Skoda’s new Enyaq (broadly meaning ‘essence’) has just dropped in showrooms in the UK. It’s the firm’s first all-electric SUV, and also the first production car to be based on Volkswagen’s adaptable and modular MEB platform. Importantly, the Enyaq scored five stars and the best-ever rating for occupant protection in the EURO NCAP tests.

The 2021 Enyaq iV 60 Nav spec has a 62 kWh battery pack, with a claimed 412 km range. The Enyaq iV 80 comes with a more powerful 82 kWh battery and offers a claimed 536 km range on a full charge. Outside temperatures and your driving style will affect range, of course. The SUV is available in a choice of six trim levels – Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite, ecoSuite and SportLine. Equipment ranges from 19-inch alloys, a 13-inch infotainment system, dusk-sensing headlights, an 8-speaker audio system, rear parking sensors and whatnot. Prices start at £31,995 (approximately Rs 33 lakh) and go up to £42,900 (about Rs 44 lakh). Will it come to India? No, because it’ll be far too expensive – but Skoda is mulling a more affordable EV for this country.