Czech’s entry-level EV lays down a marker for rivals with price tag of under €25k
We have been to the concept launch, got up close and personal on the covered debut (camouflaged) and last week, the international drive — and we can now confirm the new Skoda all-electric compact SUV is truly Epiq in both name and nature.
Being the runt of the litter — sitting below the best-selling Enyaq and Elroq — this new entry-level EV is sure to give its siblings a run for their money in next year’s sales charts.
This offering uses the same MEB+ platform as its cousins, the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen’s ID.Polo and ID.Cross models. The quartet represents Volkswagen Group’s attack on the more value end of the EV market.
But the Czech imp is the first out of the traps in Ireland and left hand drive demo models will be in dealerships by November with first deliveries, on 271 plates, in January.
More importantly, it doesn’t skimp on quality and boasts an exterior and interior that will put the fear of God into more established premium models and give cheaper Chinese brands a bloody nose. But more about that later.
So, how does it drive?
For starters, the front wheel drive set up is perfect for Irish roads and coupled with up to 208bhp, there’s more than enough grunt to get you out of any stick situations. The most powerful version can hit 100kph in just over 7 seconds.
Granted, it won’t set your hair on fire with brute force and it won’t threaten conventional hot hatches in the handling department, but it is supremely comfortable.
Around town the ride is supple and composed — dealing effortlessly with speed bumps and uneven surfaces.
The suspension and steering were perfectly weighted for the size of the car and even on 19 inch alloys (Sportline models) it wasn’t overly choppy.
Surprisingly, it was super confident on the motorway — cruising sublimely with little or no intrusion from the outside world.
In fact, on the autobahn, it topped out at 166kph with three well-fed gents and their luggage on-board sprinting to Munich airport via Tyrol in Austria.
Irish customers are never going to push the Epiq to those limits, but it is reassuring that this minnow has that level of power in reserve should you ever need it.
Style-wise, the designers have stuck with the tried-and-tested features that have made the Elroq and the Enyaq firm favourites in Ireland, with a chunky front-end sporting the Tech Deck face.
It gets a rugged, go-anywhere look with thick rubber cladding in the front apron that runs around the wheel arches along the sills to the diffuser at the rear.
Slim T-shaped LED headlights and black Skoda lettering on the bonnet and above the rear haunches add a premium touch, as do the two-tone wheels, which can be 18, 19 or 20 inches.
The interior uses a mixture of animal-free materials and textiles, and has a clean and simple layout. Like its Volkswagen ID.Polo sister, it features a range of buttons on the centre console and steering wheel.
There are three fabric designs to choose from – Loft Grey, Loft Mint and Suite Design – which perfectly complement the faux leather on the dashboard and door panels. Ambient lighting also adds to the atmosphere.
Practicality is a key theme with the Epiq, as the 475-litre boot is roomier than the larger Elroq’s, plus there is a 25-litre frunk under the bonnet – a first for Skoda, but not standard across the range.
Naturally, being a Skoda, there are the brand’s famous “Simply Clever” features, such as an umbrella in the driver’s door, a tether bag for the charging cables, special hooks on the back of the seats in the boot and a sunglasses storage compartment in the glove box.
Three models will be available in Ireland, and they are simply called the 35, 40 and 55. Two battery sizes are on offer for Irish customers, with Skoda promising a range of up to 310km for the 38kWh entry-level model, and 435km from the larger 55kWh battery.
Prices for the 35 start at €24,559.
Both versions can be charged from 10pc to 80pc in under 30 minutes.
The Epiq 40 pairs its battery with a 132bhp electric motor, while the larger battery version uses a 208bhp motor. Both have front-wheel drive – there are no dual-motor, four-wheel drive models.
There are four trim levels – Choice, Essence, Selection and Sportline. The entry-level car comes with LED lights front and rear, 13-inch infotainment system, 5.6-inch driver display, active cruise control, rear parking sensors and 17-inch steel wheels.
Upgrade to Essence for €26,898 and you also get DC charging, front parking sensors, rearview camera, wireless phone charging and mobile digital key.
The Selection model costs €29,704 (55kWh battery is €32,979) and you will be treated to 18-inch alloys, heated seats, ambient lighting, privacy glass, C-pillar lettering and dual-zone air con.
Skoda reckon that most will opt for the mid-range model and with plenty of goodies at a €4k price walk, it’s a lot of bang for your buck.