Skoda’s third electrical automobile (EV) is a small SUV that’s set to enter the market at a value level that ought to make it way more reasonably priced than the model’s earlier efforts.
Having already rolled out the range-topping Enyaq electrical SUV and its barely smaller sibling, the Elroq, Skoda is setting its sights on the aggressive small SUV/crossover section with the Epiq.
It’s the primary of a raft of latest entry-level EVs from the Volkswagen Group, in an effort to compete with Chinese language and Korean rivals such because the BYD Atto 2 and Kia EV3.
The Skoda Epiq will initially roll out in Europe within the second half of 2026, however no agency date for its arrival on Australian shores has but been set.
Our first expertise with the automotive got here in Portugal, with camouflaged automobiles near the ultimate manufacturing model.
Anticipated to be priced consistent with the Skoda Kamiq, the equally sized Epiq can be supplied with the selection of two batteries and can intently resemble the near-production idea that was proven on the 2025 Munich motor present, exhibiting the corporate’s newest ‘Trendy Stable’ design language.
All the everyday Skoda options are included, from the virtually sized boot to the Czech model’s signature ‘merely intelligent’ particulars, however patrons can even get the most recent driver-assistance tech and enhanced security options. We received behind the wheel of the range-topping Skoda Epiq 55 to see what you’ll be able to anticipate.
How a lot does the Skoda Epiq value?
It’s probably the Skoda Epiq received’t arrive in Australia till 2027 and, whereas official pricing hasn’t been introduced but, the corporate has hinted it will likely be on a par with the petrol-powered Kamiq – which is presently priced from $29,990 earlier than on-road prices in Australia.
The complete Skoda Epiq mannequin vary has but to be formalised, however half of what’s going to make the automotive that bit extra reasonably priced is the usage of LFP battery expertise within the entry-grade model, badged because the Epiq 35.
This battery would be the smaller of the 2 by way of power capability, and to additional handle prices the Epiq 35 could have a decrease energy output of 85kW, and a slower 50kW most DC fast-charging fee.
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What’s the Skoda Epiq like on the within?
In typical Skoda trend, the Epiq’s inside is one formed by operate as a lot as type, with the anticipated degree of contemporary expertise included.
A giant a part of this automotive’s remit goes again to fundamentals, together with a return to higher use of bodily buttons for features akin to temperature adjustment, window controls and mirror motion.
As previewed by the 2025 present automotive, the Epiq will include a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster in entrance of the driving force that can relay all the standard and related info. With the dashboard being shallower than in bigger Skoda EVs, and to handle prices, there isn’t any head-up show.
The absolutely spherical steering wheel encompasses a two-spoke design, however a three-spoke model is anticipated to be included in different variants sooner or later. Once more, there are bodily controls on either side for media and driver-assistance features, together with tactile rollers.
A 13-inch central infotainment touchscreen is a standard-fit merchandise throughout the vary, so even if you happen to plumb for the bottom mannequin, you received’t get shortchanged with a smaller show. Mounted excessive up on the dashboard, it encompasses a haptic contact bar alongside its base for quantity adjustment.
Under the central air vents is a financial institution of buttons for the local weather features, although temperature adjustment can nonetheless be carried out by way of the touchscreen. Because the drive selector is mounted up on the steering column, there’s area within the centre console for a wi-fi cellphone charger and storage for oddments round and beneath this.
Two giant cupholders occupy the area between the entrance seats, and there’s a small storage bin below the central armrest, too. The door bins are additionally of a helpful measurement.
Three design ranges can be supplied within the Epiq, all together with 100 per cent recycled supplies for the seats. Greater-grade variations can be accessible with artificial leather-based referred to as ‘Techtona’ on the dashboard, door inserts and seats.
Rear passenger area is fairly good for the section, although having its battery sandwiched into the ground does influence the seating place, leading to a shorter distance between the hip level and the ground. Headroom for these within the rear is satisfactory, however round 30mm lower than the Kamiq in keeping with Skoda.
Boot area is available in at a sensible 475 litres – 75L greater than the Kamiq – and there’s fairly a deep space beneath the boot ground due to the usage of a twist-beam rear suspension setup.
Disappointingly, in a cost-cutting transfer, the Epiq doesn’t get the Elroq’s helpful storage web for the charging cable on the underside of the parcel shelf, however as an alternative its designers have provide you with a sturdy service that may clip into the top-tether level on the rear seat, which is admittedly helpful – as long as you’re not utilizing a baby seat.
Talking of which, there are two ISOFIX mounting factors within the outer rear seats, and the rear seatback might be fitted with three top-tether factors, however the entrance passenger seat didn’t have an ISOFIX mounts within the automotive we drove.
Observe: No inside photographs have been supplied within the press equipment for the prototype drive
| Dimensions | Skoda Epiq |
|---|---|
| Size | 4171mm |
| Width | 1753mm |
| Peak | 1581mm |
| Wheelbase | 2601mm |
| Cargo capability | 475-1344L |
What’s below the bonnet?
The plan is for Skoda to supply three powertrains, comprising two battery choices and three energy outputs.
| Specs | Skoda Epiq 55 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 51.7kWh NMC – usable |
| Energy | 155kW |
| Torque | 290Nm |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1544kg – kerb |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.4 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 13.1kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | – |
| Claimed vary | 430km |
| Max AC cost fee | 11kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 125kW |
| Braked towing capability | 1200kg |
We solely had the chance to drive the Epiq 55, and whereas the Epiq 35 would be the most reasonably priced model, it has about half the ability output of the Epiq 55 at 85kW.
