The Skoda Elroq And Enyaq Electric SUVs in Europe and the UK have undergone a number of driving changes, including new digital features, improved assistance systems and “modernized” infotainment.
The main features include a new front luggage compartment – or “frunk” – with a capacity of 21 liters under the bonnet, accessed via new gas struts and, according to the Czech brand, perfect for storing charging cables. Elroq and Enyaq also have a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows the electric vehicles to power external electrical devices via an adapter or a 230 V socket in the car.
A new single-pedal regenerative braking mode is accessible via the B setting on the drive selector, with the stronger of the two braking force levels “capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop” – the regenerative braking modes can be switched via the infotainment system or the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
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Speaking of infotainment, Elroq and Enyaq adopt the Volkswagen Group’s redesigned user interface based on an Android operating system, bringing “a redesigned home screen, grid layout, favorites and search functionality, as well as expanded personalization options for an improved, more intuitive experience.”
In addition to the new look, the Android-based multimedia system opens up access to a new in-car app store, integration of the “Powerpass” charging station app, “Plug & Charge” capability, as well as expanded functions in conjunction with the MyŠkoda app, including a new stolen vehicle location function and the ability to flash the lights to better locate the vehicle in parking lots.
The updated Skodas are now compatible with Digital Key technology, allowing compatible smartphones to be synced to the vehicle via the MyŠkoda app and used as a key, which can also be shared with other users if necessary.
New 25W wireless smartphone chargers with MagSafe compatibility are also included, while the improved Travel Assist 3.0 assistant brings “hardware-updated sensors, including new radar units” for “smoother and more natural responses during assisted driving.” There’s also a new driver monitoring camera that “further improves the detection of driver inattention or fatigue.”
The automatic headlight system also has a new setting. Instead of just distinguishing between light and darkness, the new Elroq and Enyaq models can also detect the lighting conditions at dusk and automatically activate the daytime running lights and taillights in limited visibility conditions, for example in cloudy weather and at dawn or dusk.
While the improved models are due to launch in the UK at the end of June, it’s unclear when these changes might be rolled out to Australian models – particularly given that it’s Skoda Australia-only Only launched new variants of Elroq and Enyaq.
“At this stage, the final specifications for our upcoming model year updates are still being reviewed. As always, we aim to balance multiple factors: what is available in our market, what our customers demand and the overall impact on price and value,” Skoda Australia said in a statement.
“It is also important that we manage any transitions carefully so we can continue to support existing inventory before introducing updates to the model range. We will release more detailed information once plans are confirmed.”
It’s worth noting that most of the Volkswagen Group brands present in Australia have struggled to bring their latest digital technologies Down Under. Only Audi and the ultra-premium Bentley and Lamborghini brands offer proper built-in connectivity from the factory.
Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra have all lobbied their respective global parent companies to establish a factory-backed connected services network in Australia to better compete with rival brands and offer certain technologies such as online navigation and Digital Key, as well as smartphone app connectivity.
In particular, Cupra Australia says it is “making a really big effort” to expedite a factory-supported solution based on feedback from its customers.
In 2024, VW’s passenger car and commercial vehicle divisions in Australia introduced the third-party Goconnect system, which allows drivers to view their parking position, visualize recent trips, interact with their dealer and book appointments, view faults, warnings and battery status, and monitor driving speed.
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