Skoda has long established itself as a cornerstone of the European automotive market, carving out a reputation for delivering robust, practical, and value-driven vehicles. Over the past decade, the brand has transitioned from being a budget-friendly alternative to Volkswagen to a formidable contender in its own right, frequently outperforming its siblings in interior packaging and “Simply Clever” innovations. This evolution reaches a pivotal moment in 2026 with the introduction of the Skoda Epiq, a vehicle that signals the brand’s aggressive commitment to democratising electric mobility. By positioning the Epiq as a sensible, entry-level SUV, Skoda aims to capture the hearts of urban families who demand versatility without the prohibitive price tag often associated with modern EVs.
The public image of Skoda today is one of quiet competence and engineering integrity, qualities that are reflected in the Epiq’s “Modern Solid” design language. The brand’s taste in automobiles has always leaned towards functional elegance rather than ostentatious luxury, prioritising ergonomics, clever storage solutions, and everyday usability. The Epiq embodies this philosophy perfectly, utilising the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform to deliver a compact yet surprisingly spacious vehicle. As Skoda’s most affordable electric offering to date, the Epiq is not just another car; it is a strategic manoeuvre designed to anchor the brand’s presence in the rapidly expanding compact EV segment, ensuring that the transition to sustainable driving remains accessible to the mainstream market.
The Entry-Level Standard: Skoda Epiq 35
The Epiq 35 serves as the gateway to the range, offering a design that prioritises urban agility and aerodynamic efficiency. Measuring just under 4.2 metres in length, it possesses a commanding road presence thanks to its Tech Deck front face and distinctive T-shaped LED lighting signatures. The exterior is characterised by a raised SUV stance and chunky, rugged aesthetics that suggest a vehicle capable of more than just the school run. Despite its compact footprint, the aerodynamic active shutters and streamlined silhouette achieve a drag coefficient of 0.27, ensuring that every kilowatt-hour of energy is used as efficiently as possible in city traffic.
Inside, the Epiq 35 belies its entry-level status with a cabin focused on sustainability and intuitive technology. The interior utilises recycled materials, particularly in the “Studio” trim, creating a modern and clean atmosphere that feels significantly more premium than its estimated £25,000 price tag would suggest. Driving dynamics are handled by a 114hp front-mounted motor powered by a 37kWh LFP battery, delivering a composed and pliant ride. While the 0-62mph time of 11 seconds is modest, the instantaneous torque of 267Nm ensures it feels brisk away from the lights, making it an ideal companion for navigating tight city streets with ease.
The Balanced Contender: Skoda Epiq 40
Stepping up to the Epiq 40, the vehicle maintains the same striking exterior dimensions and “Modern Solid” styling but adds a layer of technical sophistication. The road presence is bolstered by the potential for larger alloy wheels and enhanced trim detailing found in the “Loft” interior package. This variant continues to leverage the compact 4.1-metre length to its advantage, offering excellent visibility and a tight turning circle. The exterior design remains functional, featuring the trademark “Simply Clever” touches such as the integrated ice scraper and the door-mounted umbrella, which have become synonymous with the brand’s practical approach to design.
The real upgrade for the Epiq 40 lies in its performance and charging architecture. While it shares the 37kWh LFP battery with the base model, the motor output is increased to 133hp, shaving the 0-62mph sprint down to 9.8 seconds. This provides a more confident driving experience on faster A-roads and dual carriageways. More importantly, DC charging speeds are boosted to 90kW, allowing for significantly faster top-ups during errands. The cabin features the same class-leading 475-litre boot and a 13-inch infotainment system, making this mid-tier model, priced around £27,000 to £29,000, perhaps the most logical choice for those who need a reliable daily driver with slightly more pep.
The Range-Topper: Skoda Epiq 55
The Epiq 55 is the flagship of the lineup, designed for those who require the maximum possible range and performance from a compact platform. Visually, it can be distinguished by its more aggressive styling cues and the “Suite” interior trim, which emphasises comfort and high-quality sustainable finishes. The exterior retains the signature Tech Deck front but often includes more intricate lighting elements and premium paint options. It maintains the 2.6-metre wheelbase that allows for a surprisingly spacious rear cabin, though the slightly higher floor due to the larger battery pack remains a minor consideration for taller adult passengers.
