IN 2023, Skoda's all-electric Enyaq series - SUV and Coupe - was the fourth best-selling vehicle series in Europe, achieving record-breaking global sales figures of 81,700 units - an increase of more than 52 per cent over 2022.

Some 10 per cent of these found homes in the UK.

For 2024, both models have been given more powerful and efficient drivetrains, longer ranges and new software with an upgraded and more intuitive touchscreen.

Trim levels were also revised. There is now have the choice of 60, 85, 85x, plush L&K and high-performance vRS variants.

Two battery sizes are also available: 58kWh and 77kWh units. Upgrading to the Enyaq 85 with its larger battery boosts the official claimed range up to 348 miles.

Peak torque has also been considerably improved from a decent enough 310Nm to a more than ample 545Nm. Power has also been boosted by 81bhp to 282bhp.

Skoda has found fabulous success producing family friendly SUVs and the Enyaq is no different even if, surprisingly, it's actually shorter than the Superb and Octavia estates.

Yet, it is space which has the starring role in the Enyaq due to its long rear overhang that delivers a vast boot.

The 585-litre boot can be extended to 1,710 litres by folding the rear seats flat. There's also a handy under-floor storage space that's ideal for your charging cables. A six-metre charging cable is provided as standard.

There is plenty of room for both the driver and front passenger, and there's enough room in the limousine-like rear to accommodate three adult passengers.

Buyers get four choices when it comes to deciding on the look and feel of the Enyaq's interior. Skoda offers four individual ‘Design Selections' to help personalise the cabin: Loft, Lounge, Suite and ecoSuite - each using different materials to create a distinctive style.

I was driving the Suite version, which features soft, black leather seats with cognac-coloured stitching and piping, a piano black décor and black faux leather dashboard with stitching giving it a premium feel.

The Enyaq 85 comes with 19-inch alloy wheels - though mine was riding on optional 21-inch alloys which filled the arches better - LED headlights, a Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors alongside a heated, multi-function steering wheel, front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a Drive mode select system.

At 13-inches, the infotainment screen in the Enyaq is one of the largest ever included on a Skoda model. The crisp, clear display is easy to read. It also enables drivers to define shortcuts for the most frequently used vehicle settings and apps.

The navigation system now features new map graphics and a larger map area. A new battery pre-conditioning feature preheats the battery in preparation for DC charging in low temperatures and thus optimises charging speed.

The process can be started manually, by pressing a button on the central infotainment display, or automatically on the way to a charging station, based on navigation data and battery temperature.

Other new features of the vehicle software include a ‘Walkaway' function for the keyless entry system which automatically locks the vehicle when the driver walks away from the car with the key.

The new software also includes improvements to the Laura digital assistant. Laura's voice recognition is now more accurate, and the system can transcribe spoken commands using speech-to-text and display them on the infotainment screen for visual feedback.

If that's not enough, then there's around 20 optional extras packages to choose from. My car was sporting the Comfort Seat, Convenience, Drive Sport Plus, Assisted Drive, Climate and Infotainment Pus packages, which added more than £3,500 to the basic price.

Weighing in at two tonnes, the Enyaq is a heavy car, but it doesn't suffer from that due to the ample power and torque. Mid-range acceleration is much punchier and makes the Enyaq feel livelier than its 0-62mph figures suggest.

Its batteries are stored low down in the floor which gives the advantage of a lower centre of gravity compared to a traditional ICE model. Body roll isn't an issue, either, even when pushing on through twistier roads.

I's a relaxing car to drive and can build speed briskly which makes overtaking manoeuvres pretty effortless on the motorway, where the ride is very comfortable. Around town, it's nippy and agile.

It's a safe place to be for families too. Euro NCAP awarded the Enyaq a full five-star rating. Adult and child occupant protection were rated at 94 per cent and 89 per cent, respectively.

Standard safety kit includes lane keeping assist, front assist with an automatic emergency braking function, and speed limiter.

With the 77kWh battery, it will charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes. The Enyaq's battery is protected by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. The manufacturer also provides European-wide, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance for three years.

£44,540

282bhp, 77kWh battery electric engine driving rear wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission

111mph

6.7 seconds

348 miles

33

0g/km

2%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.5