Skoda keen to bring its 6 new EVs to Australia, starting with compact Elroq

Following the recent unveiling of six full-size clay models of Skoda’s forthcoming electric line-up in Europe, Skoda Australia has revealed it plans to follow suit with several new EVs after the introduction of the Enyaq in mid-2024.

Showcasing the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language that will permeate the entire range “within three to four years” according to Skoda Australia brand director Michael Irmer, the six-strong EV line-up will constitute extensively restyled versions of the Enyaq wagon and coupe, as well ‘small’, ‘combi’, ‘compact’ and ‘space’ electric vehicles.

Starting in 2024, the first to launch in Europe will be the Karoq-sized ‘compact’ (whose current working-title nameplate is ‘Elroq’), followed by a three-row ‘space’ SUV that takes its inspiration from Skoda’s Vision 7S design concept and is intended to complement the new-gen Kodiaq as a slightly larger electric SUV alternative.

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… as Mr Irmer pointed out, the importance of the ‘compact’ centres around not only being a passenger-car alternative to an electric SUV…

Furthest away is the ‘combi’ – an Octavia-wagon-sized EV – which has had its European on-sale date confirmed for 2026, though as Mr Irmer pointed out, the importance of the ‘compact’ centres around not only being a passenger-car alternative to an electric SUV, but the fact that the aerodynamic advantages of this lower, sleeker vehicle beyond 80km/h allow it to expand its overall range, which will have the biggest impact in crucial markets such as Germany.

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Despite Australia’s obsession with SUVs, which make up the vast majority of our passenger-car volume, medium-sized wagons remain hugely important in Europe – hence the complementary positioning of Skoda’s ‘combi’ EV alongside the existing combustion-engined Octavia wagon, which will continue indefinitely in many markets.

Mr Irmer confirmed the first EV to debut Skoda’s full ‘Modern Solid’ look will be in the three-row space, though elements of this new design language will be progressively rolled out as each new-generation Skoda models is introduced.

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Regarding 2024’s Elroq ‘compact’ EV, Mr Irmer said “the design progress and product development has already advanced so much that the full application of this [new] design language is not yet possible.”

As for Australian on-sale for the ‘Elroq’ compact electric SUV, expect to see it by early 2025.

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