Skoda is good at this. Quietly, consistently, making cars that refuse to lose.
The Elroq won our Car of the Year in 2025. It held onto the throne for 2026 too. A mid-size electric SUV keeping the crown is no small task. The segment is a bloodbath, flooded with new competitors every week.
But the Elroq doesn’t panic. It just drives. Imperious.
Space Without Bulk
It isn’t huge, strictly speaking.
The interior is a different story though. Skoda carved out cavernous space inside. Rear seats match the larger Enyaq. Add their usual “Simply Clever” storage tricks. Life gets easier.
Then look at the price. The design looks expensive. Materials feel sturdy. You do a double take. Even the base models come packed. Heated seats, sat-nav, parking sensors. Driving modes. It’s there from day one.
Smooth Sailing
Drive it. It works.
Polished, all-rounder energy. Agile yet comfortable. Most electric cars fidget at low speeds, jerking and stalling. The Elroq doesn’t. It glides over bumps. Changes direction at speed with a soft hand. The cabin stays hushed. Noise is kept at bay.
Range? Up to 355 miles. Need speed? The vRS variant hits 62mph in 5.1 seconds. Wait, 5.4. Close enough.
There is an Elroq for most budgets. There is one for most roads.
Our Pick: Elroq SE L
Best buy: Skoda Elroq SE L 50 (£30,485 after £1,985 EV Grant)
A car is only as good as its entry-level model.
This is the SE L. It costs just under £32k if you claim the full £1,500 electric grant. You get a 267-mile range. A solid spec list. All those practical niceties mentioned before.
That’s how you know it’s a great car. When the cheapest one does almost everything right.
A true mark of excellence: the base model shouldn’t feel stripped bare. It shouldn’t feel cheap. The SE L avoids that trap entirely.
Honorable Mentions
Dacia didn’t joke around when naming the Bigster. It took the Duster’s no-nonsense attitude, made it bigger, made it roomier. Great value. Economical hybrid power. Good for families.
Then there’s the Nissan Qashqai. Popular for a reason, sure. British-built. Competitive on paper and tarmac. The e-Power system offers a weird but compelling compromise. Electric driving feel without plugging in.
See all winners…
The gallery has every 2026 award winner. Check it if you want to argue.
We’ve got reasons. Links below. Or just pick up the physical magazine.
Grab the special New Car Awards 2029 edition of Auto Express. It’s in shops now. Collectors item status imminent?
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