Skoda Epiq review

A chunky, almost rugged electric supermini that looks a bit like an SUV that’s been reproduced at 70 per cent scale. An interesting take, seeing as it’s based on the same bones – VW’s MEB+ platform – as the VW ID. Polo and Cupra Raval. Think of the Skoda Epiq as a Renault 4 competitor, or VW ID. Cross… without the pure hatchback version.

But across that family, the Cupra’s the funky, spicy one, the ID. Polo is the sensible sibling, and the Epiq appears to be the one somewhere in the middle. Not a pseudo-headbanger like the Raval, but not quite as conservative as the ID. Polo. For Skoda, that’s a difficult thing to get right, but a good place to be if the Epiq stacks up across those model lines.

There are three battery options (not all of which we get in the UK) consisting of a pair of LFP units at 37.5kWh (usable), with outputs of 114bhp and 133bhp depending on which you specify. They’ll manage ‘over’ 193 miles of range, and vary in charging ability, which we’ll get into in a bit.

Top of the tree is a 52kWh NMC battery that comes with 208bhp of power, 214lb ft of torque and more than 273 miles of range: that’s the one we’ve been driving until we can get our hands on the lower-spec versions.

It’s not a hot hatch, but has plenty of poke. All are front-wheel drive, and Skoda reckons it costs the same as a Skoda Kamiq in many markets, bringing that price-parity between traditional ICE models and EVs a bit closer.

What’s with the looks?

As per the ID. Polo/Cross and Raval, the basic dimensions across the VW pantheon are largely the same, but styling was completely in-house, called ‘Modern solid’ – the Epiq being the first Skoda to feature the new language. Skoda went with a striking front end and set of design inclinations, so you have the slim daylight running lights in a ’T’ shape under a turreted bonnet, and a large black mask across the front called the ‘Tech-deck’ supported underneath by a toothy plastic grille that looks vaguely like a Jeep. Except that there are eight gaps instead of that iconic seven.

The front bumper links to the front arches via a dark plastic trim line, a line which carries down the sills of the car to the rear arches and hence to the rear bumper, which echoes the front in design. Hence the more ‘SUV’ kind of look. Rear lights are again similar to the front-end, and there are some nice details, like the sharky fin in the C-pillar with the Skoda badge at the bottom.

It’s square, solid-looking and feels premium to look at, without being as self-consciously ‘exciting’ as some. Or as faintly boring as others. It looks bigger than it is, although at 4,171mm it is actually 118mm longer than the ID. Polo and a smidge longer than the ID Cross. So your eyes aren’t completely deceiving you, even if it is actually slightly narrower than either.

What models are available?

As mentioned, the Epiq is available in European markets with two battery sizes and three power outputs, all with front‑wheel drive. So there’s the ‘35’ and ‘40’ with the smaller LFP battery that produce 114bhp and 133bhp respectively, both with 197lb ft of torque. They’ll both do more than 193 miles (310km) of range, with 0-62mph in 11 seconds dead for the smaller version, 9.8 for the larger. The smaller battery gets 50kW DC charging, the bigger 99kW.

The current top-spec is the ‘55’, with the 52kWh battery, 208bhp output and 214lb ft, 0-62mph in 7.1s and 105kW charging. And that comes with over 273 miles of range. They all get 11kW AC and bi-directional charging.

So far, it looks like the UK will get the 40 and 55 variants, in ‘SE L’ and ‘Edition’ trims, as well as the usual ‘First Edition’ trim line, with the bigger battery version arriving first and ranging from £24,950 for the 40 SE L, up through £27,700 for the 50 SE L (the cheapest 52kWh), to the First Edition 55 at £31,450. Though none of those prices include the Electric Car Grant – so they should be a bit cheaper once that's confirmed.

What about the inside?

It’s good stuff here: Skoda walks a neat line between functional and fun, and the Epiq is no exception. There’s a well-sorted interior with lots of soft touch, padded bits – which are both nicer to feel and dampen down noise reflected by harder plastics. There’s a big, deep 475-litre boot, decent rear legroom (it seems a touch bigger than rivals in the back) and a weeny, optional 18-ish litre frunk.

In the cabin, there’s a digital dialset up front, complemented by a landscape screen in the middle, proper switches for oft-used functions on a bar underneath that. Simple, feels durable, clean design. Bosh.

There are panoramic roof options, decent colourways and a whole plethora of options. It’s good but not jaw-dropping. It’s the little stuff though – the fact that there’s a pass-through for phone cables if you didn’t option wireless charging to keep it looking neat, Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ little touches and the ability to 3D-print your own accessories because Skoda has supplied the specs to public forums. Bonus points to whomever produces the maddest accessory…

It must drive like the others on the same VW bits though?

Weirdly, no. The Epiq is actually a competitor for stuff like the VW ID. Cross and Renault 4, rather than the more hatchbacky stuff… although it’s definitely an alternative to those, too. So this is more relaxed than you might think. The top-spec 55 has more than enough shove, and even though it’s not a hot hatch, it’s more than quick enough for 95 per cent of situations.

Plus, it’ll still pull heartily in the mid-ranges – plenty for the odd overtake of a tractor, sprint-level cyclist or go-slow old-person. The steering is a little slow for absolute precision and there’s a decent glob of body roll, but that’s not as bad as it sounds, because the Epiq rides well and handles neatly. It’s just a bit more chilled.

A neat, charming, practical little electric car from Skoda. It’s got big-car pretensions without being pretentious, and you can option it up to feel plush while keeping it parking friendly in size.

The shared VW bits means it’s got good range and charging ability in the biggest battery version, and it feels like it could cover most jobs – even the odd longer-distance trip.

No, it’s not the most dynamic thing ever to hit the tarmac, but it’s got solid acceleration and decent handling, with an interior that echoes that dynamic balance. It’s a bit of a supermini SUV all-rounder – exactly what Skoda was aiming for.