Q4 (whose pricing was announced yesterday) and, in time, a new Porsche Macan – the Enyaq can represent with rear or all-wheel drive and multiple battery and all-electric drivetrain options.

Skoda NZ has previously shared thought it might focus on the models with the larger of four batteries, a 82kWh type to best meet perceived range expectations and also enable dual motors and all-wheel drive, a popular choice with buyers of fossil-fuelled Skodas.

However, there is also potential it will also add in cheaper alternates – including the starter model with a single motor, rear-drive and a lower capacity battery (58kWh or 62kWh) to ensure it has a cost-leader comfortably within the sub-$80,000 zone, the cut-off for the Clean Car rebate that is patently become a key consideration for new adopters.

The question as to whether NZ has immediate access to the latest models becomes relevant because Enyaqs have already reached private owners here as ex-UK grey imports and, presumably, that channel might remain open. Unless, of course, Skoda NZ pricing is so sharp as to make the trade untenable.

Standard equipment for Enyaq internationally includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 13-inch touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and lane keep assist. Keyless entry is an option in the UK surely set to be standard here. Enyaq there can also fit out with heated (and electric-adjust driver’s) seats and steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, head-up display, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist and autonomous evasive steering in the event of an accident. It can even be ordered with an illuminated front grille.

Availing in both body styles, the vRS has most of that kit, plus more, but its main attraction is the performance pep from its 220kW/460Nm twin motor drivetrain. The type runs the 82kWh battery, which can be DC recharged (as per the Q4) at up to 135kW, and has a range of 516km, as estimated on the WLTP cycle.

The type also features a bespoke Sport mode, plus a specific chassis set up, with a lower ride height and the option of adjustable dampers, a sports suspension and progressive steering, the sum total of which, Skoda says, lends the kind of dynamic handling “vRS drivers have come to expect from Skoda”. They cite 0-100kmh in 6.5 seconds.

Enyaq’s arrival in NZ has been long anticipated – the launch programme now is the second. The distributor ran a pre-sale campaign more than a year ago, but had to abandon it when it became clear supply could not be secured for early 2022.

In supplied comment today, Skoda NZ general manager Rodney Gillard said Enyaq’s availability – which more or less aligns with the release of an updated corporate identity and badge - would stand as the starting point of a decade of transformation for the brand.

“With the launch of Enyaq in 2023, we are aligning Skoda with our customers’ evolving needs and expectations – offering exceptional styling and an enhanced user experience.

“We know that Kiwi drivers, who are adventurers like us and demand smart technologies and functionality when it comes to their vehicles, will absolutely love the new Enyaq. It has all the comfort, space, and high specs our customers have come to expect, coupled with the benefits that come with an electric vehicle.”

Gillard’s reminder that Skoda has gained momentum in New Zealand over the past five years included reference to it winning the NZ Police tender in 2020 for supply of more than 1000 Superb station wagons as frontline patrol cars – an accomplishment that has more than doubled the brand’s volume. However, Police ambition to secure electric cars has not started with the Czech marque. Instead, as reported yesterday, it has kicked off that programme with Hyundai electric cars.

From February 26 Skoda NZ says it will open online pre-sales for customers, alongside “Explore More” test drive experiences for customers to experience the Enyaq SUV for themselves.

To support these, dealerships will have Virtual Reality experiences onsite for customers to experience the Enyaq SUV and Coupe, and will have a digital showroom available on skoda.co.nz.