A Sleek Return: The Skoda Enyaq Coupe
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe has made a triumphant return after a hiatus of almost four decades, bringing with it a stylishly rakish roofline. This new iteration also marks a significant milestone as the vRS badge, synonymous with performance, is now adorned on an all-electric model for the first time. Skoda had previously dabbled with hybrid technology in the Octavia vRS4, but the Enyaq Coupe represents a bold step into the future of electric vehicles.
A Favorite Among Electric Cars
The new Skoda Enyaq is quickly becoming one of the most favored electric cars on the market today. However, the UK market does not offer a small battery 62 kilowatt-hour entry-level model, nor the mid-range ATX four-wheel drive SUV. Opting for the coupe version of the vRS comes with a healthy price premium, pushing its starting price above 50,000. While this figure may raise some eyebrows, the added dash of style is sure to entice potential Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners.
Exquisite Design and Impressive Innovations
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe retains much of the original car’s components, but the most fascinating changes lie behind the driver’s seat. The standout feature of this coupe is the sharply crafted C-pillar, borrowing the same stretched Hofmeister Kink employed in the Octavia and Superb models. Skoda’s engineers claim that this sleeker body design enhances the Enyaq’s already impressive battery range by an additional 10 to 15 miles in real-world driving. Although this improvement may not be fully reflected in the WLTP figures, the vRS model offers similar range and efficiency to the standard ATX model.
The Alluring vRS Experience
For all intents and purposes, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS shares DNA with the Volkswagen ID, showcasing the automaker’s commitment to electric performance. With its sleek and elevated profile, the Enyaq Coupe vRS exudes an air of sophistication that is sure to captivate discerning buyers. As electric vehicles continue to dominate the market, Skoda has crafted a formidable contender that combines style, range, and performance into one cohesive package.
Performance and Features
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS is an electric car that has received the GTX treatment, offering a powerful driving experience. It comes equipped with an 82 kilowatt-hour battery, four-wheel drive, and a whopping 296 brake horsepower. The exterior of the vRS model boasts more aggressive bumpers, flashy alloy wheels, and an abundance of vRS badging. Inside, the performance is noticeably upgraded compared to the standard Enyaq, thanks to an additional 40 brake horsepower.
Acceleration and Power
Although the Enyaq Coupe vRS is not a hot-hatch, it still provides a commendable sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds. This puts it at a significant advantage compared to the rear-wheel-drive 80 Coupe, which falls 2.2 seconds behind. However, it falls short when compared to the four-wheel-drive versions of its competitors, the EV6 and Ioniq 5.
Driving Experience
After test driving both the 480 and vRS models abroad and in the UK, one is left with a sense of dj vu. The Skoda Enyaq is a well-rounded car with plenty to offer. However, if you’re seeking an exhilarating driving experience, you may need to look elsewhere. The Enyaq Coupe vRS offers solid and refined performance, but it may not deliver the thrills that some drivers crave.
Ride Quality and Refinement
When it comes to ride quality, the Enyaq Coupe vRS generally impresses with its smooth and well-damped suspension. However, it’s worth noting that sharp imperfections on the road can occasionally unsettle the car’s equilibrium. On the bright side, the high-speed refinement is excellent, with minimal wind and road noise. Overall, the Enyaq Coupe vRS feels like a well-resolved product.
Handling and Performance
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS may not be at the forefront of cutting-edge handling, but it does offer accuracy and stability. There are few faults to be found, and even with its smooth ride, the body roll is well-controlled. It glides swiftly along the B roads, showcasing its capabilities without offering much in terms of dynamic feedback. However, the weight of the car becomes noticeable during abrupt changes in direction, but overall, the Enyaq Coupe is a capable vehicle.
Acceleration and Traction
When it comes to the vRS variant, it stays true to its badge, embodying the civilized nature of its predecessors. However, it does come with a bit more power. Acceleration from a standstill is notably quick, thanks to the four-wheel drive system that provides ample traction even in wet conditions. Nevertheless, as the speed approaches 60 miles per hour, the 296 brake horsepower begins to struggle with the 2178-kilogram weight of the car. It’s worth noting that our test car in the UK did not have adaptive dampers and rode on standard 20-inch wheels, which affected its performance slightly.
Ride Comfort and Body Control
Despite the aforementioned weight, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS manages to deliver a comfortable ride, particularly on the motorway. In fact, it handles road imperfections better than the regular Enyaq model. The improved body control gives it a more planted feel on typical British B roads. Comparatively, the vRS variant feels slightly sharper in the bends due to its reduced roll and improved turning capabilities. The steering is responsive and provides a reassuring weight, making it easy to place the car precisely. However, it must be noted that the feedback from the steering rack could be more communicative for a truly engaging driving experience.
Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS: A More Expressive Drive
Skoda has taken a slightly more expressive approach with the Enyaq Coupe vRS, focusing on enhancing the handling balance. With its four-wheel drive and responsive Escape system, the Enyaq Coupe vRS offers an impressively stable driving experience. There’s plenty of traction when exiting bends, thanks to the combined efforts of the system.
Freedom and Stability
Switch the Enyaq Coupe vRS to Sport mode, and you’ll enjoy a bit more freedom. The rear Motors provide greater reserves of power, although you become aware of the stability control kicking in to keep things in check. Despite this, the driving experience remains brisk and enjoyable, without compromising day-to-day livability.
