More revisions for Skoda’s vital electric model as NZ ramps up for local availability.

EFFORT to secure Enyaq iV, Skoda’s only fully electric model, seems to be close to reconciliation – will the national distributor keep up with the pace of change for the model?

Latest movements with the medium-sized five chair sports utility, which draws off the MEB platform and drivetrain that is set to run in a host of Volkswagen Group electrics intended to sell here from 2023, raise this issue.

Skoda New Zealand has yet to announce its lineup, battery sizes, specifications and prices, though it has indicated those details could be made public soon.

As in typical of the MEB platform cars – which in NZ-confirmed representation also include the VW ID.4, Cupra Born, Porsche Macan and Audi Q4 – the Enyaq can represent with rear or all-wheel drive and multiple battery and all-electric drivetrain options.

Skoda NZ has previously also 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 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.

What it has made clear is that an evaluation unit it has been testing for several months – and intends to show to the public at an Auckland mall from tomorrow - is not representative of the local market specification.

Circumstances dictated the Auckland-based operator picked up a United Kingdom market car for local evaluation.

However, now the display vehicle is also out of step with what Britons are buying into.

The marque’s single biggest right-hand drive market has just announced a host of updates that span a revised trim line-up, featuring more standard equipment plus it optimises the infotainment and battery management, with faster charging speeds, with an over the air software boost.

The question as to whether NZ have immediate access to those revisions becomes relevant because there is always potential more ex-UK stock might come here as grey imports, also from the UK. Several Enyaqs have already reached private owners via that channel.

Private imports being to different specification to official allocation cars would only be of concern to the distributor were they to a more appealing configuration – a potential, perhaps, in this instance, should it occur.

The latest UK update for Enyaq is the second in a year for the Brits, with 120kW ultra-rapid recharging added at the end of last year.

This software-enabled improvement has now been expanded to existing Enyaq owners, allowing them to take their cars to a dealership where faster charging speeds will be enabled for free via an update.

The process will take around five hours and will also add further enhancements to the infotainment system via an upgrade to the latest ME3 software. Real-world driving range is also said to be better, thanks to improved battery management.

Skoda says that, in terms of battery and charging, the new software offers, among other things, a battery care mode in which the battery is only charged to a maximum of 80 percent during the next charging process. This helps to conserve the battery and extend its service life.

However, its full storage capacity and maximum charging speed will be available at any time, should there be a need for them. The maximum charging rate increase is for cars featuring the 62kWh battery and 135kW for models with the 82kWh battery.

The UK has also gone to four new trim designations: 60, 80, 80 Sportline and all-wheel-drive 80x Sportline.

Entry-level 60 cars there come with a 58kWh battery that provides a range of around 400km, whereas 80 models boast a 77kWh unit, which can travel up to 544km between charges depending on exact specifications and wheel sizes.

Standard equipment 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.

Instead of an extensive options list, Britons now get four packs to choose from – Clever, Plus, Advanced and Maxx.

Clever adds heated front seats, a heated two-spoke steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad, tinted rear windows, manual sun blinds and extra USB-C ports in the rear. It also introduces a handful of extra driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.

This provision can be further enhanced by a Plus package adding Matrix LED headlights, full-LED tail lights, a hands-free powered tailgate and an electric driver’s seat with memory function. Also included are traffic jam assist and autonomous evasive steering in the event of an accident.

All the features listed in the Clever and Plus packages are included as standard on Sportline cars.

The UK also adopts an Advanced package, which builds on Plus specification and is only available in conjunction with the 78kWh battery. Highlights include an illuminated front grille, a head up display, heated rear seats, a heated windscreen and an upgraded Canton sound system.

The range-topping Maxx further adds in adaptive suspension dampers, fully-electric front seats with memory function, a massaging driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera system, park assist and rear side airbags.

With costings running into thousands of dollars; the packages give good insight into the technical provisions available to the car.

Skoda NZ’s car will be at The Car Store in Westfield Newmarket from tomorrow to September 6.