Skoda Australia has quietly sharpened its price positioning in the compact electric-SUV market, introducing a lower-cost variant of the Elroq that brings European engineering closer to the mainstream. From November the brand will offer the Elroq 60 Select from $47,990 before on-road costs (or $49,990 drive-away), a $7,000 reduction on the previously available 85 Select. That pricing makes the Elroq the least-expensive European-made EV SUV on sale locally and places it within reach of price brackets being talked about for rivals such as the upcoming Kia EV3.

Where the 60 Select sits in the market

The new 60 Select swaps the Elroq’s larger battery for a 63 kWh pack – down from the 82 kWh unit fitted to the 85 Select – and drives the rear wheels with a 150 kW motor rather than the 210 kW unit in the higher-spec car. WLTP-rated range falls from 529 km to 395 km and 0-100 km/h accelerations increase from 6.6 seconds to about 8.0 seconds. For many urban and suburban buyers those figures will be perfectly usable; for long-distance drivers the larger-battery 85 remains the more suitable choice.

It’s important to note the Elroq 60 Select still offers a larger battery than several more-affordable Chinese-built rivals on the market. However, it does not undercut the cheapest Chinese SUVs: Chery’s E5 Urban, MG’s S5 Excite, BYD’s Atto 3 Essential, Geely’s EX5 Complete and Leapmotor’s C10 Style remain priced lower in Australia. That said, Skoda’s offering leans into a different trade-off – European design, build and feature content rather than absolute headline price.

Equipment, safety and packaging

Skoda has kept equipment levels high for the 60 Select, which arrives with a strong standard specification that helps justify its premium over the cheapest alternatives. Highlights include:

• Keyless entry and push-button start with walk-away central locking
• LED headlights, digital instrumentation and a 13-inch central touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and four USB-C outlets
• Heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control
• 19-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors
• Practical touches such as a door-sited umbrella and heated, power-folding mirrors
• Seven-year warranty

Active and passive safety tech on the 60 Select comprises seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (with follow-to-stop), lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, fatigue monitoring and turn assist. Those systems bring it into line with mainstream expectations for family-focused SUVs.

Size and platform advantages

Under the skin the Elroq shares Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture with the larger Enyaq. It’s effectively a shortened Enyaq – the same wheelbase and front-end structure but a more compact rear section – which places it in the mid-size SUV class and gives it an interior and cargo footprint that tends to be more generous than the smaller, city-focused Chinese rivals it contests on price.

Options and higher-spec choices

Buyers wanting more refinement or tech can opt for the 60 Select with a $6,000 ‘Signature Pack’. That adds matrix LED headlights, head-up display, a surround-view camera, a 12-speaker premium audio system, powered front seats with driver memory and massage, powered tailgate and 20-inch wheels. For those requiring maximum range or outright performance the 85 Select and 130 Years Edition retain larger batteries and stronger outputs.

Skoda’s perspective on pricing

Aline Carrullo, Skoda Australia’s product manager for the Elroq range, told local media the price cut stems from a deliberate push to be more competitive in Australia, and that the local subsidiary sought and recently gained approval from the brand’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. “It just makes our range stronger,” she said, adding that Skoda accepts Australia is among the most competitive markets in the world and that the brand wants the Elroq to stand out for the right reasons.

Australian pricing (before on-road costs)

• 60 Select – $47,990
• 85 Select – $54,990
• 130 Years Edition – $64,990

What this means for Australian buyers

• Value proposition: For buyers prioritising European build quality, cabin space and specification, the Elroq 60 Select presents an attractive proposition close to sub-$50k territory. It offers more refinement and a more familiar dealer and service network than newer entrants from some Chinese marques.
• Range and use case: The 63 kWh battery and 395 km WLTP claim will suit most daily drivers and many two-car households. Prospective buyers who routinely undertake longer highway trips should consider the 85 Select or ensure their travel patterns are supported by DC fast-charging networks.
• Running costs and ownership: The Elroq benefits from the VW Group’s service capability across Australia and a seven-year warranty, which will be a strong selling point for risk-averse buyers. Prospective owners should check state-specific EV incentives or stamp duty concessions, charging costs in their area and the availability of public DC fast chargers on their typical routes.
• Residuals and resale: European-brand EVs have historically retained differing resale values compared with lower-priced Chinese models. The broader dealer network and brand recognition may help Skoda’s residuals in Australia, but competition will be intense as more models enter the market.

Practical buying advice

• Test drive both battery sizes where possible to judge the real-world feel and performance difference.
• Match the car’s quoted range to your actual commute and regular longer trips, allowing for seasonal and speed-related range variance.
• Confirm on-board AC charging and DC fast-charge compatibility and rates with your dealer so you understand charging times at home and on the road.
• Factor in optional packs and wheel choices – larger wheels and packs like the Signature Pack materially affect ride, efficiency and cost.

Conclusion

Skoda’s pricing move with the Elroq 60 Select is a strategic bid to capture buyers who want European packaging and a high level of standard equipment without stepping into six-figure territory. It does not rewrite the rules set by lower-priced Chinese entrants, but it does narrow the gap and gives Australian buyers a clear alternative: a well-specified, roomy, family-friendly mid-size SUV with the reassurance of a recognised European brand and a seven-year warranty. For many buyers, particularly those prioritising comfort, features and dealer support, the Elroq 60 Select will be a compelling choice – so long as its range profile aligns with their driving needs.

FAQs

How much range will I get in real-world driving from the Elroq 60 Select?

Skoda quotes 395 km (WLTP) for the 60 Select. Real-world range depends on driving speed, outside temperature, use of heating or air conditioning, and load – expect lower figures on sustained high-speed runs and in cold conditions. For typical urban and suburban use the 63 kWh battery should meet most daily needs.

How does the Elroq 60 Select compare to the MG S5, BYD Atto 3 or Hyundai Kona Electric?

The Elroq trades on European build quality, packaging and specification, while many Chinese rivals undercut it on headline price. The Elroq’s battery is larger than some cheaper rivals and it offers a higher level of standard safety and comfort equipment. Buyers should weigh price, warranty, dealer support, aftersales and range requirements when comparing.

Is the Elroq 60 Select a good choice for long trips?

If you regularly drive long interstate distances, the 85 Select with its larger battery will be more suitable. The 60 Select can manage long trips with careful planning around fast-charging stops, but buyers who prioritise range and fewer charging stops should consider the larger battery option.

What warranty and servicing support does Skoda offer?

The Elroq comes with a seven-year warranty in Australia. Servicing and support come through Skoda’s dealer network; buyers should confirm service intervals and any included maintenance packages with their local dealer.

When will the Elroq 60 Select be available and how much does the Signature Pack add?

The 60 Select arrives in Australia from November. The Signature Pack is priced at $6,000 and adds premium equipment including matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, surround-view camera, a 12-speaker premium audio system and powered/memory/massage seats.

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