Under the skin, the Epiq 55 is a significant step up, featuring a larger 52kWh NMC battery that extends the WLTP range to an impressive 272 miles. The motor is substantially more powerful, producing 208 hp and 290 Nm of torque, which enables a 0-62mph time of just 7.4 seconds. This variant feels much more at home on longer journeys, supported by 133kW DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes. With an estimated price ranging from £30,000 to £33,000, the Epiq 55 offers a level of performance and luxury that challenges much larger electric SUVs, all while maintaining the practicality of a 475-litre boot and a 1,200-kg towing capacity.
Regional Relevance and Ownership Experience
In the context of the UK’s driving environment, the Skoda Epiq is exceptionally well-suited to both congested city centres and winding suburban roads. Its compact dimensions make it a dream for navigating narrow urban lanes and finding parking in cramped multi-storey car parks, while the raised SUV driving position provides the visibility required to feel secure in heavy traffic. Given the UK’s varied climate, the inclusion of “Simply Clever” features like the door-mounted umbrella and the robust heating systems tailored for efficiency are more than just gimmicks—they are essential tools for daily comfort. The 475-litre boot is particularly relevant for British families, comfortably accommodating everything from a weekly supermarket shop to bulky sports equipment or a standard pushchair.
Furthermore, the prestige associated with the Skoda badge has risen significantly, making the Epiq a respectable choice for professionals and families alike. Maintenance and availability are expected to be high, leveraging the extensive Volkswagen Group service network across the UK, which mitigates many of the concerns first-time EV buyers might have regarding specialist repairs. The vehicle’s composure over potholes and cobblestones—frequent features of British road surfaces—has been noted in early prototype drives, suggesting a refined ride quality that prioritises occupant comfort. With V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capabilities, it even offers a lifestyle advantage for the UK’s outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to power equipment while camping or during weekend outings.
Market Positioning and Competitive Comparison
When compared to its primary rivals, the Skoda Epiq occupies a very strong competitive position. Against the Renault 4 E-Tech, the Epiq offers a significantly larger boot (475 litres vs 420 litres) and a more mature, refined interior. While the Citroën ë-C3 targets a slightly lower price point, it cannot match the Epiq’s performance, technology suite, or sheer interior volume. In terms of cost, the Epiq’s starting price of approximately £25,000 makes it one of the most accessible “proper” electric SUVs on the market. Skoda’s historically strong resale values are likely to carry over to the Epiq, as its blend of practicality and VW-derived technology makes it a highly desirable prospect on the used market.
From a maintenance and durability perspective, the use of the MEB+ platform and LFP batteries in the lower trims suggests a vehicle built for longevity and lower running costs. LFP batteries are known for their ability to withstand frequent full charges without significant degradation, which is a major plus for urban owners relying on public infrastructure. While rivals like the Cupra Raval or Volkswagen ID.2 may offer more “sporty” or “iconic” branding, the Skoda Epiq wins on pure sensibility and “bang for your buck.” It manages to avoid the “budget car” feel through clever design and high-quality digital interfaces, positioning itself as the benchmark for what a sensible, modern, and affordable electric car should be.
An Epiq Future for Electric Driving
The Skoda Epiq range represents a promising future for affordable EVs, blending clever engineering with everyday practicality. From the budget-conscious Epiq 35 to the long-range Epiq 55, Skoda has managed to create a lineup that addresses the primary concerns of modern drivers: range anxiety, interior space, and cost. Its “Modern Solid” design language ensures it looks the part, while the 475-litre boot and “Simply Clever” features ensure it performs the part. As the electric equivalent to the beloved Kamiq, the Epiq is poised to become a common sight on UK roads, offering a mature and reliable entry point into the world of electric SUVs. We would love to hear your thoughts on this new contender—does the Epiq offer enough value to make you switch to electric? Let us know in the comments below!
