Skoda Elroq EV :In a significant move that signals Skoda’s growing commitment to electrification in the Australian market, the Czech automaker has officially launched its second and most affordable electric vehicle to date – the Elroq compact SUV.
With a starting price of $54,990 before on-road costs, this European electric vehicle aims to disrupt the increasingly competitive EV marketplace by offering premium features, respectable range, and characteristic Skoda practicality at a price point that undercuts many rivals.
A Strategic Entry in Australia’s EV Market
Australia has secured a coveted position as one of the first global markets to receive the all-new Elroq, with deliveries expected to commence in September 2025. This fast-tracked arrival, facilitated by shared underpinnings with the larger Enyaq SUV, demonstrates Skoda’s strategic focus on the Australian market for its electric vehicle rollout.
The timing appears calculated to capitalize on the growing momentum of EV adoption in Australia, placing the Elroq in a sweet spot between premium European offerings and more affordable Chinese alternatives. With drive-away pricing confirmed at $59,990 for the entry-level 85 Select model, the Elroq positions itself as a compelling proposition for buyers considering their first electric vehicle purchase.
“With its forward-looking exterior styling, elegant and intuitive interior design, dynamic handling, quiet ride, effortless power delivery, reassuring real-world range and thoughtful spec inclusions, the new Elroq is everything compact SUV customers, ready to make the transition to EV ownership, have been asking us for,” explained Kieran Merrigan, Škoda Australia’s head of product and marketing.
Power, Performance and Practicality
Both Australian-bound variants of the Elroq will feature identical powertrains, with a rear-mounted 210kW electric motor drawing energy from an 82kWh (net) battery pack. This configuration delivers impressive performance metrics, with the compact SUV capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.6 seconds – placing it firmly in hot hatch territory.
The Elroq boasts a WLTP-certified combined driving range of 529 kilometers, with an even more impressive 661 kilometers possible in urban environments. These figures outpace several key competitors in the segment, including entry-level versions of the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, while the performance figures eclipse the Chinese alternatives.
Charging capabilities are equally robust, with the Elroq supporting DC fast charging at up to 175kW, positioning it among the faster-charging electric SUVs in its class. This capability ensures reasonable charging times during longer journeys, addressing one of the primary concerns for potential EV adopters.
Practicality remains a Skoda hallmark, and the Elroq continues this tradition with a generous 470-liter boot capacity that expands to 1,580 liters with the rear seats folded. While slightly smaller than its combustion-powered cousin, the Karoq, these dimensions still surpass several key rivals, including the BYD Atto 3.
Premium Features at an Accessible Price Point
The Australian Elroq lineup comprises two variants, with the base 85 Select model starting at $54,990 before on-road costs ($59,990 drive-away) and the limited 130 Years Edition commanding a $10,000 premium at $64,990 before on-road costs ($69,990 drive-away).
Even the entry-level model comes generously equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start with ‘Safelock’ and alarm, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless fast-charging smartphone tray with active ventilation.
The cabin experience is further enhanced with heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming side mirrors with heating and power-folding functions, a door-mounted umbrella (a charming Skoda trademark), and dual-zone climate control. A comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keeping assistance, emergency assist, rear traffic alert, and front collision avoidance technology.
Stepping up to the 130 Years Edition adds premium touches like massage seats, three-zone climate control, and augmented reality head-up display technology, creating a notably upscale experience that still undercuts many European competitors.
Modern Design Language with Distinctive Skoda Identity
The Elroq introduces Skoda’s latest ‘Modern Solid’ design language to the Australian market, most prominently displayed in the vehicle’s front fascia. The new ‘Tech-Deck’ face features a significantly thinner grille adorned with S-K-O-D-A lettering, creating a distinctive visual signature.
While embracing modern electric vehicle design elements like a gently sloping roofline and aerodynamic wheels that contribute to an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the Elroq maintains familiar Skoda styling cues. The rear, for instance, carries over design elements from the Karoq, including the characteristic C-shaped tail lights with dynamic indicators.
Inside, the cabin presents a welcoming environment that many reviewers suggest outclasses equivalent Volkswagen interiors. Four interior themes will be available globally, though Australian specifications may be more limited: Studio (basic black fabric), Loft (leatherette anthracite grey with Moss Green stitching), Lodge (grey TechnoFil with orange accents), and Sportline (featuring carbon-look trim and suede sports seats).
Technology integration is comprehensive, with a standard 13-inch infotainment touchscreen incorporating Skoda’s Laura voice assistant and ChatGPT functionality, complemented by a 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display.
Competitive Positioning in a Growing Segment
The Elroq enters an increasingly crowded electric SUV marketplace, but its pricing strategy places it in a potentially advantageous position. At $59,990 drive-away for the base model, it undercuts the Kia EV3 Earth Long Range ($62,690 drive-away), Volkswagen ID.4 Pro (approximately $65,400 drive-away), and Tesla Model Y RWD (approximately $64,300 drive-away).
While more expensive than the BYD Atto 3 Premium (approximately $47,500 drive-away) and Sealion 7 Premium (approximately $58,100 drive-away), the Elroq counters with superior performance figures, longer range, and the appeal of European design and engineering.
Skoda’s warranty coverage adds further value to the proposition, with the manufacturer offering a seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty on the vehicle, complemented by an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. The company is also introducing Skoda Choice finance options, with weekly payments starting from $171 for the base model on a five-year term.
Customer Support and Future Prospects
To enhance the ownership experience, particularly for first-time EV buyers, Skoda has developed comprehensive support systems. The Elroq comes standard with a Mode 3 (Type 2) charging cable, and the company has established partnerships with home charging installation providers.
An online configurator is now live on the Skoda Australia website, allowing prospective buyers to explore both Elroq variants ahead of the September 2025 delivery timeline. The company appears confident in the model’s prospects, emphasizing its potential as an ideal entry point for customers making their first transition to electric vehicle ownership.
While the initial Australian lineup focuses on the rear-wheel drive variants, international markets will eventually receive all-wheel drive options, including a high-performance RS (vRS in some markets) variant. This model promises up to 550km of range with two electric motors delivering a combined output of 250kW (340PS) and accelerating to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Whether these variants will eventually join the Australian lineup remains to be seen.
A Compelling New Entrant
The arrival of the Skoda Elroq represents a significant addition to Australia’s electric vehicle landscape, offering a compelling balance of European refinement, practical versatility, and competitive pricing. By positioning the Elroq between premium European alternatives and more affordable Asian options, Skoda has created an attractive proposition for buyers looking to make their first electric vehicle purchase.
With its impressive range capabilities, respectable performance credentials, and characteristic Skoda practicality, the Elroq appears well-positioned to capture the attention of customers who might previously have found the electric transition financially prohibitive or practically challenging. As deliveries commence later this year, the market response will determine whether Skoda’s strategy has successfully identified a sweet spot in Australia’s evolving electric vehicle marketplace.