What's the difference?
No brand courted controversy more than Ford when it stuck the legendary Mustang badge on an electric mid-size SUV.
Now finally here in Australia after a significant wait, the Mach-E is the Blue Oval’s first step into fully electric territory.
The question we’re answering for this launch review is whether it’s too little too late. Now the Mach-E’s primary rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y are established players in Australia, is the Mach-E yesterday’s news, or is it something different in the EV space? Something worthy of the Mustang badge?
Let’s find out.
Something important has shifted.
This is the Skoda Enyaq facelift. Yes, it’s been barely a year since the original finally launched in Australia, after endless delays, in September 2024. And they’ve already gone and changed it.
Yet there’s more going on here than merely updating an ageing mid-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV), because Volkswagen’s Czechian brand is rediscovering its roots. The era of the $40K supermini seems to be passing.
And that’s terrific news for buyers and likely terrifying news for rivals like the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y.
Welcome, then, to the 2026 Enyaq Series II. Does sharper pricing stand for ‘Extra Value’ in this family-focused EV? Let’s find out.
The Mustang Mach-E is fantastic to drive and very competitive on the range and equipment front, allowing it to outpace some of its well established rivals in Australia.
In fact, it's almost a shame about the Mustang name, because it will distract from what is, at its core, a compelling first step for Ford into the fully electric space.
So, don’t expect a ‘Mustang’, at least not in the traditional sense. But this is certainly something. A new future for a new Ford.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Enyaq facelift is a big deal, and hopefully the start of a fresh era for Skoda, marking a long-overdue return to brand values. Its first Toyota RAV4-sized family EV SUV nails it for value, functionality, comfort, ease, driving enjoyment, efficiency and even the overall ownership experience.
We have yet to drive the base 60 Select with that headline low price so cannot make a definitive call, but the more-expensive 85 Sportline proves Skoda is taking the family EV very, very seriously. Consumers considering a BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 or Tesla Model Y would do themselves a disservice to not check out the Enyaq first. The most convincing Skoda in years.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Mach-E looks good, but nothing like the designs you have come to expect from Ford.
Sure, there are plenty of notes, references and hints, to its Mustang namesake, some more hidden than others, but fans will have to accept this is a new interpretation of the badge for a new era, and at the end of the day, it’s an electric mid-size SUV.
The overall visage is a little more sleek than your average RAV4, though, with a long wheelbase, coupe-like rear, and a curvy shape which no doubt helps it cut through the air as efficiently as its shape will allow.
Mustang hints are found, obviously, in the big pony badge on the front, but also the frowny-face headlight profile, and iconic three-bar pattern for the rear lights, too.
There are even hidden things, like pony imprints on the underbody protection, and ‘electric ponies live here’ branded onto the motor unit, where few buyers will likely ever see it. In a move which should keep all Mach-E owners happy, every grade looks great, each having its own character.
The base car looks all aero with its wheel covers and more humble plastic cladding pieces, while the Select adds contrast piano black bits and more traditional alloy wheels.
The GT goes harder still with a 3D-effect grille and much more Mustang-like 20-inch wheels.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when it came to the Mach-E’s interior, but it looks a bit more ordinary in pictures than it does when you’re in the car.
What appears from a distance to be a hodgepodge of bits from Ford America and Ford Europe with the same dull grayscale theme is more nuanced and textured once you’re in the driver’s seat.
I especially like the tiered dash with the speaker-bar look for the Bang & Olufsen system which integrates across the front, and the 15.5-inch screen which looks like it will dominate the space is actually at a perfect distance from the driver.
An appreciated amount of soft-touch surfaces and synthetic leather finishes round out the space. There is even a grade-specific textured detail piece running across the dash. Nice touch.
It’s also a lot to take in, but somehow it works. One thing is for sure though, it’s not traditional ‘Mustang’. This has jumped from the big, brash, old-world (and often maligned for quality issues) interior, to something cleaner, more open and futuristic.
Fun fact. The Czech-built Enyaq’s handsome nose treatment was inspired by the Mandalorian helmet in the Star Wars universe. It’s a massive improvement over the old Kodiaq-esque proboscis that the previous version wore, almost as a mask of apology for being an EV.
