Skoda Enyaq coming to Australia, timing to be confirmed

Skoda is set to bring its Enyaq iV electric SUV to Australia – with its arrival being a case of “when” rather than “if”.

According to a representative of the Czech marque’s local arm, the model, which previously hasn’t been confirmed for our market, is on the cards and an announcement is likely to be made in the coming months.

Announcing the brand’s limited-time only offer of a seven-year warranty on new cars bought before December 31, a spokesperson said: “Electrification is firmly on the agenda. Next year we hope to announce timing for the introduction of the Enyaq, which has been resoundingly successful in Europe.”

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However, when asked by Wheels if that meant the Enyaq was definitely destined for our shores, they added: "The Enyaq has been discussed in the last week or so, and we are very confident that next year we will be able to say when it is coming.

“All the [Volkswagen Group] brands are working hard on EVs, but being a [right-hand-drive] market and at the end of the supply chain, we are struggling – but are determined to forge ahead.”

While official timing has yet to be confirmed, this is the strongest suggestion yet that the model will form part of Skoda’s local line-up in the relatively near future.

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Although it’s not yet known which variants could come here, in the UK it is offered in five guises – starting from the entry-level Enyaq 60 producing 132kW/310Nm and a maximum driving range of 507km for around $60,000 before on-road costs, and topping out with the Enyaq 80X Sportline capable of 150kW/310Nm, able to travel 684km and priced at $87,500 excluding ORC.

In June this year, the carmaker told Wheels the Enyaq was “not on our radar officially”.

"As you probably know, our problem is production, which currently prioritises markets with emissions targets and governments that aren’t hostile towards the technology,” a spokesperson said at the time.

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However, since then there has been a significant shift towards electrification brought about by the states and territories making big policy announcements, including those regarding taxes and incentives for purchasing electric vehicles.

Volkswagen Group Australia has been an avid supporter of the New South Wales Government’s EV policy, describing it as the “model to drive Australia out of the automotive third world” – a slight aimed at the Federal Government’s failure to introduce European-style emissions regulations.

Speaking at the time of NSW’s announcement, which was also in June, VGA boss Michael Bartsch said: “While the Federal Government has resolved to address Australia’s third world fuel quality, until it and the other state governments emulate the vision of NSW, our country will remain a dumping ground for technology that cannot be sold in advanced countries.”

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While the company has maintained in recent months and years that it cannot bring its most fuel-efficient engines to Australia for this reason, it seems the tide is beginning to turn, with a spokesperson stating in August, when South Australia revealed its own EV approach:

“The announcement of NSW’s progressive policy has enabled our Group to make representations to the factories for EV prioritisation.”

The Volkswagen ID.4 is expected to be the first of the carmaker's electric vehicles to reach Australia, but even that compelling family EV isn't expected to get here before 2023.