Skoda's zero hero: The 'green' Enyaq IV vRS is both sporty and cavernously roomy, says RAY MASSEY
- Skoda's Enyaq IV's coupe styling and bold front make it instantly attractive
- Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, it has twin electric motors
As the ultimate test of any 'green' car, a trip to the tip must be right up there. And that's where I took the new zero-emissions Skoda Enyaq IV vRS after packing old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes into its cavernous boot (570 litres seats up; 1,610 when down).
Its super-bright 'Hyper Green' shade made it an instant talking point with other recyclers in their upmarket models at the recycling centre; a fair few asked about my stand-out Skoda.
It's the first all-electric Skoda model to wear the rally-inspired vRS performance badge. Its coupe styling and bold front make it instantly attractive, though the paintwork may divide opinion.
Nifty and nimble: The Enyaq IV vRS is both sporty and cavernously roomy
I sat snug in high-backed sports-style seat. It has almost limousine levels of space and legroom for passengers in the back. It drives like a dream, too — comfortable, sporty, engaging, and nimble in equal measure.
Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, it has twin electric motors — one on each axle — totalling 82kWh and developing a hefty 299hp
Acceleration is feisty both in normal and particularly in sport mode, managing rest to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, though it felt faster from rest. Top speed is limited to 112 mph. Transmission is single-speed all-wheel drive.
Ray's bright-green all-electric Skoda Enyaq iV vRS stsnds out on the recycling run to the tip in leafy Surrey
Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, it has twin electric motors — one on each axle — totalling 82kWh and developing a hefty 299hp
It's well stocked with standard kit including a panoramic glass roof and a host of safety features
Acceleration is feisty both in normal and particularly in sport mode, managing rest to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds
There are five main drive mode options: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual and Traction
It's the first all-electric Skoda model to wear the rally-inspired vRS performance badge
Ray packed old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes into its cavernous boot (570 litres seats up; 1,610 when down)
There are five main drive mode options: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual and Traction. Official range is 323 miles which, in theory, will get you comfortably from London to Newcastle on one full charge.
It's well stocked with standard kit including a panoramic glass roof and a host of safety features, including one which spotted and warned me of a cyclist about to emerge from a side road.
Charging to 80 per cent takes 36 minutes on a a 150kW fast-charger or 13 hours to full charge on a standard 7.2kW home wallbox.
It's a great mile-muncher on motorways, but comes into its own on twisty country lanes where the level of grip, balance and nimbleness was a happy surprise. The tight turning circle-proved a boon at the dump too.
Extras on my car included: comfort seating (£540); 21-inch Vision anthracite metallic wheels (£620) instead of 20-inch as standard; enhanced infotainment package (£780); and Drive Sport Package Plus (£440).
The bad news is the base price rose recently by £1,000 to a hefty £54,370. My car, as driven, cost £57,750 — with extras.
There are a variety of packages, including Advanced, costing £2,335 which adds head-up display and other luxuries. It's certainly a long way from the budget Skodas of yore.
Genesis X Convertible revealed
If the government's latest economic forecasts hold, by the time we're over the worst of the recession and inflationary doom and gloom, the new Genesis X Convertible from the upmarket Korean car-maker should be on the market.
The new Genesis X Convertible from the upmarket Korean car-maker
The four-seater convertible features a folding hardtop roof. Genesis's design chief Luc Donckerwolke said: 'Electric powertrains have given us the perfect scenario in which to enjoy nature, which is something convertibles do better than any other vehicle.'
The firm said the Genesis X Convertible joins the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe to complete a trio of bold design studies that showcase the commitment to sustainable luxury
The firm said the Genesis X Convertible, revealed at the Los Angeles Motor Show, joins the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe to complete a trio of bold design studies that showcase the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
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