Along with the addition of a more-traditional SUV bodystyle that seems to really suit the restyled front, key changes include improved airflow for some pretty impressive efficiency-enhancing aerodynamics (now down slightly to 0.225 Cd and 0.24 Cd for the Coupe and SUV, respectively), varying LED lighting elements according to grade, redesigned wheels, new colours and the abolition of the old Skoda logo for lettering.
Compared to the pre-facelift version, the new Coupe is 5.0mm longer at 4658mm, the same width at 1879mm, 2.0mm higher at 1623mm and 1.0mm-longer in wheelbase at 2766mm. Except for being 1.0mm shorter, surprisingly, these are also the same dimensions for the latest SUV shape.
The Enyaq’s cabin has been subtly revised as well, with a larger touchscreen boasting physical buttons and updated software for improved functionality, though the basics – which have always been sound – remain.
Being a more practical and family-orientated model, the SUV seems more consistent with Skoda's no-nonsense brand values, putting function over form. If you want form over function, go for the (albeit still practical) Enyaq Coupe.
This is especially true when it comes to the usability of the cabin. I was surprised to be greeted by a high seating position, a wide cabin, and an abundance of storage with plenty of neat features.
For a start, the centre console is a nice piece of design. It features a floating bridge section with a wireless charging bay, rubberised storage tray, dual bottle holders with variable edges, and a floating armrest piece with a large console box below.
In front, and below the wireless chargers, there’s a big cutaway for additional storage, and a decent sized glove box on the passenger side.
The all-dominating touchscreen, as mentioned, is at a nice distance from the driver, isn’t as obstructive as it looks and unlike the Tesla Model Y or Model 3, the Mach-E scores a little digital instrument panel to provide the driver with conveniently-located core information.
I only have two gripes about these systems. Unfortunately, you have to adjust the climate functions through the touchscreen.
There’s a nice central volume dial, but it would be nice to have physical adjustment dials for temperature and fan speed, too.
As it is, the touch areas are quite small, and require a bit of concentration to jab at.
The instrument panel has a nice clean design, but isn’t customisable, the limited information it shows is all you get. Better than not having one, I suppose.
The rear seat is also excellent, offering me, at 182cm tall, plenty of airspace for my knees, and sufficient width for my arms. Headroom is its most limited dimension, although I fit without my head touching the roof.
The seats are brilliant, clad in a decent synthetic leather material and padded with an excellent amount of foam material for a comfortable ride no matter where you’re seated. The centre seat even seems usable for adults, thanks to the Mach-E’s flat floor.
Rear passengers are treated to bottle holders in the doors, two more in the centre drop-down armrest, USB ports on the back of the centre console, pockets on the backs of the front seats, and a pair of adjustable air vents.
Annoyingly, the huge panoramic sunroof doesn’t have a retractable shade, nor is there a flexible shade accessory on the options list.
Sure, it looks great, but it could be a nuisance, baking the interior during hot Australian summers.
For some reason this particular trait is common in more and more EVs with the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 2 sharing the same issue.
Boot space is 402 litres (VDA) which is not particularly large for a mid-size SUV. I would expect 450 litres or more in this category, but the Mach-E is compromised a little by its aggressively-shaped rear.
It also doesn’t get a spare wheel of any kind, making do with a repair kit under the floor.
Ford also throws in a Type 2 to Type 2 public AC charging cable, but if you plan on charging from a wall socket at home you’ll have to delve into the accessories list.
One of my favourite Mach-E features is the 134 litre frunk. I’ve said before I don’t think this particular EV fad is super useful.
It’s often an inconvenience to have to pop the front from the inside, and I’ve found in my long-term loans of EVs I rarely use them, but the Mach-E’s frunk is special because it’s watertight and drainable.
This opens up some neat opportunities, like the ability to throw dirty hiking, diving, or work equipment in there and hosing it out later, or even filling it up with ice and chucking a case of drinks of your choice in there for an old-fashioned American block party. It even has integrated cupholders for this express purpose.
Either Enyaq body style majors on practicality. Large doors open wide, high seating points allow for easy entry/egress, and – once sat – there is an abundance of interior space. Like, heaps.
