Epiq concept revealed as latest chapter in Czech manufacturer’s electric car story
MARK TISSHAW
OFFICIAL PICTURES
The next model in Skoda’s electric car offensive will be a new entry-level SUV called the Epiq, which is due to go on sale next year at less than £25,000.
The Epiq, which was shown in concept form as Skoda revealed its 2023 financial results, is a rugged, 4x4-inspired sibling to the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID 2 superminis, conceived as a rival to the likes of the reborn Fiat Panda and Renault 4.
It is the second of six new electric cars due from Skoda in the coming years, the first being the Elroq compact SUV, which will be a close relation to the Volkswagen ID 3 and in effect serve as an electric alternative to the Karoq. That car is due to be revealed in production form in the coming months and has been earmarked to receive a sporting vRS variant.
Skoda has revealed few details of the Epiq so far, apart from its target price of €25,000 (£21,350), its luggage capacity of 490 litres (the same as the ID 2) and its target official range of “more than” 400km (249 miles).
The five-door, five-seat Epiq will be built in Spain on the new MEB Entry electric architecture, the development of which is being led by Cupra. The structure is set to feature a single front-mounted electric motor and battery options of 38kWh and 56kWh, the larger offering charging speeds of 125kW to take capacity from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The battery will support bidirectional charging, which means it can power external devices or bolster home electricity networks.
The Epiq will adopt Skoda’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, as showcased in 2022 with the much larger Vision 7S concept, which majored on “robustness, functionality and authenticity”.
It will, however, be the first Skoda to carry that theme overtly into the cabin, which appears minimalist and utilitarian in its layout but hosts the latest infotainment software and in-car tech – while retaining physical buttons for key functions, including some mounted on the steering wheel.
Like the ID 2, the Epiq’s interior will be finished in “durable, practical and sustainable” materials and will feature lots of storage.
Separately, Skoda’s sales figures for 2023 have been confirmed at 866,800, a rise of 18.5% on the previous year. Skoda increased profits to €1.8 billion (£1.5bn) from revenues of €26.5bn (£22.6bn
