A freshen up for the current Skoda electric offer in NZ means it will look like a larger version of an incoming sibling SUV.

CONTINUITY with a new small Skoda electric sports utility set to land in New Zealand this year has been achieved with a facelift of its big brother.

Particular focus of the update of the Enyaq - currently Skoda NZ’s sole battery-wed car - has been to lend it a new look at the front, heavily inspired by the styling of the smaller (and closely mechanically related) Elroq that will become a sister product here from around November.

There seems probability this freshened Enyaq, revealed by the factory overnight, will avail around the same time.

Adoption of what the brand describes as its ‘Modern Solid’ styling means dropping the big, broad grille of the current model (immediately below), which though relatively fresh to our market - it arrived just over 18 month ago to kick off Skoda New Zealand’s electric car strategy - has been sold in Europe since 2021, so was due a refresh.

In place is a slimmer styling device between new LED headlights that, as with Elroq, are divided into two sections.

The upper section, at the bonnet's leading edge, contains the LED daytime running lights, which are divided into four distinct ‘blocks’ of lights. Skoda calls this its ‘Tech Deck’ face. It design incorporates sensors for the radar system and front camera.

Lower down and out to the sides are the main beam light units which have the distinctive ‘Four-Eye’ nighttime signature that expresses particularly strongly with high-end versions, as they have Matrix LED lights with 36 individual LED units on each side.

Other changes up front are reshaped bumpers, that add 9mm to the SUV and 5mm to the Coupe, and the absence of the classic Skoda ‘Arrowhead’ badge. It’s replaced by letters, picked out in ‘dark chrome’ which spell Skoda. The rear’s appearance is much as it is now, save that the brake lights have a C-shaped signature built into the lamp unit. other styling changes runs to new alloy wheels — ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter — and a new paint finish: Olive Green metallic.

Skoda says that the fresh front improves aerodynamics, citing a drag coefficient as low as 0.245 for the SUV, versus 0.264 for the previous model, and 0.229, compared to the previous 0.240, for the Coupe, which becomes the most aerodynamic model in the Skoda lineup.

The Enyaq Sportline trim that Skoda NZ adopted previously continues. This features a high-gloss black finish on the front spoiler, side window trim, and the roof rails of the SUV, as well as wing mirror caps in metallic black, and 21-inch alloy wheels. The update makes the cars slightly taller and the wheelbase alters … by 1mm.

Enyaq provisions in two battery sizes, 58kWh or 77kWh. The smaller kind was cold-shouldered by Skoda NZ for the current car, but it has previously said it might take it for this update.

The small-battery Enyaq 60 version, if chosen, will deliver with a 152kW rear-mounted electric motor and a maximum range of up to 432km. This drivetrain only avails i the SUV shape. The bigger-battery Enayq, now called the 85 version, has a 214kW motor. It can clock 579km in SUV form and 587km as a Coupe. The factory is also producing a four-wheel drive 85x version, which gets an extra motor but the same 214kW total power output and has a range of up to 535/538km.

The Enyaq 60 battery can charge at a maximum speed of 165kW on DC power, while the Enyaq 85 lifts that slightly to 175kW, which means a fast-charging time of between 24-28 minutes, charging from 10-80 percent. All models get 11kW AC charging.

Aside from a new steering wheel — with Skoda spelled out across the centre — the Enyaq’s cabin remains as we currently see it. There’s a five-inch digital driver’s instrument panel, a 13-inch main infotainment screen - with updated software - and an optional augmented reality head-up display projected onto the windscreen.

Updated models have keyless approach unlocking, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and three-zone climate control.

For Europe, there are different designs and packages for the interior, starting with the entry-level Loft Design package, which includes grey fabric and black artificial leather, with contrasting stitching and special seat belts in orange.

The next-up Lounge Design delivers dark grey upholstery with seat covers made of a combination of artificial leather and microsuede with mint green contrasting stitching. In Suite Black Design models, there are seats with black leather and artificial leather mixed with brown stitching, while Suite Cognac Design gets distinctive brown leather seats, tanned using an eco-friendly process that utilises olive leaf extracts. Finally, there’s The SportLine Design, which features black sports seats with integrated headrests, microsuede and artificial leather upholstery, and grey contrasting stitching.

The usual ‘Simply Clever’ features of an ce-scraper built into the fuel flap, a tyre tread depth gauge in the boot, and an umbrella stashed in a tube inside the driver’s door are maintained.

Enyaq also now gets a QR code in the boot, an idea lifted from the Elroq. Scan this with your phone, and it provides a quick overview of the equipment and functions available in the vehicle or shows interactive video instructional. How to use the parcel shelf or net systems, for example.

There’s also an updated MySkoda smartphone app, which in Europe includes built-in charging payments, and a remote parking feature that allows a driver to control the Enyaq from outside, using their phone to steer it into a parking space. The parking system can save and remember regularly used manoeuvres. A ’Travel Assist’ advanced electronic driver aid can now receive ‘swarm’ data from other VW Group vehicles in the area, giving you advanced warning of any potential hazards on the road. Again, though, that might only avail in Europe.