Where the SUV beats the Coupe is in extra glass area, since the higher – or more formal – roofline allows for bigger windows that in turn improve vision out. And more cargo capacity of course.
Only two 85 Sportline models were available for us to review at the launch, so we cannot tell you about the feel and finish in the new base 60 Select grade. But in Sportline, the ambience bristles with upmarket aspiration, thanks to synthetic leather/suede trim, high-quality plastics and nice contrasting materials. Showy but not overdone.
No complaints about the driving position either, due to a pleasing amount of seat adjustment. Those sporty buckets, by the way, are superb (pun intended) providing ample comfort and support. They look cool, too.
The VW Group has obviously listened to criticism over the glitchy electronic multimedia interface in the earlier MEB vehicles, because the 2026 Enyaq’s 13-inch touchscreen is blissfully easy and drama-free. It may not have the crisp modernity of the vast all-in-one displays found in most Chinese alternatives, but for functionality, it gets the job done.
Key points to keep in mind are that all the major vehicle controls, from climate and audio to phone and car settings, are accessed via buttons or toggles either permanently on the screen or as actual hard switches below the vents.
As such, the display is responsive, feels slick to the touch and looks the business, and doesn’t even attempt to distract you to the degree of many others. Even the volume slider is effective. Possibly the best ever experienced.
Even in driving rain and ensconced in thick fog, the ventilation system made light work of clearing the screen and maintaining the desired temperature. You gotta love German cars for that. Myriad storage options include a hungry glove box, handy centre console with ratcheting armrest for extra comfort and even flocked door bins for bottles and other bits and bobs. And let’s not even mention the umbrella storage within. Skoda’s most enduring calling card, surely.
Result? There aren't shortcuts inside today’s Enyaq, making this one of the most thoughtfully presented EVs, period.
Likewise, the rear seat. Large in structure and equally-friendly in nature, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re sat in an Audi, such is the look and feel in the 85 Sportline. Surely to the annoyance of Q4 e-tron owners. We imagine the 60 Select would seem more like a grey flannel suit, texturally speaking. Which has its own aesthetic appeal for some.
The wide (fixed) bench should fit three across in comfort, vision out is enhanced by narrow front seats to lessen the sense of confinement, and all the little helpful things are present and ready to serve. Vents for faces. Temperature controls. USB outlets for devices. An armrest for elbows. Two types of cupholders – as over-engineered in said armrest as the one within a removable caddy on the floor feels flimsy. Door storage for days. Slots for phones. Sleeves for maps. Lighting for reading. Handles for scaredy cats. And hooks for coats. Skoda puts the metaphorical yak in Enyaq.
Finally, in the business end out back is a massive load area, defined by a high-opening (and powered, remember) tailgate, low ‘n flat floor and typically sensible additions like standard charging cables, remote seat-back folding, shopping hooks, underfloor storage and extra lighting. Capacity is 585 litres in the SUV, up from 570L in the Coupe, while extending the luggage area by dropping those 60/40 seatbacks boost volumes to 1710L and 1610L respectively. Great for sleeping in. Braked trailer towing capacity is 1000kg.
About the only real black mark is the lack of a spare wheel, which could turn a trip away into a nightmare. Instead, the poor Enyaq owner and their family must rely on a tyre inflation kit, which is useless if the wheel has been gashed and is expensive to replace. Destroys the tyre even if it’s just a fixable puncture. Not good enough.
Otherwise, you’ll struggle to find a more-complete, family-focused medium SUV EV. Singles should get a kick out of it too.
Price is key to any new electric car, and the Mach-E doesn’t do anything unexpected. It’s not here to be a new, more affordable mid-sized electric option in Australia, instead leaning on its performance credentials to slice out its own niche amongst its competitors.
Three Mach-E grades arrive in Australia with prices ranging from $79,990 for the most affordable rear-wheel drive Select version, stepping up to $91,665 for the also rear-drive Premium and stretching to $107,665 for the all-wheel drive GT.
Before you start adding on-road costs or state-based discounts then, the Mach-E competes with mid-grade or higher-end versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y - and maybe the more sedan-like Polestar 2.
