Skoda reveals $40,000 Epiq entry-level electric SUV launching in 2025
Skoda has released the first pictures and details of the Skoda Epiq that it will unwrap next year and announced that it will be priced from around €25,000 ($41,500) when it goes on-sale in 2025.
Created to be a spiritual replacement for the much-missed Skoda Yeti that was discontinued in 2017, the Skoda Epiq has been developed alongside the incoming VW ID.2 and the Cupra Raval.
In Europe, it is intended to rival small EVs like the incoming Renault 4 and Fiat Panda.
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If it gets to Australia, Chinese budget leaders suchn as the MYD Dolphin and MG4 will be the targets. But it’s yet to be confirmed and also faces potential naming issues because Hyundai uses the Epiq badge with its electric Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models.
All three VW Group models will be based on the MEB Small platform and will share the same front-mounted, front wheel drive powertrains. The trio will also be made in the same Spanish factory.
Picking up where the 2022 Vision 7S concept left off, the new Epiq is the latest Skoda using its Modern Solid design language. That explains its simple surfacing, chunky looks and features like its clamshell bonnet.
At the front and rear there’s a pair of striking T-shaped rear lamps while the front grille itself is a smooth dark panel with a small vertical LED light element strip stretching across it.
The grille panel is vital as it includes Skoda’s ‘Tech Deck’ that includes all the cameras, radars and LiDAR needed for its next-generation driver assist tech.
Measuring in at around 4100mm long the Epiq will be shorter than the Yeti but offer lots more interior space thanks to the lack of petrol engine or transmission. The concept pictured also has a large 490 litres boot in a bid to attract small families.
Dominating the cabin is a large central touchscreen that is supported by a row of physical buttons below it to reduce driver distraction.
According to designers, the Epiq’s interior is made using plenty of sustainable materials, while the owner’s smartphone will act as the key.
From launch it’s expected the Epiq will have a range of up to 400km with the larger 56kWh battery. A smaller 38kWh power pack will see the pint-sized Skoda cover up to 300km.
The fastest versions will come with a 160kW electric motor that should provide a 0-100km /h dash of less than seven seconds.
Charging will be at a rate of up to 125kW using a fast DC charger with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking around 20 minutes.
If you’re wondering about its weird name, Skoda says Epiq is derived from the Greek word ‘epos’ for word, verse, tale or poem – the ‘q’ was added to indicate the Skoda is a member of its SUV family.
The Epiq is one of six new or upgraded Skoda EVs set to be introduced over the coming years. The Czech car-maker will launch the Elroq before the end of 2024, along with a facelifted version of its Enyaq SUV and SUV-coupe.
A production version of the Vision 7S will follow along with an even cheaper EV that will cost less than €20,000 ($A33,000) that will rival the inbound Renault Twingo EV.
