New 2026 Skoda Epiq Gears Up to Rival Renault 4 at Just £25,000

2026 Skoda Epiq 2026 Skoda Epiq

2026 Skoda Epiq: is poised to shake up the compact electric SUV market with its all-new 2026 Skoda Epiq, set to compete directly against the Renault 4 and other small electric rivals. Slated for a mid-2026 launch, the Epiq promises to combine Skoda’s hallmark practicality and clever design with a modern electric powertrain, all at an accessible price starting around £25,000.

Revealed in near-production form at the Munich Motor Show 2025, the Epiq stands as Skoda’s smallest electric SUV, slotting neatly beneath the larger Enyaq and Elroq. It will share its platform and powertrain with the Volkswagen T-Cross and Cupra Raval, based on the MEB Entry architecture – a platform designed to deliver affordable, compact EVs for mass adoption.

The Epiq represents a critical milestone in Skoda’s mission to democratize electric mobility. With a 264-mile range (WLTP), generous interior space, and a practical yet modern design, it targets buyers seeking an electric car with everyday usability at a competitive price point.

Specifications & Features of the Skoda Epiq

SpecificationDetails (Expected)
ArchitectureMEB Entry (400V)
Motor Power208 bhp (standard)
Hot vRS VariantPossibly 223 bhp
Battery CapacityEstimated ~55–60 kWh
Electric Range264 miles (WLTP)
Boot Space475 litres (expandable)
Seating Capacity5 adults comfortably
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Infotainment SystemTouchscreen with physical buttons and haptic scrollers
Special Features‘Simply clever’ storage solutions, bag hooks, fasteners
PricingFrom £25,000
Release DateMid-2026
RivalsRenault 4, Kia Soul EV, Fiat 500e

Design: Modern Solid Meets Practicality

The Skoda Epiq’s design language follows the brand’s new Modern Solid principles, focusing on clean lines, purposeful surfaces, and durability.

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Visually, it wears the new ‘Tech Deck’ face, including:

  • T-shaped light signatures
  • Chunky, purposeful bumpers
  • Distinctive ‘Cashmere’ paint option contrasting with grey lower body cladding
  • An accentuated ‘tornado line’ shoulder that clearly separates the cabin from the bodywork

Despite its compact dimensions (approximately 4.1 metres long), the Epiq boasts a surprisingly spacious cabin, designed to seat five adults comfortably. Skoda maintains its tradition of offering practicality-first interiors, with abundant storage solutions like bag hooks, cleverly hidden cubbies, and useful fasteners throughout the cabin.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Skoda Epiq features a 208 bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle, designed to offer sufficient power for city and suburban driving. A performance-oriented vRS variant is also expected, likely pairing the 208 bhp setup with extra power up to 223 bhp, similar to the ID Polo GTI.

Key performance expectations:

  • 0–62 mph in ~7–8 seconds (estimated)
  • Top speed limited to around 100–110 mph (standard for economy-oriented EVs)
  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, with no AWD option confirmed yet
  • Enhanced energy efficiency compared to earlier-generation MEB models

Charging capabilities will likely support typical 100–130 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10–80% charge in approximately 30–40 minutes.

Interior Features and Infotainment

The Skoda Epiq offers an intuitive and user-friendly interior. Highlights include:

  • A large central touchscreen as the main interface
  • Physical buttons and haptic scrollers for volume control and key functions
  • Minimalist yet functional layout emphasizing practicality
  • Standard safety features such as emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection
  • Quality materials throughout, aiming to reduce cheap-feeling plastics
  • Ample cabin space and ergonomic design focused on everyday usability
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Pricing and Market Position

Skoda plans to price the Epiq competitively, matching its petrol counterpart, the Kamiq, at around £25,000 for the entry-level model. This aggressive pricing strategy underlines Skoda’s commitment to making electric mobility accessible to a wide audience, making the Epiq an attractive alternative to rivals such as:

  • Renault 4 (electric)
  • Kia Soul EV
  • Fiat 500e

Higher trims, especially a sporty vRS version, will command a higher price but deliver more power and possibly additional tech features.

Launch Date and Production Details

The production-ready Skoda Epiq will be revealed in mid-2026 and is expected to go on sale soon after. Production will take place on the same assembly line as the VW T-Cross and Cupra Raval, allowing economies of scale and keeping costs low.

The Epiq also reflects Skoda’s broader electric strategy as the firm prepares for a large seven-seat SUV based on the Vision 7S concept, slated for release around the same period.

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Conclusion

The upcoming Skoda Epiq is poised to become one of the most practical and accessible electric SUVs of its class. Combining smart design, user-focused interior features, solid range figures, and an aggressive starting price, the Epiq makes a compelling case for electric adoption.

By integrating the latest MEB Entry platform technology and emphasizing usability over flash, the Epiq embodies Skoda’s “simply clever” philosophy. Whether aimed at young families, commuters, or environmentally conscious urban dwellers, the Epiq is built to offer a no-compromise solution for everyday mobility.

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The competition is fierce, with models such as the Renault 4 and Kia Soul EV vying for attention, but the Epiq’s thoughtful design, large boot space, and strong efficiency make it an attractive contender in the rapidly expanding EV market.

With its affordable price point, expected 264-mile range, and practical everyday usability, the 2026 Skoda Epiq looks set to help Volkswagen Group consolidate its leadership in Europe’s electrified future.

FAQs of 2026 Skoda Epiq

1. What is the expected range of the new Skoda Epiq?

The 2026 Skoda Epiq is expected to deliver around 264 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, making it competitive with similar small electric SUVs.

2. How much will the Skoda Epiq cost?

Skoda has announced that the Epiq will start from approximately £25,000, aligning with the pricing of the petrol-powered Kamiq model. Higher trims will cost more depending on features and performance.

3. What platform is the Epiq based on?

The Skoda Epiq is built on the MEB Entry architecture, shared with the VW ID Polo, Cupra Raval, and Volkswagen T-Cross. This platform is optimized for small electric vehicles, providing cost efficiency and practicality.

4. Will there be a sporty version of the Epiq?

Yes, Skoda plans to offer a potential vRS variant, which could deliver up to 223 bhp, making it more performance-focused while keeping the same overall compact form factor.

5. When will the Skoda Epiq be available?

The production version of the Epiq is scheduled for reveal in mid-2026, with showroom availability expected shortly afterward, making it one of the most accessible electric SUVs of the upcoming generation.

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