SKODA ENYAQ IV VRS

Is it more Skoda, more vRS, something in between or something entirely different?

- JAMES ATTWOOD

Here's a problem. When a car is added to Autocar's long-term test fleet, we outline the reasons why we want to run one, a mini mission statement to guide our reports. And so we don't forget those reasons, we list them at the top of every report. Look up: they're right above these words.

It says my goal in running the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV VRS was to find out if that sporty performance badge can make an electric car exciting. And, well... no. No, it can't. Sorry, but it just can't. You can take an Enyaq iV, add an extra motor and up the power, paint it the most lurid shade of green imaginable, stick in sports seats and add in VRSbadged and styling flourishes all you like, but you won't end up with the delicious blend of practicality, performance and fun that Skoda's VRS line has long offered.

Question answered, then. Simple. But here's the problem: I don't care. I don't care that this isn't a great performance EV, because it's simply a great EV. Remove the expectations those VRS badges create, and in a typically Skoda way it does everything you would want from a family crossover electric or otherwise.

In terms of visual splendour, our Enyaq Coupé delivered plenty of excitement. For one thing, it's surprisingly distinct from its SUV sibling: it looks more like a slightly oversized saloon to me.

Hyper Green paint wouldn't be my choice, but it grew on me and I never lost the car in a car park.