Granted, peak torque is identical because the Epiq 40 at 290Nm, and each use the identical 37kWh battery pack. Nevertheless, Skoda additionally dials again the utmost DC fast-charge fee of the Epiq 35 to only 50kW to maintain prices down.
When you’re a frequent house charger, that turns into one thing of a moot level, because it nonetheless delivers the identical 315km vary. The Epiq 40 has a 90kW DC charging fee and a 99kW peak energy output.
How does the Skoda Epiq drive?
The Skoda Epiq is constructed on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB+’ platform, which is able to underpin a glut of different new EVs, together with the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross.
In creating the brand new platform for these vehicles, moreover managing prices, there was an effort to make sure the Epiq drives with the type of high quality that patrons may anticipate. On this occasion, Skoda has principally gotten that proper, however there are some areas that want additional dialing in previous to launch.
Whereas the climate situations have been lower than ideally suited for our drive, the ability supply via the entrance wheels on multiple event resulted in some wheel spin when pulling away from a cease, which isn’t what most will anticipate from such a automotive contemplating its modest 155kW output.
As soon as on the transfer, the Epiq gives a good degree of consolation on its passive suspension, which includes MacPherson struts up entrance and a twist-beam rear axle.
Our automotive ran on 18-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone rubber, with a beneficiant sidewall for added bump absorption. We suspect the non-obligatory 20-inch wheels that Skoda will provide won’t make for a very comfy journey.
On metropolis streets, the Epiq instantly feels agile and lightweight on its ft. The 1544kg kerb weight is gentle by some EV requirements, and the dealing with advantages from a low centre of gravity supplied by the battery, regardless of being a comparatively lofty automotive.
The Epiq rides the bumps effectively, and even with the twist-beam rear, it feels fairly strong and planted on the highway. Regardless of operating on some sub-par highway surfaces, the noise ranges within the cabin remained good and low, so whereas this can be Skoda’s most reasonably priced EV, it doesn’t really feel all that budget-focused on the transfer.
Its electrically assisted steering is properly judged and, maybe most significantly for some, the Epiq feels fully regular to drive. That’s no veiled insult both; it’s simple to put on the highway and gives sufficient suggestions about what the entrance axle is doing, lifting the Epiq above the vehicular equipment nature that some EVs exhibit.
A selection of various driving modes is accessible, although we discovered leaving it within the default Regular setting supplied the most effective outcomes total. Roll-on energy supply is optimistic, and it feels brisk always. That’s helpful when becoming a member of a freeway, although we anticipate the much less highly effective variations must be labored more durable, which might enhance power consumption.
Varied ranges of power recuperation might be chosen by way of the central touchscreen. In its strongest setting, it comes near a one-pedal really feel, however this isn’t as effectively calibrated as in another vehicles of a comparable measurement.
While you carry off the accelerator pedal, there’s a slight delay because the recuperation blends in to sluggish the automotive. The brake pedal calibration itself is sweet, not overly assisted and simple to modulate in slow-moving visitors.
What do you get?
The complete breakdown of ordinary gear has not been introduced, however we do know just a few issues will characteristic in all variants, such because the 5.3-inch digital driver’s show and 13-inch multimedia touchscreen.
The latter is certain to incorporate all of the anticipated smartphone mirroring software program, too.
It’s probably that 17-inch wheels can be customary, as will LED headlights, however Skoda will solely provide its high-end Matrix LED headlights on top-spec grades.
These characteristic 12 segments, which is greater than what has been beforehand accessible on the Kamiq, offering extra highly effective gentle for each high and low beam whereas shading oncoming visitors to stop dazzling different drivers.
Is the Skoda Epiq secure?
Skoda equips the Epiq with lots of the common security gear and options. It’s too quickly for ANCAP to evaluate it, but it surely’s anticipated to attain effectively when it’s crash-tested.
It will likely be accessible with Journey Help 3.0, which Skoda says is probably the most superior set of driver help methods it gives and makes use of the identical applied sciences that characteristic in its bigger vehicles.
These embrace Superior Adaptive Lane Help, which may reply to visitors lights and highway indicators, together with cease indicators. A top-view digital camera system gives 360-degree protection to assist with manoeuvring into tight spots, and features a 3D visualisation on the display screen from its 4 cameras.
In the meantime, the Cross Help 2.0 system makes use of the automotive’s radar sensors within the corners of the bumpers to help when coming into blind intersections and may warn the driving force of any approaching automobiles or cyclists.
How a lot does the Skoda Epiq value to run?
The Epiq is anticipated to be coated by Skoda’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle guarantee, which applies to its different fashions in Australia.
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| Servicing and Guarantee | Skoda Epiq |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 2 years free, then service-activated – TBC |
| Service intervals | 2 years or 30,000km – TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 10 years – TBC |
| Common annual service value | TBC |
| Complete capped-price service value | TBC |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Epiq
Whereas our first expertise with the Skoda Epiq confirmed there may be nonetheless some fine-tuning to be carried out, the general bundle is promising, particularly if the pricing is as aggressive as is recommended.
The entry-grade Epiq 35 might make for a great second automotive within the family for city driving, however the longer driving vary and extra highly effective motor of the Epiq 55 means it’ll be the one which most individuals usually tend to be drawn to.
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