Family electric cars are all the rage right now, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 selling out first allocations in a matter of hours.
With other models on the horizon such as the Toyota bZ4X, and potentially the Nissan Ariya and Ford Mustang Mach-E, the market for an emissions-free family SUV is about explode.
However, it could be Skoda’s Enyaq that cracks the mainstream, thanks to a mix of Volkswagen Group’s tech, a long list of equipment and – crucially – a lower starting price compared to the competition.
Skoda Australia is yet to confirm the Enyaq’s debut for the local market, but has told media in the past that a decision on the all-electric model will be made this year – if the business case stacks up.
Given the popularity of the aforementioned Ioniq 5 and EV6, it stands to reason that the Australian EV market is ready for more models like the Enyaq.
Supply could be an issue, as it is with Volkswagen’s mechanically related ID.4, which remains off the table for Australian until 2023 due to its popularity in more EV-mature overseas markets like Europe.
But if the Enyaq does arrive, how much will it cost?
Looking at the UK– another right-hand-drive market – gives us a few clues as to where the Enyaq could be positioned against its rivals.
Priced from £34,850, which converts to roughly to $A65,895, the Skoda Enyaq could undercut all its rivals and serve up the most affordable all-electric mid-size SUV in the country.
While international pricing very seldom mirrors that in Australia, it is interesting to note that the Enyaq is much more affordable than the Ioniq 5, EV6, bZ4X and Ariya overseas.
In the base Enyaq 60 trim, Skoda has fitted a 58kWh battery that is good for around 405km of emissions-free driving, which beats out the range on offer from many of its rival’s entry-level offerings.
With drive sent to the front wheels, the single electric motor also pumps out 132kW/310Nm, while standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, a 13.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, LED interior ambient lighting, an all-digital instrument cluster and advanced safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Stepping up to the Enyaq 80 increases pricing to £40,130 ($A73,113), but increases the battery capacity to 77kWh for a 529km driving range, while also adding silver exterior highlights, a heated steering wheel, drive-mode selector, and front and rear parking sensors.
Outputs jump to 150kW/310Nm for the 80 grade.
At the top end of the Enyaq tree is the 80 Sportline and 80X Sportline, the former equipped with 20-inch wheels, LED matrix headlights, a leather and Alcantara interior, and full bodykit.
Though both Sportline grades are fitted with a 77kWh battery, the 80 boasts 150kW/310Nm, while the 80X ups the antre to 195kW/425Nm and is equipped with all-wheel-drive traction.
Pricing for the 80 is £43,015 ($A78369), while the 80X is £46,370 ($A84,481).
While overseas markets also have access to the Enyaq Coupe and a flagship RS grade, the stylish electric SUV remains off the radar for Australia – at least for now.
But the biggest hurdle in getting the Enyaq to Australia might be limited supply, as the semi-conductor shortage continues to play havoc with production schedules, with most stock in Ireland, for example, sold out until 2023.
Keyword: Skoda's Enyaq is on the cards for Australia, but how much would you pay for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 rival?