Marketed this summer, the Enyaq Coupé RS from Skoda is more to be seen as a family vehicle than as a sports model. We explain why.
The range of Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV will soon have 4 models: Propulsion 60 and 80 respectively equipped with a battery of 58 and 77 kWh of useful energy capacity, to which will be added the 80x and the RS (Rallye Sport) that we have just to try. These last 2 recover the superior lithium-ion pack and benefit from integral traction. Main difference: a sports package that adds dynamism to the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV.
Thus improved, and with a footprint of 4.65 x 1.88 m, the large RS electric SUV is close to the Volkswagen ID.4 (4.58 x 1.85 m) and ID.5 (4.60 x 1 .85 m) in their GTX presentation, but also the larger Tesla Model Y (4.75 x 1.92 m). All these vehicles differ from a similar height include between 1.60 and 1.62 m.
Same engine as Volkswagen’s ID.4 and ID.5 GTX
As standard, the Enyaq Coupé RS receives a panoramic glass roof, Matrix Full Led headlights, specific logos, more elaborate shields and 20-inch rims. The copy at our disposal, however, was based on optional 21-inch wheels fitted with Bridgestone tires. It sported a Crystal Face backlit grille.
To animate the machine, an architecture common to Volkswagen’s GTX, consisting of an induction motor at the front and another with permanent magnets in charge of the rear axle. The set has a combined power of 220 kW (300 hp) for 460 Nm of maximum torque. Compare to the 258 kW (351 hp) and 527 Nm of the long-range Tesla Model Y.
Little volume lost for the trunk
Another distinctive sign of the Coupé RS compared to the classic model: the specific plunging electric tailgate with a small integrated spoiler. This fifth door opens onto a trunk just amputated from 15 liters: 570 against 585 l.
Once the 2 parts of the bench seat have been folded down using the side handles, the volume would probably increase to around 1,700 l. The floor then revealed is almost flat. The fairly deep double bottom allows you to store little more than the charging cables.
Do not look at the front for additional storage space: just like on the Volkswagen GTX, there is none. Unlike the Tesla Model Y which offers up to 2,158 liters of usable capacity.
Passenger comfort
The coupe does not deprive passengers seated in the back of a generous space at their disposal. And this, both at the level of the legs and the head. A removable storage bin can free up space for a third occupant on the bench seat. Provided of course to retract the large central disadvantage which houses 2 cup holders.
Those seated in the seats will individually benefit from a sun visor, a grab handle, air conditioning and a heated seat.
Facing the driver, the presentation of the dashboard is similar to that which equips the classic Skoda Enyaq. Upholstered materials are ubiquitous on board, including on the top of the door panels and the shock absorbers. ” It’s better finished than a Volkswagen GTX », Appreciates Maxime Fontanier.
The Coupé RS is characterized by carbon-style inserts and specific upholstery with topstitching. Up front, the seats are well enveloping. However, they appear a little firm in use, both at the level of the seats and the backrests.
The driver’s point of view
In addition to having an inductive charger for smartphones and a USB-C socket, the occupants in the front are surrounded by numerous storage spaces, including a relatively deep glove box.
In the middle of the dashboard, a 13-inch touchscreen tablet compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is perfectly adapted to the display of the multimedia system. However, it inherits operating bugs from the software suite that Volkswagen is really struggling to make reliable despite regular remote updates.
Behind the steering wheel, a 5.3-inch screen easily reads essential driving information, such as current speed, energy level, remaining estimated range, GPS reminder and driving assistance devices. conduct.
First spins
The grip shows a Skoda Enyaq Coupé RS soft at the level of the suspensions, and the direction endowed with a turning circle of 11.6 m. Identical to that of Volkswagen’s ID.4 and ID.5 GTX, the latter is better than the 12.1 m displayed by the Model Y but more imposing.
The engine of the Czech brand, on the other hand, is better designed to regulate the power of the regenerative deceleration. In addition to mode B (Brake), it relies on a set of paddles behind the steering wheel. At low speeds and on rough roads, passengers will appreciate the work of the suspension. Perhaps a little less the noises that it brings back on board, in particular because of the large rims which equip the model at our disposal.
Note that the latter benefits from DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) controlled suspensions which make the chassis more flexible compared to the original Sport configuration. ” It’s much more comfortable than a Tesla Model Y or a Kia EV6 “, compares our tester.
Winding roads
The 2,255 kg of the Skoda Enyaq Coupé RS, almost 300 kg more than a Tesla Model Y, are felt in the turns. The machine is very flexible on its supports, even in Sport driving mode. The brakes don’t really invite the most dynamic driving either.
” It’s soft at the start of the race, we feel that it’s heavy at the front axle, with a tendency to understeer “, believes Maxime Fontanier. However, he positively moderates his assessment: “ We are not too tossed about, the suspension filters shocks well and the car does not roll too much “. Which ultimately makes this electric SUV very suitable for family use.
On the highway
If you could really shake the Enyaq Coupé RS, you could better shoot down the 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. A performance down compared to the Tesla Model Y (5.1 s for Long Autonomy, and 3.7 s with Performance) or the Kia EV6 4-wheel drive (5.2 s). Even the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX does a little better with 6.2 s.
Is this really a problem for the customers targeted by this car, which wants to be a little more cocooning than the others? Entering a motorway will be done without problems anyway, including in Germany. Moreover, for the latter, know that the top speed of the RS version has been increased to 180 km/h, against 160 km/h for the 60, 80 and 80x.
With the laminated glazing that the model tested had, the car is very quiet, even at high speeds. Active cruise control with distance from the vehicle in front, blind spot sensors and other driver assistance systems as standard on this top-of-the-range model change the course on fast lanes.
Consumption, autonomy
The WLTP combined cycle range of the RS version is reduced to 478 km, compared to 545 for the 80 model with rear-wheel drive. Over a distance of almost 500 km, we obtained an average consumption of 22.2 kWh. That is a little less than 350 km of action radius.
On the highway, it is better to expect to be able to travel only about 300 km with favorable weather conditions. In urban areas, the 400 km will be accessible with a smooth ride.
The heat pump is offered as an option at 1,200 euros. However, the expense is only worthwhile for those who reside in areas where temperatures are regularly below zero. In this case, it provides significant help to prevent autonomy from falling too much in winter.
Reload
Anyway, 300 kilometers for traveling with the family on the highway is satisfactory. The stop which is essential every 2 hours, according to a well-known refrain, will make it possible to regenerate the batteries, with a power which could on paper climb up to 135 kW.
It probably seems little compared to the competition, but let’s not forget that the values that present the 200 kW are not very well known. And even sometimes very rarely, if ever, as we regularly confirm to our readers.
An 11 kW charger fitted as standard will make it possible to take reasonable advantage of the 22 kW AC terminals which are flourishing on the roads.
Prices
The prices of the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV RS were not precisely known during the test or at the time of writing this article. As Maxime Fontanier points out, ” they had to oscillate between 57,000 and 60,000 euros “.
For comparison, the Model Y is offered today from 62,990 euros on the Tesla site (3,000 euros more than at the start of the week). The American SUV, however, is more spacious, offers better performance and greater autonomy. However, it is less comfortable than the Czech brand’s car, and does not benefit from such a developed network of dealers.
The initial date of marketing may well be reported from June to September because of the crisis in semiconductors.