Skoda Epiq: Specs, Photos, Details

Following in the footsteps of the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, another VW Group brand is bringing back front-wheel-drive EVs. Although not a true successor to the defunct Citigo-e iV, Skoda’s inaugural electric car, the new Epiq serves a similar role. The small crossover represents the entry point to the Czech brand’s electric-vehicle lineup, with prices in some European markets comparable to those of the combustion-engine Kamiq.

Look beyond the pompous name, and you’ll find the first Skoda to fully embrace a fresh styling approach. The Czech brand calls it “Modern Solid,” and it brings T-shaped lights at both ends of the small crossover. How small? The Epiq measures just 164.2 inches (4171 millimeters) long, 70.8 inches (1798 mm) wide, and 63.8 inches (1620 mm) tall. The generous 102.4-inch (2601-mm) wheelbase is made possible by the dedicated EV underpinnings.

Although most EVs nowadays tend to have flush door handles for better airflow, Skoda keeps things simple with a traditional design. Nevertheless, the Epiq still achieves a respectable drag coefficient of 0.275 thanks to active shutters in the O-shaped front air intakes. The 17- to 19-inch wheels have also been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind to maximize range.

Extra Badging

We weren’t expecting the Skoda lettering on the rear pillars, and we would’ve liked to see a return of the badge depicting a winged arrow in a ring. However, many carmakers now prefer to spell out the company’s name rather than use their logos, even though I still believe logos are more recognizable than a bunch of letters. Anyhow, the Epiq has an inoffensive design that won’t set your pulse racing, but at the same time, it’s unlikely to spark much criticism.

The interior is a bit of a mixed bag because, while some physical buttons sit below the central air vents, ghosts of the past are still haunting the VW Group. Yes, we’re talking about the volume slider, which the ID. Polo avoids by using a physical knob instead. It could’ve been worse, though, considering the Raval has even fewer traditional controls.

As standard equipment, Skoda combines a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 13-inch touchscreen. Step up to the nicer trim levels, and you’ll also get ambient lighting, along with soft fabric materials for the door panels and dashboard to match the seat upholstery.

Photo by: Skoda

Although it’s a small crossover, the Epiq boasts a remarkable cargo capacity of 16.7 cubic feet (475 liters), or 2.6 cubic feet (75 liters) more than the gas-fueled Kamiq. Folding the rear seats increases volume to 47.4 cubic feet (1,344 liters), and there is an additional 0.9 cubic feet (26 liters) of storage space scattered throughout the cabin. A tiny front trunk provides just enough room to store the charging cables.

Skoda Epiq: Power, Battery, Range

The Epiq is Skoda’s first production model based on the MEB+ platform, developed exclusively for front-wheel-drive models. The electric motor comes in three power levels: 114 horsepower with 197 lb-ft (267 Nm), 133 hp with 197 lb-ft (267 Nm), and 208 hp with 214 lb-ft (290 Nm).

Splurge on the most powerful Epiq, and it’ll hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 7.4 seconds before topping out at 110 mph (160 km/h).

Only the most powerful electric motor comes paired with the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery featuring a 51.7-kWh net capacity. The other two versions make do with a 37-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack. Both batteries share the same physical dimensions, but the NMC unit offers higher energy density.

Stick with the base battery, and Skoda estimates a maximum range of 196 miles (315 kilometers), whereas the larger pack has enough juice for 267 miles (430 km) on a single charge. Aside from offering greater range, the NMC battery also supports DC charging at up to 125 kW, enabling a 10-to-80-percent charge in 23 minutes. The base model’s LFP battery maxes out at 90 kW, allowing a 10-to-80-percent recharge in 28 minutes.

Looking ahead, Skoda has another EV waiting in the wings. Debuting later this year, the Peaq three-row SUV will become the company’s largest electric vehicle ever.

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Source: Skoda

Motor1’s Take: With the latest arrival, VW Group is doubling down on entry-level EVs. The core brand itself will get an equivalent version of the Epiq when the ID. Cross launches later this year. With the promise of an even smaller and cheaper VW-badged EV due in 2027, the automotive conglomerate is turning up the heat as it battles an influx of inexpensive Chinese EVs.

Even Audi is getting in on the action by reviving the A2 later this year as its entry-level electric car, likely twinned with the recently launched rear-wheel-drive VW ID.3 Neo.