New Tesla Model Y RWD and Skoda Enyaq Coupé vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: interiors
It was already a huge seller, and with the introduction of this new RWD version, the Tesla Model Y is more temptingly priced than ever. But are rivals from Hyundai and Skoda actually better?...
Behind the wheel
Driving position, visibility, build quality
Lots of manufacturers build SUVs on the same basic underpinnings as their saloon cars. However, while the starting point is the same, the end results are usually so different that you might not realise the cars are related.
The approach with the Tesla Model Y was rather more simplistic and involved raising the roof and mounting the seats on plinths. The dashboard, controls and even the position of the steering wheel and pedals appear unchanged from the Tesla Model 3, so you sit farther from the road but look down on the dashboard in a slightly unnatural way.
You also feel higher up than in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is more of a halfway house between an SUV and a regular hatchback. If you aren’t bothered about a penthouse view of the road ahead, though, you’ll find the Ioniq 5’s driving position fundamentally better and easier to fine tune; adjusting the steering wheel and door mirrors in the Model Y involves faffing around with the central touchscreen and then thumbing some fiddly controls on the steering wheel. The Ioniq 5’s seats also have a bit more side bolstering to hold you in place better through tight turns.
It’s the Skoda Enyaq Coupé that has the best overall driving position, though. It feels the most SUV-like; you sit quite far from the road but don’t feel as though you’re sitting on top of the car, like you do in the Model Y. The Enyaq also has the comfiest and most supportive driver’s seat, despite the fact that it’s the only one without electric adjustment.
You can choose from various interior trim options for the Enyaq; the Suite version we’re testing here comes with a full leather interior, and everything feels reasonably upmarket. Only some cheap-feeling buttons on the dashboard let the side down a tad.
We’ve grumbled about the build quality of Teslas in the past, but things have improved. The minimalist Model Y feels well screwed together inside and, apart from the plasticky-feeling ‘vegan’ leather on the seats and steering wheel, the finish impresses.
Sadly, the same can’t be said about the Ioniq 5. Some of its interior plastics aren’t especially tactile – including those used on the passenger’s side of the dashboard and the lower doors, and a few bits even wobble when you prod them. So, while there’s hardly a gulf between our trio for interior quality, Hyundai’s effort is the least impressive.
Infotainment systems
Tesla Model Y
The 15.0in touchscreen controls almost every feature of the car, from unlocking the charging port to opening the glovebox. In general, the system is easy to get the hang of, and it’s quick to respond to screen prods. There’s no smartphone mirroring, but you can use the system to play games or watch Netflix. However, you only get 30 days’ free subscription to Tesla’s Premium services (live streaming, traffic updates and so on). After that, you’ll need to pay if you want to keep it.
Skoda Enyaq Coupé
The Enyaq’s infotainment system isn’t brilliant – but it’s far from terrible. We have no complaints about the size, positioning or image quality on the 13.0in touchscreen. Our gripes relate to the occasional lag between touching an icon and anything happening, and the mildly confusing operating system that takes a while to get your head around. The Enyaq has the fewest standard USB sockets (two) and is the only car here without wireless phone charging.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5’s 12.3in touchscreen is easy to see, even if it’s a bit of a reach (particularly the home button in the top left corner) if you’re long in the leg and have the driver’s seat slid a long way back. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring comes as standard, as does a wireless charging pad, and the sound system is punchy enough. The screen isn’t as sharp or quick to respond as the Model Y’s, but it hardly disappoints on either count.
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