► New Skoda Epiq revealed
► A first for Skoda: Volkswagen’s new MEB+ platform
► The most affordable electric Skoda ever

Skoda has pulled the covers off its entry-level compact electric SUV, the Epiq. Prices start at £24,950, making it the most affordable Skoda electric car ever. It aims to tempt buyers away from the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross and the Cupra Raval.

Designed on Volkswagen’s new MEB+ platform, the Epiq aims to offer practical electric mobility with less weight and more efficiency than before. Skoda has confirmed it will offer two battery sizes: a 37kWh unit delivering around 190 miles and a 52kWh unit delivering up to 272 miles. A single electric motor in each version will drive the front wheels, rated at 114 or 135hp in the smaller battery version and 211hp in the other.

Skoda hasn’t specified the 0-60mph times of the two versions, but top speed is around 93mph for the smaller battery variant and around 99mph for the larger battery variant. Instead, Skoda aims to utilise the compact dimensions to create a city-friendly EV that’s practical and efficient.

Starting with the SE L and Edition trims, Skoda will offer an exclusive First Edition at launch. Prospective buyers can expect a glossy black Tech-Deck face flanked by the new T-shaped lights that Skoda intends to carry forward to future models. There are also O-shaped air inlets on the bumper, which complete the Robocop-meets-Hannibal Lecter look. Six paint options will be available: three metallic and three solid, alongside 18- or 19-inch wheels. The exclusive First Edition gets 20-inch wheels alongside a two-tone paint finish and orange accents throughout the exterior and interior of the car, including the wing-mirror caps and seatbelts.

Inside, Skoda aims to continue ‘Modern Solid’ as the Epiq is the first car to fully adopt the design language. There’s a choice of Loft Grey or Loft Mint textile upholstery produced from recycled polyester fibres and artificial leather with matching stitching – it’s the first synthetic leather to be completely animal-free in a Skoda. The Suite, which is an option on the Edition trim, contains brown artificial leather and stitching.

The new 13-inch infotainment system features improved graphics and a new home screen. There are personalisation features, such as shortcuts, and the ability to download third-party apps from the app store – including Spotify, YouTube, and Google Maps.

Skoda hasn’t held back on the ‘Simply Clever’ features that we love, so expect the usual handy storage bag for charging cables, an ice scraper, and an umbrella in the door – how fancy is that? Despite clever packaging and useful storage areas within the cabin, the Epiq has a respectable 475-litre boot with an additional 25 litres in the ‘frunk.’

The Epiq isn’t the only new compact EV to come from the wider Volkswagen group, with notable entrants including the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval. The ID. Polo and Cupra Raval sit at the opposite end of the styling spectrum, while the Epiq offers a balanced design. All three cars feature the same battery sizes and similar range figures. However, the VW and Cupra are priced lower than the Skoda. The Epiq, though, is slightly larger than its rivals, giving buyers more space for their money.

The Epiq 50 – with the 52kWh battery – supports DC rapid charging at 105 kW, completing a 10-80% charge in around 24 minutes. The smaller battery version, like in the ID. Polo and Raval, is expected to support 88 or 90 kW to deliver similar charging results. 11 kW AC charging comes as standard.

Starting at £24,950, the base SE L version is the most affordable EV from the Czech brand, priced similarly to the petrol Kamiq. The Edition trim starts at £27,700 and adds satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, heated seats and steering wheel, and bi-directional charging capabilities. Prospective buyers can expect to place orders in July 2026.

Would the Skoda’s practical design and useful ‘Simply Clever’ features tempt you away from the Volkswagen and Cupra?