Range is, of course, key to the price equation for any EV, and this is where the main differences lie between the variants, which are remarkably similar when it comes to standard equipment. The base Select gets a smaller, more affordable 71kWh battery pack. It grants the entry-point car a driving range of 470km on a single charge. Not bad at all.
Next up, the Premium grade remains rear-wheel drive, but swaps up to a larger 91kWh battery unit, delivering one of the longest ranges of any EV on the Australian market, at 600km.
Finally, the top-spec GT moves to all-wheel drive, almost doubling its power outputs, but maintains the same 91kWh battery, for a reduced but still respectable range of 490km between charges.
Standard equipment is impressive, too. Even the base Select scores items usually reserved for high-spec cars, like synthetic leather interior trim with heated and power adjust front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker premium audio system.
Other standard equipment includes the impressive 15.5-inch portrait-oriented multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a matching wireless phone charging bay, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels (with aero panels), a 360-degree parking camera, LED headlights, and the full safety suite.
The Premium grade scores higher-spec LED headlights, contrasting piano black exterior trim, black headliner and red stitching for the interior, as well as metal scuff plates and pedal trims.
The top-spec GT has the most noticeable bump in equipment, with the addition of adaptive suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, a Brembo brake package, GT styling touches inside and out, ambient interior lighting, and sporty front seats with additional bolstering.
The issue the Mach-E faces, then, is not range or standard equipment. It is simply not offered in a form which is as competitive with price-leading versions of its core rivals.
Of course, most anticipated vehicles like this are picked up primarily in high-grade forms to begin with, Ford telling us nearly 40 per cent of pre-orders have been for the GT, but it’s notable there’s no circa-$70,000 entry-point variant as there is for the EV6, Ioniq 5, and Model Y.
Years ago, an international Skoda boss revealed to us that their brand offered, roughly speaking, 10 per cent more VW for 10 per cent less money and 10 per cent less technology.
So, a decade ago, a base Octavia cost less than the smaller Golf that it was derived from, but cruise control wasn’t standard (or operated via a stalk rather than the VW’s steering-wheel buttons) while the rear suspension featured simpler torsion beams rather than a costlier multi-link set-up.
Skoda was all about being cheaper to build. But things became muddy when both brands started chasing premium buyers, closing the price gap. For these and other reasons, Skoda sales are down. China’s emergence and bullish brands like Kia have also taken their toll.
Which, now, is why the decision has been made to fight back by harking back to previous values, starting with the facelifted Enyaq for 2026, introducing the SUV wagon version hitherto unavailable in Australia.
A new, lower-specification 60 Select version debuts and it starts from a sensational $50,990 (all prices are before-on-road costs). This compares to the old Enyaq Coupe’s $69,990 opener. This is a night-and-day difference.
That’s right. An electric mid-sized SUV from Europe, for not much more than the Chinese Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10 EV SUVs, and less than the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y that are also from China at the time of publishing.
In fact, the Skoda’s about on a-par with mid-spec hybrids like a Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson HEVs.
Okay, do keep in mind that the 60 Select grade has a bit less power, at 150kW, and a smaller, 63kWh battery offering 410km of range, compared to the new, $59,990 85 Sportline’s 210kW, 82kWh battery and 547km range.
But, it’s still more than enough performance and battery for most buyers on a budget and is consistent with the EV best-sellers in this class. Crucially, the 60 puts a brand-appropriate distance between the Enyaq and the very-closely-related VW ID.4 Pro 82kWh (also from $59,990), as well as its Cupra Tavascan Endurance 82kWh (from $60,990) and Audi Q4 45 e-tron 82kWh (from $84,900) cousins.
And, being native EVs based on the VW Group’s widespread 'MEB' 400V architecture (like the ID.4, Tavascan and Q4), both the Enyaq 60 and 85 are rear-wheel drive, with a motor mounted out back. A bit like the old Skodas of the Cold War era…
Speaking of Socialist things, please note that some of the Chinese brands do include more kit for less cash, like a glass ceiling, synthetic leather upholstery and powered front seats.
But, for a base Enyaq, the 60 Select isn’t exactly barren, with keyless entry/start, adaptive cruise control, a 13-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless charger, digital radio, heated front seats (with adjustable lumbar support), front and rear climate control, front/rear parking sensors, a gesture-operated powered tailgate, an umbrella in one of the doors, charging cables, luggage nets, a removable storage caddy, 19-inch alloy wheels and a seven-year warranty. But no spare wheel, sadly, just a tyre repair kit.