A Perfect Fit for the vRS Family
The Enyaq Coupe vRS seamlessly fits into the vRS family, offering a tempting choice for many buyers. It provides a great alternative to the pricier Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, with little compromise in terms of performance and practicality. However, if you’re after even more speed, the Kia EV6 is a worthy contender in the same price range.
The Return of the Enyaq Coupe
After a hiatus of nearly 40 years, Skoda brings back the rakish roofline with the Enyaq Coupe. Departing from their sensible line of saloons, hatchbacks, and estates, Skoda has created a more stylish option for electric car enthusiasts. The Enyaq Coupe vRS marks a significant milestone as the first electric model to bear the vRS badge, following Skoda’s previous venture with the plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS.
A Favorite Among Electric Cars
The new Skoda Enyaq Coupe is quickly becoming a favorite among electric car enthusiasts. With its sleek design, impressive handling, and the addition of the vRS badge, it offers a unique and exciting option in the market. Although the UK market misses out on the smaller 62 kilowatt-hour battery entry-level model, the mid-range ATX four-wheel-drive SUV variant is available at a slightly higher price, making the new body style a worthwhile upgrade.
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS: A Stylish and Powerful Electric Car
Skoda has made an impressive move into the electric car market with their latest model, the Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS. With its sleek design and powerful performance, this car is sure to attract attention from potential buyers looking for an alternative to the Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
A Bold New Look
While the Enyaq Coupe vRS may come with a price tag above $50,000, its added style is definitely worth considering. The most noticeable change is the sharp and shapely C-pillar, which gives the car a distinctive look. This design element is shared with other Skoda models like the Octavia and Superb, and it adds a touch of elegance to the Enyaq Coupe vRS.
Not only does the new design enhance the car’s appearance, but it also improves its performance. Skoda engineers have found that the coupe’s sleek body actually improves the Enyaq’s impressive battery range by around 10 to 15 miles in real-world driving. The actual figures may not fully reflect this improvement, but those who choose the Enyaq Coupe vRS can expect better efficiency and range compared to the standard ATX model.
A Powerful and Sporty Ride
When it comes to performance, the Enyaq Coupe vRS delivers. It shares many similarities with the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, including an 82-kilowatt-hour battery, four-wheel drive, and 296 brake horsepower. This powertrain ensures that the Enyaq Coupe vRS is no slouch on the road.
In terms of upgrades, the vRS model features more aggressive bumpers, flashy alloy wheels, sports seats, and additional vRS badging. The interior trim is also upgraded, giving the Enyaq Coupe vRS a more premium feel. With an extra 40 brake horsepower compared to the standard Enyaq ATX, the vRS model offers a boost in performance. While it may not be as hot as some of the other four-wheel-drive electric cars on the market, it still offers a respectable 0-62 mph sprint time of 6.5 seconds, making it faster than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts like the 80 Coupe.
Overall, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS is an exciting electric car that combines style, performance, and efficiency. With its unique design and powerful drivetrain, it is a strong contender in the increasingly competitive electric car market.
The Driving Experience
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS, after getting behind the wheel, doesn’t provide any surprises. Having already driven the standard Enyaq 480 abroad and the vRS in the UK, a sense of deja vu is inescapable. While there is plenty to like about the Enyaq, if you’re seeking thrills and exhilaration, you may need to look elsewhere.
The Enyaq 480: Solid and Refined
The Enyaq 480 remains solid and well-tempered, just as its predecessors. If your priority is a calm and composed journey, this car fits the bill perfectly. The ride quality is generally smooth and well-damped, although rough surfaces can send sharp judders through the chassis, momentarily disrupting its balance. However, it impressively absorbs high-speed road and wind noise, leaving you with a feeling of a well-executed product.
Adequate Performance
Performance-wise, the Enyaq delivers a satisfactory rather than thrilling experience. It offers enough power to confidently overtake slow-moving traffic on single carriageway roads and merge onto motorways without stress. However, in today’s EV market, it doesn’t sit at the forefront of performance.
Accurate Handling with Limited Engagement
When it comes to handling, the Enyaq Coupe vRS demonstrates accuracy and few flaws. Despite its comfortable suspension, there’s surprisingly little body roll to complain about. Pushing it through a B road reveals its capability without offering a significant level of engagement or feedback. Furthermore, while it copes decently with cornering, its weight becomes noticeable when making quick direction changes. In summary, the Enyaq Coupe vRS is capable but lacks a true sense of excitement.
The Civilized vRS
Staying true to its vRS predecessors, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS retains its civilized nature. It manages to be just as refined and composed as its less sporty siblings.
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe 2023 vRS represents a dynamic leap forward in the world of electric vehicles. With its enticing combination of sleek design, impressive battery range, and performance-oriented vRS badge, this coupe is poised to take on the competition. As buyers seek distinctive electric vehicles, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS offers a thrilling and stylish alternative in an increasingly crowded market.
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS is a solid electric car option for those looking for a comfortable and refined driving experience. With its ample power and impressive acceleration, it handles well on the road and provides a stress-free journey. While it may not deliver the excitement and thrill-seeking of some competitors, it fulfills its purpose as a reliable and efficient electric vehicle in today’s EV market.
