Hey everyone! Just a heads-up that this video was originally filmed in Czech and dubbed into English using AI. It might not be 100% perfect, but we didn't want the language barrier to stop us from sharing Filip's pivot from diesel to EV. Enjoy the ride!
Filip used to call electric vehicles "Electric junk." So what changed his mind? In this episode of VWIDTalk, we sit down with Filip to discuss his complete 180 from a loyal diesel driver to a proud Škoda Enyaq owner.
We cover everything from his initial skepticism to how the Enyaq stacks up against the Tesla Model Y. Filip also breaks down his real-world experience with the Enyaq's DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) suspension and Travel Assist, and shares whether the EV lifestyle is actually living up to his expectations.
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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
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Summary
The transcript follows Filip, a longtime Volkswagen/Škoda enthusiast who recently purchased a Škoda Enyaq after previously dismissing electric vehicles as “electric junk.” After roughly four to five months and about 5,000 kilometers, his experience has completely changed his perspective on EVs. He now considers the Enyaq one of his favorite cars he has owned.
From EV Skeptic to EV Owner
Filip says his changing attitude toward EVs began with his growing dissatisfaction with modern diesel technology. He sees increasingly complicated emissions systems and diesel hardware as excessive, particularly for short-distance driving. Once he experienced a modern EV, he found that electric propulsion offered a much simpler ownership proposition.
He considered both the Škoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y but ultimately chose the Enyaq. Tesla offered superior software, a better app and sportier driving characteristics, but Filip increasingly values comfort over performance. He also believes the Enyaq offers better perceived build quality and a more comfortable overall experience.
Comfort and Familiarity Drive the Decision
Filip originally bought the Enyaq primarily for his wife, but he quickly began using it himself. The result is that the two now occasionally argue over who gets to drive it. He says the experience opened his eyes to other EVs and changed his perception of what an electric vehicle could be.
A major attraction is simplicity. Filip appreciates the limited maintenance requirements of an EV compared with a combustion-powered vehicle. His familiarity with the Volkswagen and Škoda brands also made the transition relatively natural. The Enyaq was particularly appealing because it was built relatively close to his home, reinforcing his preference for a familiar, locally supported brand.
Service availability was another factor. Filip believes Škoda offers a less complicated ownership experience for EV servicing in his area, while he had concerns about Tesla service waiting times. His ultimate decision came down largely to comfort, simplicity and service accessibility.
How the Enyaq Fits Into the Household
The Enyaq is primarily used for short local trips — shopping, school activities and commuting around town. Filip generally charges it exclusively at home. His wife can go roughly two weeks between charges, while his more extensive driving means he typically uses the available charge in about four days.
The family retains a Mercedes V-Class and a Passat with combustion engines for longer journeys. The V-Class is particularly useful for family trips, skiing and vacations because of its four-wheel-drive capability and enormous cargo capacity. Filip describes the Enyaq as his preferred vehicle when driving alone, while the V-Class remains the family's long-distance vehicle.
That arrangement also eliminates much of the range anxiety associated with having an EV as the only household vehicle. Filip acknowledges that if he had only electric cars, longer days would require more planning around DC fast charging.
Design and Interior
Filip is particularly enthusiastic about the Enyaq's styling and build quality. He considers its design “timeless,” saying it is one of the few modern cars that can make people turn around and look at it.
The Enyaq shares its underlying platform with the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron, but the discussion portrays the Škoda as occupying a middle ground between the Volkswagen and Audi in terms of presentation. The interior receives praise for its stitching, contours and premium feel. The example featured is well equipped, including a head-up display, compact instrument cluster and sunroof.
Home Charging
Home charging fits easily into Filip's routine. His Enyaq charges at 11 kW, taking approximately five to six hours for a full charge. He generally plugs it in overnight and doesn't pay much attention to the exact charging status because the routine is so predictable.
The ability to remotely preheat or cool the cabin is another feature he appreciates, particularly because it allows him to arrive at a comfortable temperature in winter or summer.
Infotainment: Functional but Slow
The Enyaq's software is one of the few areas that receives criticism. Filip acknowledges that the infotainment system is slow and somewhat sluggish, confirming complaints he had encountered in reviews before buying the car. However, he says it has never actually frozen or prevented him from accomplishing what he needs to do. For his purposes, the system is adequate despite its delayed responses.
Ride and Handling
The driving demonstration highlights the Enyaq's impressive ride comfort, especially considering the vehicle's 21-inch wheels. The presenters are surprised by how well the suspension absorbs rough pavement, bumps and manhole covers.
Much of the credit goes to the DCC adaptive suspension, which allows the driver to adjust the chassis from very firm to extremely soft. In its softer setting, the suspension effectively smooths out harsh road imperfections. Filip sees this combination of comfort and relatively straightforward suspension design as another reason the Enyaq suits his priorities.
The Enyaq also delivers strong acceleration. Even in Comfort mode, pressing the accelerator fully provides the more aggressive response associated with its sportier settings.
Travel Assist and Driver Assistance
The test drive also demonstrates the Enyaq's Travel Assist system. It can maintain speed, help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, recognize speed-limit signs, maintain following distance and bring the car to a stop in traffic. The system can also resume moving once traffic begins moving again.
The presenters acknowledge that it isn't as autonomous as a Tesla, but they find it effective and comfortable during ordinary driving. The system's ability to automatically respond to changing speed limits and traffic conditions is particularly impressive to them.
The 360-degree camera is another appreciated feature, especially because it provides a clear view around the car and the expensive 21-inch wheels when maneuvering.
Regenerative Braking
The Enyaq can automatically adjust regenerative braking based on traffic conditions and recognized speed limits. During the drive, the system begins recuperating energy when approaching lower speed limits and roundabouts.
Filip prefers the smoother behavior of D mode, where the vehicle can coast, rather than the stronger regenerative braking of B mode. He finds B mode somewhat excessive and prefers the relaxed feel of allowing the vehicle to sail when possible.
Overall Impression
By the end of the test, Filip's transformation from EV skeptic to enthusiastic owner is complete. He describes the Enyaq as comfortable, beautifully built, easy to live with and enjoyable to drive, and considers it one of his favorite vehicles.
He is already thinking about what comes next. His current lease runs for five years, and when it expires he expects to consider another EV. He specifically expresses interest in the newer Enyaq 2, particularly because of its design.
Key Takeaways
- Biggest surprise: An EV completely changed Filip's previously negative opinion of electric cars.
- Why the Enyaq: Comfort, build quality, simplicity, familiar Škoda/VW ownership and local service.
- Best qualities: Ride comfort, design, interior quality, easy home charging and low maintenance.
- Weakness: Slow infotainment/software response.
- Charging: Primarily overnight home charging at 11 kW.
- Best use: Local commuting and everyday driving.
- Long-distance solution: The household retains combustion-powered vehicles for extended trips.
- Technology: Travel Assist, adaptive DCC suspension, 360-degree camera, head-up display and automated regenerative braking are highlighted.
- Driving character: Relaxed and comfortable rather than sporty, although acceleration is strong when requested.
- Bottom line from the owner: The Enyaq has become a genuine favorite and has broadened his interest in electric vehicles.