Skoda’s upcoming Elroq electric SUV, launching this year, aims to offer an affordable yet well-equipped option in the competitive EV market. Priced from €33,300, it features three variants with varying power and battery sizes, catering to budget-conscious consumers. With leasing options starting at €259 per month, the Elroq provides a range of 372 to 577 km depending on the model. While its 52 kWh battery may not satisfy all range needs, its overall package positions it as a strong contender.
Skoda Elroq: A New Contender in the Electric SUV Market
As the electric SUV landscape continues to evolve, the Skoda Elroq is set to make its debut at the end of this year, bringing a breath of fresh air to the segment. While much of the spotlight has shone on models like the Renault R5 E-Tech, Skoda presents a compelling option that balances affordability with features, rather than aiming for groundbreaking innovation.
Pricing and Specifications
Starting at a competitive price of €33,300 before any government incentives, the Skoda Elroq offers a solid performance and feature set for its cost. Particularly enticing is the monthly rental rate of under €300, making it a viable choice for budget-conscious consumers. Although this price may appear steep compared to earlier rents of around €100 per month for models like the Citroën ë-C3 and Renault Twingo E-Tech, the current market has stabilized, making this offer more appealing.
The Elroq is available in three variants: the 50 (170 hp with a 52 kWh battery), the 60 (204 hp with a 58 kWh battery), and the 85 (285 hp with a 77 kWh battery). Future plans include an 85X variant featuring dual motors for enhanced performance. The range on a mixed WLTP cycle spans from 372 km to 577 km, depending on the chosen model, with charging times allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in just 25 to 28 minutes based on battery size.
The entry-level model, priced at €259 per month, is the 50 version with the 52 kWh battery, which offers a range of 372 km according to the WLTP standards. This model comes equipped with decent features, including 19-inch wheels and a standard color option of “Energy Blue.” However, opting for an alternative color like “Timiano Green” will add to your expenses.
To qualify for the €259 monthly rental, customers must commit to a long-term lease of 37 months while driving up to 10,000 kilometers annually, which totals 30,000 kilometers. The initial payment required is €7,759, which can be reduced to €3,759 after applying the €4,000 ecological bonus, provided the dealer agrees to front the subsidy. It’s worth noting that many dealers are hesitant to advance these bonuses due to delays in state reimbursements.
Skoda’s Elroq not only meets the criteria for the ecological bonus but will also offer a special bonus for those not eligible for the full amount on orders placed before December 31, 2024, and registered before March 31, 2025.
In summary, the total cost of leasing the Skoda Elroq at €259 monthly amounts to €12,565 over three years. While this represents approximately 37.7% of the car’s initial price, it is a competitive figure given the current depreciation rates in the market, which often exceed 40% for similar vehicles. However, it is essential to remember that this leasing option does not include a purchase option at the end of the term, necessitating the return of the vehicle.
Ultimately, while the Skoda Elroq presents an attractive package with a commendable price-to-equipment ratio, potential buyers should consider their range requirements carefully, as the 52 kWh battery may not meet the expectations of those seeking a minimum range of 400 km. Nevertheless, with its appealing features and reasonable pricing, the Skoda Elroq is poised to be a strong contender in the electric SUV market.