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By Jonathan Crouch

Skoda tries its hand at a van with this Enyaq Cargo. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 38

Unusually, Skoda's decided to dip a tentative toe into the van market with this Enyaq Cargo LCV. This mid-sized EV contender might be just enough of a van and just enough of a car satisfy its target market.

Backgroundword count: 116

It's a long time since Skoda has made a van. Arguably, it still hasn't. The Enyaq Cargo model we look at here is really more of an after-market conversion. But if you need a mid-sized EV with specialised cargo carriage possibilities, it might make sense. The Enyaq Cargo project came from a request by the National Grid Distribution Agency (the NGED) in 2024, who wanted a commercial vehicle version of the Enyaq. Skoda UK commissioned specialists Strong's Plastic Products Ltd to produce it and the NGED duly bought 70 Enyaq Cargos - and plans to buy more. So Skoda UK thought it might as well offer this LCV version more widely. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 201

Skoda has chosen to base the drivetrain of this Cargo model around the larger of its two mainstream Enyaq EV drivetrains. This '85' set-up uses an 82kWh battery pack, which works with a 286PS motor, this combination delivering a sprint time of 6.5s and a range figure of up to 359 miles. Alternatively, also using the 82kWh battery, is an AWD dual motor 85x variant, which offers 332 miles of range. Like all Enyaqs, this one has drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' or 'Sport' - or an 'Individual' setting you can set up by altering various drive parameters on the centre screen. One of those is steering feel, which feels pretty anaesthetised. You might also find it worth knowing that when fitted with an optional folding towbar, this Enyaq is also capable of towing trailers weighing up to 1,400kg - quite a hefty figure for an EV, though exercising that capability would doubtless decimate your drive range. This car doesn't have much brake regen assistance. Skoda hasn't got round to fitting steering wheel brake regen paddles as standard (they're optional with 'Sportline' trim). Nor are there selectable regen modes on the centre screen; just a B setting on the gear selector.

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