ALL CHANGE?

Things don't stand still in the world of EVs, and Skoda's Enyaq and Toyota's bZ4X have both been updated. We put them to the test

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SKODA ENYAQ vs TOYOTA bZ4X

Firms' EV pioneers get midlife revamps to face newer challengers

IT'S been five years since the all-electric Skoda Enyaq was first revealed, but with developments in the EV sector continuing apace, not least the introduction of the Czech firm's smaller, award-winning Elroq to the lineup, the firm has seen fit to introduce a range of updates to its first electric SUV.

There's a new Elroq-inspired look up front that's designed to boost aerodynamic efficiency, while the battery and motor technology under the skin has been given a freshen up to unlock more range. To cap it all off, there's more equipment on board, improved interior quality and greater connectivity on offer.

To see how the new Enyaq performs, we've lined up another EV that has been subject to a series of updates. The Toyota bZ4X didn't get off to the most auspicious of starts when it first arrived, with our original test of the car highlighting that its real-world range came up short when compared with the official figures. But the Japanese firm hasn't rested on its laurels and minor upgrades have been introduced to boost the model's appeal.

These two cars are similar in size and performance, so which one is our pick?

ON THE ROAD

CONSIDERING the Enyaq is pitched as an electric family car, the ride is surprisingly firm, especially at lower speeds. There's an unsettled character over uneven surfaces, while the suspension can crash into potholes, too.

The Toyota is better resolved, although the front-wheel-drive configuration and spiky electric power delivery mean torque steer is present, whereas the rear-drive Skoda sprints away without fuss.

TECH HIGHLIGHTS