Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda sets two new drift world records for electric cars

The Skoda Enyaq iV vRS sets sideways records in Sweden with a 4.6-mile continuous drift on a frozen lake

Following its record-setting top speed run at the Bonneville Salt Flats back in 2011, Skoda has once again set a new Guinness World Record, this time for the “Longest Continuous Vehicle Drift on Ice”.

A production-spec Skoda Enyaq iV VRS SUV was used to set the record, with driver Richard Meaden (contributor to Auto Express’s sister title, evo) at the wheel to record a 4.568-mile continuous loop of the 188-metre-long circular lap on the frozen lake Stortjärnen in Sweden.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Skoda also claimed the Guinness World Record for the “Longest Continuous Vehicle Drift on Ice (electric car)” at the same time. Meaden completed 39 laps of the track at the wheel of the Enyaq vRS, equating to a total time of 15 minutes and 58 seconds. The drift beat the previous record of 3.872 miles set in China in 2022.

The attempt saw more than 18 hours of driving, with a Guinness World Record adjudicator and international drifting judge David Kalas both present as witnesses.

Skoda experimented with different tyre configurations for the feat, with the otherwise standard Enyaq vRS wearing front tyres fitted with 5mm studs, while the car’s rear rubber featured smaller 2mm studs to achieve the right balance between grip, traction and the ability to sustain a slide.

Meaden was the driver of Skoda UK’s specially modified Octavia vRS back in 2011 when the car achieved a top speed of 227.080mph, a record for a 2.0-litre forced-induction production car.

Commenting on the latest achievement, Richard Meaden said: “Being back behind the wheel of another record-breaking Škoda is pretty special, going from the Bonneville Salt Flats of the USA to a frozen lake in Scandinavia – setting two different records in two very different cars. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a record-breaking team again 12 years on – who would have thought we’d be here drifting an electric car on ice? It shows just how much the automotive world is changing, and how exciting it is too.”

Click here for our list of the best electric cars on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Skoda Enyaq Coupe review
Skoda Enyaq Coupe - front

Skoda Enyaq Coupe review

The Skoda Enyaq Coupe is a solid electric family car in its own right - but it’s hard to recommend it over the slightly more practical and cheaper Eny…
In-depth reviews
30 Apr 2025
Best commuter cars to buy now 2025
Best commuter cars 2025 - header

Best commuter cars to buy now 2025

No matter what size, shape or price of car you’re after, one of these commuter car recommendations will be right for you.
Best cars & vans
29 Apr 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy today
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy today

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
24 Apr 2025
Three-car garage: Skoda Enyaq, Renault Megane R.S. and Mazda MX-5 for under £60,000
Three-car garage for £60,000

Three-car garage: Skoda Enyaq, Renault Megane R.S. and Mazda MX-5 for under £60,000

With a family EV, radical hot hatch and nippy roadster, this driveway collection can provide wheels for any occasion
Features
6 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025