Skoda Epiq presented: Far from any excitement

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Can success be predicted? Competitors sometimes have to despair in secret: Volkswagen has slept through some trends in recent years and decades, only to then leave others behind in terms of registration numbers with visually and technically unspectacular models. There is a justified chance that this recipe will also work for the group with the VW ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq. The Epiq, a small E-SUV, has now been officially presented.

With the Skoda Epiq, the Volkswagen Group is by no means entering a segment that has been ignored by other manufacturers so far. At 4.17 m, it is about as long as an Opel Mokka. The wheelbase measures 2.6 m, which is about 17 cm less than in the Skoda Elroq. This will undoubtedly be reflected in the space available. However, Skoda has often proven in the past that they have a good hand for comparatively generous space.

Plenty of space for luggage

The trunk holds 475 liters, which is also because there is a deep compartment between the rear axle and the rear bumper. For comparison: The Opel Mokka Electric holds 310 liters. The rear seat cannot be moved. The luggage compartment itself measures almost 70 cm in depth and one meter between the wheel arches. The compartment under the front hood is quite small at 25 liters. At least there is one now, because anyone who wants it in the Elroq or Enyaq has to retrofit it. If all that is not enough: the base model can tow up to 500 kg, the version with the large battery even 1200 kg. Skoda specifies a maximum nose weight of 75 kg for all variants. Roof load also seems to be intended. Among the first press images is one showing the Epiq carrying a racing bike. This is worth mentioning because nothing can be transported on the VW ID.3.

Volkswagen has opted for a conservative design. Only a few details, such as the lower hole strips in the bumpers, spice things up a bit, where the left opening can be painted red. Elsewhere, Skoda shows pragmatism: The base model gets steel wheels with hubcaps, and how the door handles are operated is self-explanatory without having to think about it for a second. The brand is not following the trend towards retractable levers for cost reasons.

Saving as a concept

Because saving was definitely an issue. Skoda uses an inexpensive trailing arm axle with a torsion bar at the rear. Inside, the instrument cluster is exactly what is being phased out in the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born. It is a 5.3-inch display and only provides the most necessary information. There are no touch surfaces on the steering wheel, but fixed buttons and two rollers. The cruise control is operated via a separate lever, as has been the case at Volkswagen for decades. The switches for the window lifters and mirror adjustment are also familiar. There is a button on the right of the steering column to start, but Skoda will likely handle this by seat occupancy as standard: get in, press the brake pedal once, select direction, and off you go.

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Skoda Epiq Innenraum (17 Bilder)

The volume of the infotainment system is controlled again via a touch surface or one of the rollers on the steering wheel. Some functions can be accessed directly below the central air vents. The first Epiqs will be delivered with software version 6.0. This brings a slightly modified interface, where the previously horizontal bars at the top and bottom have been moved to the sides. In general, the interface can be customized quite extensively so that the driver can access the functions they use frequently. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can, of course, be used wirelessly. There is only one inductive charging tray, although there would have been space for two.

Skoda also refrains from the kind of gimmicks among the optional extras that only a minority of customers would order in this price-sensitive class anyway. Matrix lighting, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and a Canton sound system can be ordered, among other things. The smartphone as a key and the ability to have the Epiq park itself controlled from outside via a mobile phone are in preparation. Both are not yet standard extras in this class. Unlike in the Elroq, the Epiq again has an optional glass roof. Unfortunately, it cannot be opened, but unlike the BMW iX3, Skoda at least doesn't skimp on a motorized sunblind.

Return of the disc brake

The Volkswagen Group is breaking with previous practice in one respect: disc brakes are installed at the rear again. Previously, models using the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) had rear-wheel drive and drum brakes at the rear. Recuperation was then done via the rear wheels, and the service brake was only needed in exceptional cases. Skoda provides the explanation for the switch to rear disc brakes in the Epiq. Unlike in the larger models, recuperation in the Epiq and other compact cars using the MEB+ is done via the front axle. Skoda writes that this means the rear brakes are used more frequently, and the oxidation of the brake discs is limited. I have had completely different experiences in the Opel Corsa-e, but perhaps Volkswagen will manage it much better. Incidentally, the Epiq is the first Skoda to enable one-pedal driving.

Three drive variants are planned for the launch of the Epiq. All have front-wheel drive, and nothing else is provided for on this platform. The technical specifications are already known from other models based on this. The small battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and has 37.5 kWh net. The large battery offers a usable 51.5 kWh and uses a mixture of nickel, manganese, and cobalt as cell chemistry.

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Skoda Epiq - Details (4 Bilder)

Trimmed base model

The base model has 85 kW, the next step up has 99 kW. Both reach a maximum of 150 km/h. More interesting will be whether Skoda really sticks to unnecessarily limiting the charging power of the entry-level model. The technical data published in February mentioned 50 kW DC charging power for the Epiq 35. The Epiq 40 with the same battery can charge at 90 kW. Skoda has only provided charging time information for this version so far. It is said to take 28 minutes to recharge the 26 kWh (70 percent of net energy content). This results in an average net charging power of 55.5 kW in this range.