Also fitted are the seven airbags and full ADAS advanced driver-assist systems, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-support tech and rear cross-traffic alert. And you can find out more on those in the safety section further down.
The racier-looking 85 Sportline adds more muscle and range, as well as matrix LED headlights, leather and synthetic-suede trim, powered, heated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, regenerative-braking paddles on the steering wheel, 20-inch wheels and more.
Plus, luxuries like a surround-view camera, a head-up display, premium audio, adaptive dampers and 21-inch alloys are bundled up in the 'Ultimate Pack' as a $5000 option. That, and a fixed glass roof, are standard in the flagship Enyaq Coupe 85 Sportline, while a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade costs $2000 extra in the SUV versions.
Three distinct Enyaq models for now, then, with a high-performance RS with twin motors and AWD returning sometime in 2026.
These make the Skoda excellent value, particularly considering its size and packaging.
The Mach-E might not look like a traditional Mustang, but don’t be fooled, it’s no ordinary mid-size SUV on the performance front.
Even in its most basic trim level, the Mach-E puts out 198kW/430Nm, and yes, it’s rear-wheel drive.
The mid-grade version boosts power even further to 216kW/430Nm, while the top-spec GT nearly doubles outputs to 358kW/860Nm thanks to its dual-motor, all-wheel drive system.
Sprint times are a hot-hatch baiting 6.6 seconds for the base Select, 6.2 seconds for the Premium and an impressive 3.7 seconds for the GT.
The GT scores other enhancements, too, like the 'MagneRide' suspension also seen in the internal-combustion Mustang, and upgraded software unlocking the sportiest ‘Untame Plus’ drive mode which Ford says is ‘for track use only’ (and it is, because it basically turns traction control down to a minimum).
Note there is no under-bonnet storage in this EV. Or even a motor in the rear-drive 60 and 85 grades. You’ll find that by the rear axle, instead.
It is a permanently excited synchronous unit, driving the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.
In the 60 Select, it makes 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque, to propel the base Enyaq from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds, on the way to a 160km/h top speed.
Meanwhile, the 85 Sportline lives up to its name with a 210kW/545Nm upgrade, slashing the 0-100km/h time to 6.7s whilst increasing top speed to 180km/h.
As mentioned, the three Mach-E variants have distinctly different range offerings. The base Select travels a respectable 470km between charges, the mid-grade Premium covers 600km (one of the longest ranges on offer from any EV currently in the Australian market) and the top-spec GT travels 490km between charges.
Interestingly, the base car is offered with the more affordable LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) battery chemistry for its 71kWh unit which uses less rare materials, sourced from China’s CATL, while the larger 91kWh batteries are sourced from Korea’s LG Chem using the higher output but more expensive NMC (nickel-manganese cobalt) chemistry.
On the efficiency front the Mach-E isn’t bad considering its performance, and size. The base Select is rated at 17.8kWh/100km on the combined cycle, while the number is lower for the Premium at 17.3kWh/100km, but hops up to a less-than-impressive 21.2kWh/100km for the all-wheel drive GT.
For reference, these official consumption figures are about on-par with the Ioniq 5 and a little lower than the EV6. It will be interesting to test this car’s range and efficiency figures at a later date, on a longer test.
How efficient are these newly-more-aerodynamic Skoda EV SUVs?
The Australian official combined energy consumption average is 15.9kWh/100km for the 85 Sportline SUV and 15.5 for the Coupe version, with the latter’s swoopier lines contributing to the lower figure.
That also translates to better WLTP range at 561km versus 547km in the 85 Sportline SUV.
No local consumption numbers are yet available for the 60 Select, but in Europe it averages 15.1kWh/100km; the WLTP range is 410km.
AC charging is 11kW and DC charging is 165kW in the 60 Select and 135kW in the others. The lower figure reflects better thermal management whilst still achieving the same result.
Charging from empty to full at home using a normal plug could take up to 40 hours, or nearly 13hr with an optional 7.0kW wallbox, while using a common 50kW DC fast charger on the go to get a top-up to 80 per cent takes about 80 minutes.
