The Skoda Epiq will go on sale in Ireland by 2026 as a compact electric SUV with 400 kilometres of range and a price tag that is expected to be less than €30,000 when it arrives. It is one of six new fully electric models Skoda will launch over the coming years and uses a new platform that will make its electric cars more affordable. While this remains a design study for now, sources tell CompleteCar.ie that it is close to how the production version will look.
Many will see the Epiq as a modern interpretation of the much-loved Skoda Yeti thanks to its rugged look, small footprint and upright design. Measuring 4.1 metres long, the Epiq is claimed to have a spacious cabin that can accommodate five people and still offer 490 litres of luggage space in the boot.
'Modern Solid' look for the Skoda Epiq
The Epiq's styling reflects the company's recently introduced 'Modern Solid' design language and demonstrates how future models from the Czech brand will look. Influenced by the 2022 Vision 7S concept car, the Epiq has distinctive bumpers with eight vertical slots, expected to make it onto the final production version. It will make greater use of recycled materials, including plastics that produce the mottled graphic on the lower section of the bumpers and sills.
The striking front end is a clue as to how the next generation of electric Skoda models will look - its designers refer to it as a 'Tech-Deck Face'. Using a glossy black insert across the front enables Skoda to build in numerous driver assistance hardware without spoiling the car's appearance. Slim T-shaped LED daytime running lights are supported by small LED headlight units discreetly integrated into the lower section of the Tech-Deck. This look will appear in the forthcoming Skoda Elroq SUV, too, which will debut later this year and slot into the line-up beneath the Enyaq.
Epiq's cabin design
Up front, the Epiq has a sensible dashboard layout with a minimalist look. At the centre is a 13-inch touchscreen supported by a smaller digital instrument panel, as in the current Enyaq. Ventilation is incorporated into the upright dashboard fascia, and the two-spoke steering wheel is evolved from the design featured in current Skoda models. It retains physical controls and haptic scroll wheels to make it simple for the driver to use.
Thin ambient light strips run across the dashboard and into the doors, using a vibrant 'Flashy Orange' accent to highlight key functions and details within the cabin. That colour is found throughout the car, appearing in the bumper vents, wheels and roof rails.
Skoda is doubling down on its reputation for practicality with the Epiq, which is packed with its trademark 'Simply Clever' features, including bag hooks, fastening hooks and a hidden underfloor compartment. The floating centre console includes additional storage underneath, cupholders and a wireless charging pad.
Company CEO Klaus Zellmer said: "The coming Skoda Epiq will package a lot of car for an attractive price and a big interior with a compact size. Our customers want choices, which is why we are expanding our growing e-mobility portfolio into this popular segment. I hope these first design teasers demonstrate that the Epiq will shine because of its modern design, everyday range and user-friendly technologies - all of it affordable."
Bold new name
Skoda isn't being modest in choosing a name that plays on the word epic. It fits in with the company's nomenclature for electric SUVs, where names begin with an E to denote their battery propulsion and end with a Q to signify they are SUVs. Skoda says that 'Epiq' is also derived from the ancient Greek word "epos", which stands for "word" or "verse" and for "tale" or "poem".
When the Epiq goes on sale, it will be built in Pamplona in Spain, as part of the Volkswagen Group's production project for EVs, alongside models from Cupra and Volkswagen.
John Donegan, Director of Skoda Ireland: "The Epiq is planned to make its Irish debut in 2026 as our most affordable electric Skoda model. For customers who can't wait until 2026 we have a Karoq-sized BEV called the Elroq that will be unveiled before the end of this year and will go on sale in 2025. Until then the Enyaq offers excellent value at the moment with consumer personal contract plan finance offers from 0 per cent APR."