For our first acquaintance, we are driving the version with the 51.7-kWh battery (gross 55, which explains the type designation Epiq 55), clad in a remarkable livery. The prototype looks like a clown’s promotional vehicle, but the balls in the sticker design will soon be seen in advertisements on television and other channels.
We already know what the Epiq looks like, don’t we? And it’s not really small, is it?
Don’t be too distracted by it; underneath the disguise is a car that still looks exactly like the Epiq concept Skoda showed last year. This means we are driving a model similar in size to the Peugeot e-2008. Within the brand group, the Skoda Epiq is related to the new Volkswagen ID Cross, sharing the same production line at the factory in Pamplona, Spain. The car is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for compact models, which means an electric motor drives the front wheels.
Which battery and power versions of the Epiq will be available?
In the case of the Epiq, this powertrain comes in three power variants. The lightest delivers 85 kW, the middle one 99 kW, and the top version 155 kW. In horsepower, that’s 115, 135, and 210 hp, respectively. The Epiq 35 and 40 use the same batteries; the LFP package has a gross capacity of 38.5 kWh (37 net), while the larger variant uses NMC battery technology. This version can fast-charge at 125 kW, significantly better than the entry-level model which only reaches 50 kW DC. The 99 kW power version can fast-charge up to 90 kW. The latter is a fairly common value in the class in which the Epiq will operate.
What is the Epiq like inside?
The car we are stepping into is also camouflaged on the inside, although the interior will not differ much from the study shown earlier. The interior of the camouflaged Epiq makes a mature impression. The steering wheel, like the seat position, is very generously adjustable. Furthermore, when you open the tailgate, you immediately get the impression that this is certainly not a small electric car. With 475 liters of luggage space, it beats the Skoda Kamiq in terms of boot capacity. Moreover, with a length of 4.17 meters, it is far from small. There is a frunk in the front where you can store the charging cable.
How does the Epiq drive?
An extra dose of maturity comes from the power of the electric motor in this variant. With the driving mode selector in B, regeneration proves to be substantial. Within these options, there are multiple variations for recovery. You can set these on the large central screen. In our case, this is unfortunately impossible because the dashboard of this prototype is covered with ‘camouflage plastic’. The display is covered with a kind of cover, as we are unfortunately not yet allowed to show what the definitive dashboard looks like. In the back seat, space is a bit less generous than in the front. If you are taller than 1.80 meters, you will have to ask the driver or front passenger not to push their seat back too far.
During the test drive, which we can’t call an extensive test, we experienced that the Epiq steers like a Skoda. No flashy reactions from the steering wheel, but you get enough feedback on what you’re doing. The 55 always rides on 18-inch wheels that, despite the somewhat flat tires, still offer sufficient comfort. However, we wonder how the road noise develops once you exceed 100 km/h.