Škoda Enyaq iV 50

Overview

The 2023 Skoda Enyaq iV 50 was the gateway into Skoda's all-electric SUV lineup, offering a solid slice of practicality and sensible EV motoring, though it never officially graced US shores. As the entry-level variant, it focused on delivering core EV benefits in a family-friendly package. Think of it as a smart, no-nonsense choice within the competitive electric SUV space it occupied in Europe. With production ceasing in 2023, it's now a used-market find in its available regions; US pricing remains hypothetical as it wasn't sold here.

What's New for 2023?

For its final, short-lived 2023 model year run before discontinuation, the Enyaq iV 50 largely carried over its established package. Skoda had been rolling out software updates across the Enyaq family, potentially bringing some minor infotainment enhancements or efficiency tweaks to this base model. However, don't expect any headline-grabbing new features for this specific trim in its farewell year; it was more about steady refinement and fulfilling existing orders rather than a big revamp for the iV 50.

Design & Exterior

The Skoda Enyaq iV 50 sports a sharp, modern SUV look with Skoda's distinctive 'crystalline' design cues, though it’s a bit more understated than its pricier siblings. You get a bold grille (even if it's mostly closed off) and clean lines. Dimensions come in at a practical 183 inches long, 74 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 63.6 inches tall, making it a manageable size for city duties. The iV 50 trim typically featured simpler headlight tech and smaller alloy wheels, giving it a functional rather than flashy appeal on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Enyaq iV 50 offers a surprisingly spacious and well-thought-out cabin for five, typical of Skoda's practical approach. While materials might be less plush than top-tier trims, it's solidly built. You'll find a decent central touchscreen, likely around 10 inches, running Skoda's infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luggage space is a strong suit: a generous 20.7 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a van-like 60.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk though, so storage is all at the back.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Enyaq iV 50 isn't designed to be a rocket ship, but its 109 kW single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) provides adequate poke for daily driving. You get 162 lb-ft of instant torque going to the rear wheels (RWD), making it feel reasonably nippy off the line, with a 0-60 mph sprint taking a relaxed 10.9 seconds. The driving experience is geared towards comfort and ease, with light steering and a smooth ride. Regenerative braking helps to claw back some energy, though it’s more of a cruiser than a canyon carver.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the iV 50 is a 52 kWh (usable) battery pack, which Green Cars Compare estimates will deliver a real-world range of around 193 miles – decent for its class and battery size. Efficiency is rated at a solid 3.71 mi/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture supports up to 7.2 kW AC charging (standard on-board charger), meaning a full top-up at home would take roughly 7-8 hours. On the go, DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW. While European models use a CCS Type 2 port, a US version would likely feature a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the Enyaq iV 50 wasn't tested by the NHTSA due to not being sold in the US, it scored a top five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which is reassuring. Expect essential active safety kit as standard, like front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Nicer goodies such as adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring might have been part of optional packages or reserved for higher trims, keeping the iV 50's entry-level proposition sharp. Always best to check the specific car's loadout if you're eyeing one up.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Skoda Enyaq iV 50 were sold Stateside, you'd likely expect a basic vehicle warranty similar to its VW Group cousins, perhaps around 4 years/50,000 miles. Crucially, the high-voltage battery would probably be covered for a more robust 8 years/100,000 miles, including a guarantee against excessive degradation. Powertrain coverage often mirrors the battery term. Complimentary maintenance isn't a strong Skoda tradition, so that would have been a bonus. Skodas generally enjoy a reputation for decent reliability in markets where they are sold.