RAY MASSEY: Skoda’s zero hero -Enyaq IV vRS

As the ultimate test of any “green” car, a trip to the landfill should be at the very top. And there I took the new zero-emission Skoda Enyaq IV vRS, having packed old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes into its large luggage compartment (570 liter seats up; 1,610 folded).

Its super bright ‘Hyper Green’ hue made it an instant conversation piece with other recyclers in their luxury models at the recycling center; quite a few people asked about my eye-catching Skoda.

It is the first all-electric Skoda model to carry the rally-inspired vRS performance badge. Its coupe styling and bold front fascia make it instantly appealing, although the paint may divide opinion.

I sat comfortably in a high-back sports seat. It has almost limousine levels of room and legroom for passengers in the back. It also drives like a dream – comfortable, sporty, engaging and agile in equal measure.

Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, it has two electric motors – one on each axle – totaling 82 kWh and developing a hefty 299 horsepower

Acceleration is snappy, both in normal and especially in sport mode, hitting 6.4 mph at rest in 6.4 seconds, although it felt quicker from rest. The top speed is limited to 112 mph. The transmission is single-speed four-wheel drive.

Ray’s bright green all-electric Skoda Enyaq iV vRS drives to the dump in leafy Surrey

Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, it has two electric motors – one on each axle – totaling 82 kWh and developing a hefty 299 horsepower

It is well stocked with a standard kit, including a panoramic glass roof and plenty of safety features

Acceleration is feisty, both in normal and especially in sport mode, reaching 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds rest

There are five main drive mode options: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual and Traction

It is the first all-electric Skoda model to carry the rally-inspired vRS performance badge

Ray stuffed old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes into his huge cargo area (570 liters seats up; 1,610 down)

There are five main drive mode options: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual and Traction. The official range is 323 miles, which should theoretically get you comfortably from London to Newcastle on one full charge.

It’s well stocked with standard equipment, including a panoramic glass roof and a host of safety features, including one that spotted me and warned me of a cyclist about to emerge from a side road.

Charging to 80 percent takes 36 minutes with a 150kW fast charger or 13 hours to fully charge with a standard 7.2kW home wallbox.

It’s a great mile-eater on motorways, but comes into its own on winding country roads where the level of grip, balance and agility was a pleasant surprise. The small turning radius also proved to be a boon in the landfill.

Extras on my car included: comfortable seats (£540); 21-inch Vision anthracite metallic wheels (£620) instead of standard 20-inch; improved infotainment package (£780); and Drive Sport package Plus (£440).

The bad news is that the base price recently increased by £1,000 to a hefty £54,370. My car, as driven, cost £57,750 – with extras.

There are several packages, including Advanced, costing £2,335, which adds a head-up display and other luxuries. It’s certainly a far cry from the cheap Skodas of yesteryear.

Genesis X Convertible unveiled

If the government’s latest economic forecasts hold up, by the time we’re out of the worst of the recession and inflationary doom and gloom, the posh Korean automaker’s new Genesis X Convertible should be on the market.

The new Genesis X Convertible from the posh Korean automaker

The four-seater convertible has a folding hardtop roof. Genesis design chief Luc Donckerwolke said: ‘Electric powertrains have given us the perfect scenario to enjoy nature, something convertibles do better than any other vehicle.’

The company said the Genesis X Convertible, unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show, joins the X Concept and X Speedium Coupé to complete a trio of bold design studies that demonstrate the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury and advanced electric vehicle technology .