Pros: Two battery options, lots of interior, affordability in mind
Cons: Entry-level spec unlikely to be popular, power delivery needs improvement
Having enjoyed considerable success with its Enyaq and Elroq electric vehicles, Skoda is now turning its attention to the smaller SUV segment. The Epiq is a Kamiq-sized SUV and one of a group of new, more affordable electric vehicles being developed by the Volkswagen Group. Ahead of its debut later this year, we’ve gotten behind the wheel of a lightly disguised prototype to see what can be expected.
Skoda Epiq Design
If you squint a little, you will be able to get an idea of how the Skoda Epiq will look, or you can look back to the 2025 show car, as it’s an accurate representation of how the finished car will be styled. The Epiq is the first model to fully embody Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language, giving the small SUV a rugged appearance.
Exterior details include a Jeep-like lower bumper design with eight large vertical slots. This section feeds airflow through a set of active shutters that open and close as required to cool the electric powertrain, while thin, angled slots in the front bumper's corners channel air over the front wheels. The latter will come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 17 inches to 19-inch rims in some markets.
The front has a variant of the ‘Tech Deck’ design seen on the larger Skoda Elroq, with thin LED light signatures and the option of advanced LED-matrix headlights. The T-shaped lighting signature is mirrored on the rear, as is the eight-slot design on the bumper. Skoda has created this car to be as practical as possible, and that extends to the materials used throughout, including on the rear bumper to mitigate scratches.
Skoda Epiq Interior
Up front, there’s a modern and conventional dashboard setup with a 5.3-inch digital instrument display behind the multifunction steering wheel and a 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. Thankfully, not everything is controlled via that screen; there’s a bank of physical buttons beneath it for air circulation control and other essential functions.
The centre console features storage, a wireless charging pad on top and a pair of USB-C charging ports. In addition to the usual cupholders and storage beneath the centre armrest, there is further storage below the console for a small bag. The door bins are a useful size, and the rear passenger space provides sufficient head- and legroom for two adults, with just enough space for a third in the middle seat if required.
Both of the outer rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX anchor points, and there’s a very useful 475-litre boot. That cargo capacity can be increased up to 1,344 litres by folding the rear seats down, and Skoda will also offer an 18-litre frunk, which is just about large enough for some charging cables.
Skoda Epiq Performance & Drive
Buyers in Ireland will have a choice of three powertrains when the Skoda Epiq goes on sale. It starts with the Epiq 35, powered by a 115hp motor paired with a 37kWh LFP battery that provides a 315-kilometre driving range. This version is pitched as the most affordable, though a peak DC-charging speed of 50kW, by today’s standards, is low, even for a small-capacity battery. That same battery also goes into the Epiq 40 but gets a more powerful 134hp motor and 90kW DC-charge rate, while retaining the same 315 kilometres of range.
Topping the Epiq lineup is the 55, which is what we’re driving here. This version gets a 51.7kWh NMC battery, a 210hp motor and a 125kW DC-charging rate. The larger battery provides a WLTP driving range of 430 kilometres.
Given that the Epiq weighs a relatively light 1,544kg and has a 210hp output, it’s a surprise that it struggles to cleanly transmit its power to the front wheels and the road, resulting in wheelspin when pulling away from a stop. The weather conditions were poor, admittedly, but we still expected a more polished performance from the Skoda.
On the move, it drives with remarkable normality, retaining a conventional car feel, while many of its competitors often seem cold, numb and devoid of any feedback. The suspension soaks everything up nicely, and the steering communicates precisely what the front end is doing. Its compact dimensions make it easy to place on the road and navigate through tight urban environments. The one-pedal driving mode works reasonably well, and thanks to its low weight, it seems quite efficient.
Skoda Epiq Pricing
Pricing for the Skoda Epiq hasn’t been formally announced yet, but it’s expected to start at around €27,000, including grants, when it goes on sale.
Carzone Verdict
The Skoda Epiq is a promising car that’s one of a new wave of more affordable electric cars. The entry-grade Epiq 35 may be a little too basic for many buyers, but the Epiq 40 could be a sweet spot for those who don’t frequently undertake long journeys. Its functional and stylish design, mixed with lots of interior space, will give it an edge over some competitors.