One of the benefits of the smaller-battery Enyaq 60 is that those charging times can be cut by about 20 per cent.
So much for the theory. Out in the real world, we managed to consume around 16.1 kilowatt hours per 100km in the standard Sportline, and 16.5kWh/100km in the Ultimate version with the larger 21-inch wheel and tyre package.
That's still pretty efficient.
Let’s make one thing clear. The Mach-E does not drive like a Mustang. A Mustang, of course, being characterized primarily by its brash V8 roar, gratuitous cabin and grand touring dynamics.
No, the Mach-E immediately reminds me of a Ford Europe SUV. Sounds like an insult doesn’t it? But it isn’t.
The Escape and Puma are remarkably sharp to drive, and I consider them deeply underrated options in the SUV space, and more suited to drivers than they first appear.
The Mach-E takes the best elements of these two and dials it up to 11, adding the smoothness of an electric powertrain and inherent rear-wheel drive performance characteristics as it does.
While it saddles you with a tall SUV-like seating position, it’s no simple SUV once you get it on a few curves, the urgent performance from the rear-mounted motor, even in the base car, is excellent, feeling as though it punches above many of its rivals, while the sharp, accurate steering makes it feel surprisingly agile and responsive considering its dimensions and weight.
The regenerative braking is well-calibrated, too, offered in either a one-pedal or more moderate tune, but perhaps the most surprising aspect of this car is its well balanced ride.
Reviews from my colleagues overseas pointed to an overly hard ride, which I was expecting, but I was greeted with a car that deals with bumps, undulations, and corrugations with a remarkable amount of poise.
Ford says what it calls the “Irish tune” was selected as it offered the best ride for our roads, and it seems the Blue Oval engineers weren’t wrong.
It’s a firmer ride than the boaty Hyundai Ioniq 5, but not as firmly sprung as the Polestar 2 or Tesla Model Y.
In other words, it’s firm enough to make it fun to drive, but not hard enough to ruin it in your day-to-day commute.
It was also interesting to find the MangeRide adaptive suspension in the GT grade didn’t make as big a difference as expected, firming things up a little on some surfaces, but offering a slight edge to the amount of chassis control on offer as a result.
The three drive modes also make a significant difference to the experience. The ‘Whisper’ mode dials back accelerator response and artificial noise, serving as a kind of ‘eco’ setting which is said to also be more suited to low-traction scenarios, where the instant torque of the electric motors can easily spin the wheels.
The standard mode is far more balanced, while the 'Untame' mode makes the motors respond in haste, and dials up the artificial rumbling noise, but not to an unpleasant level.
The fourth, ‘Untame Plus’ mode, only available on the top-spec GT, allows the car to, for example, break into a drift when grip is low enough by dialling back the traction control.
It’s designed to allow a little more play and maximise acceleration response for track use. Still, it doesn’t feel as tail-happy as its namesake combustion coupe.
While it appears to be yet another mid-size electric EV, then, there’s something a little more on offer here, and something which sets itself apart from the electric pack by being fun to drive in a way something like a Tesla Model Y isn’t.
The best part is, these unusually engaging dynamics extend beyond the top-spec GT, all the way to the base Select.
The only thing is, it’s still very tidy. It’s organised, the traction control is clever, the chassis is sharp, the steering is brilliant and the electric motors are… inorganic.
In some ways, this car is too good to be a Mustang, certainly missing some of the edge-of-your seat chaos a V8 rear-driven coupe can bring.
So, long as you understand this, there’s a very compelling sporty electric SUV to be found here.
Sadly, no Enyaq 60 Select was available at the launch event – understandable given it won’t arrive at Skoda dealers until November.
But we were in for a treat anyway, because, on the strength of the 85 Sportline, the Enyaq shines, emphatically, solving a riddle as to why European reviewers have been so partial to this model since it debuted in late 2020. And the Series II facelift we have here only serves to heighten the experience.
This is a rapid EV off the line, as the 6.7-second 0-to-100km/h figure attests to. Out on Australian real-world roads, it feels even stronger than that, with urgent acceleration and instant throttle response. And all while being really very smooth, premium-luxury smooth. We’ve driven the Q4 e-tron and Cupra Tavascan with the same powertrain and we’d struggle to tell them apart from behind the wheel.
