2027 Skoda Epiq review: There's nothing cut-price about the brand's cheapest EV

Skoda’s new Epiq might sit at the bottom of the Czech brand’s expanding electric SUV family, but you’d never know that once you experience how it drives and the amount of practicality that’s been shoehorned into it. Make a list of what you’d like to see in a small SUV and the newcomer will tick practically every box.

The Epiq is effectively a battery-powered alternative to the Kamiq and shares its MEB+ architecture with the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval. Inside, there’s an obvious family resemblance to the larger, critically acclaimed Elroq. A 13-inch central touchscreen is joined by a 5.3-inch digital instrument display, while physical shortcut buttons provide quick access to frequently used functions.

4

The Android-based infotainment system is responsive and supports downloadable third-party apps, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. All up, it’s a better set-up than you’ll find on other Skodas. Climate controls are less convenient, with most functions accessed through the touchscreen rather than dedicated switches.

Cabin materials include plenty of hard plastic, as you’d expect from a relatively affordable EV, but it actually gives you a more upmarket impression thanks to the clever use of fabrics, recycled materials and metal-effect trim.

Practicality is one of the Epiq’s trump cards. Adults up to six feet tall can fit comfortably in the rear, while three Isofix mounting points cater for families. Boot capacity is an impressive 475 litres – five litres more than the Elroq – and that expands to 1344 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 25-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet.

Skoda’s trademark practical touches include an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door, an ice scraper and a charging-cable bag that attaches to the rear seatbacks. Outside, it has an air of rugged quality with its chunky bumpers, roof rails and abundance of plastic cladding, but it teams that with contemporary styling like the ‘Tech-Deck Face’ it shares with the Elroq.

5

Two battery configurations have been unveiled. The entry Epiq 40 uses a 37kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and is expected to deliver approximately 305km of range. Its 99kW electric motor should propel it from 0–100km/h in about 10 seconds.

The Epiq 55 steps up to a 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, providing up to 438km of claimed range. During testing, energy consumption averaged an impressive 13.2kWh/100km, despite considerable higher-speed driving. Maximum DC charging power is 105kW, with a 10–80 per cent recharge taking a claimed 24 minutes.

Performance is also considerably stronger in the Epiq 55. Its 155kW motor delivers 0–100km/h in 7.4 seconds, providing ample acceleration for overtaking. The test car was put through its paces with lots of highway cruising, but still returned an outstanding mark of 13.22kWh/100km. 

On the road, the Epiq feels polished rather than overtly sporty. Steering has reassuring weight, the brake pedal provides consistent feedback and strong regenerative braking allows near-one-pedal driving around town.

5

Its suspension is firmer than that of the larger Elroq and Enyaq, but remains well controlled and dealt easily with the potholes encountered during testing in Austria. Some vibration was noticeable over rougher surfaces, along with wind and tyre noise at higher speeds, but those are the only complaints.

Australian availability, specifications and pricing have yet to be confirmed, but on first impressions the Epiq has the ingredients to become one of Skoda’s most compelling EVs yet – particularly for buyers who value space, efficiency and everyday usability over outright driving excitement.