And so on to the steering, handling and roadholding.
The Enyaq behind the wheel feels light but planted, with just enough feel and interaction for the driver to feel involved and connected. Armed with a trick variable-ratio steering rack, the way the 85 Sportline tips into corners so fluidly, even at higher speeds, reveals a reassuring level of body control. And this isn’t even the RS AWD performance version.
We had reservations about this grade’s standard 20-inch wheel and tyre set-up, with passive suspension, but we need not have worried… as much.
Over quite bad roads in NSW's Hunter Valley, the Skoda dealt with larger bumps well, if also always firmly. Rarely was the ride jarring, but occasional jolts were felt over smaller-frequency stuff. We feel this would be more of an issue in the inner-urban big-city streetscapes, but were not able to assess that at this time.
In contrast, the 21-inch Ultimate version, with adaptive dampers, smothered over much of what the bitumen threw up at us, soaking up the surface in similar fashion to most luxury SUVs fitted with active suspension tech. There’s still an underlying stiffness there, but you’d never call it uncomfortable.
There's a bit too much road noise coming through, though, making that the Enyaq’s biggest dynamic complaint, regardless of specification. Again, the (Pirelli-shod) 21s did it better than the 20s. We wonder what the 19-inch 60 Select version will ride and sound like inside.
Otherwise, the Enyaq is almost annoyingly difficult to fault.
Progressive and instantaneous braking, a well-managed level of regenerative braking, a very tight turning circle, easy vision out to further boost driving confidence, and nuanced advanced driving-assist system (ADAS) intervention all elevate the Skoda way above most rivals, especially those from China with inadequate Australian-road tuning. This is how it’s done, folks.
So, yes, on initial acquaintance, Skoda’s first EV is impressively sorted, offering something for the driver and their occupants. It drives like a much-newer vehicle than its five years on the world market suggests.
Clearly, the brand has had time to iron out the bugs and what we're left with is a very user-friendly, easy and enjoyable EV SUV.
All Mach-E variants get the same set of modern active safety equipment including auto emergency braking at freeway speeds, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also scores a 360-degree parking camera and reverse auto braking.
Adaptive cruise control features (although not the semi-autonomous ‘BlueCruise’ offered in this car’s American version), alongside a healthy suite of airbags.
Only the Select and Premium grades are rated a maximum five ANCAP stars, with the GT excluded.
The pre-facelift Enyaq scored a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment and that was from Euro NCAP testing back in 2021. There hasn’t been a more recent result released.
All models feature a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (operable from 5.0km/h) for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, as well as car-to-car, lane departure warning/assist (from 65km/h), rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, full-stop adaptive cruise control, exiting-vehicle alert tech, a driver-attention monitor and tyre pressure indicators.
There are seven airbags, including dual front, front-side, head and a front-centre item, as well as rear outboard occupant side and head coverage.
A trio of child-seat top tether points are fitted across the back seat, along with ISOFIX child-seat anchorages in the front passenger seat and two in the rear outboard positions.
Ford offers a now industry standard five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as the battery manufacturer standard eight-years and 160,000km for the high-voltage components.
Unlike some EVs in this space which push intervals out to two years, the Mach-E needs to see a workshop once every year or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
Thankfully, servicing is relatively affordable, at just $135 or $180 at alternating years for the first 10 years, and roadside assist is automatically topped up with each service (at an authorised Ford dealer) up to seven years.
You’re also in for decent peace of mind, thanks to Skoda’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are every two years or 30,000km – whichever comes first. An eight-year/160,000km traction battery warranty also applies.
No capped-price servicing is offered, but pre-paid service packs have been announced for the 85 Sportline models. These are an eight-year/120,000km offer at $1650 (which averages out annually to $206) or a 10-year/150,000km offer at $1950 (which averages out to $195 annually).
There are over 40 Skoda dealers dotted around Australia, and around 65 authorised servicing outlets, some of which are general Volkswagen dealer centres.
All extremely competitive, especially for a German-owned European brand. Which sums the Enyaq up to a tee.