Skoda's €25,000 crossover may push BMW out of the top three in Europe | Carscoops

      The subcompact Epiq electric crossover has been spotted testing in Europe for the first time since its unveiling last year.

      This front-wheel-drive electric vehicle shares its platform with the VW ID.2 and Cupra Raval.

      The Epiq is one of five new electric vehicles Skoda plans to launch by 2027.

      While some brands' dedication to electric vehicles has faltered recently, Skoda continues to push forward with its electric initiatives. The Czech brand, owned by Volkswagen, is set to introduce five new EV models over the next few years, including the Epiq, which has been caught testing for the first time.

      Since its announcement in March 2024, there hasn’t been much news regarding the compact electric crossover. However, a full production launch is anticipated this year, and these images reassure us that the €25,000 ($29,000) EV will soon be available in showrooms.

      Designed to fit below the larger Karoq-sized Elroq, which was also introduced in 2024 and is already on the market, the Epiq utilizes a different version of VW’s MEB platform. While the Elroq is associated with VW’s ID.3 and is generally rear-wheel drive, the Epiq aligns more closely with the forthcoming ID.2 and incorporates the updated front-wheel-drive MEB architecture, which will also be used for the Cupra Raval.

      In terms of styling, the Epiq fully adopts Skoda’s Modern Solid design language, heavily influenced by the large 7S concept revealed in 2022. Measuring approximately 4.1 m (161.4 inches) in length, it occupies a similar footprint to the small Fabia hatch, but Skoda claims that the EV will offer an "epic amount of space" for passengers, along with a relatively large 490-liter (17.3 cu-ft) trunk for ample luggage capacity.

      The interior is equipped with a sizable tablet touchscreen, complemented by a series of physical buttons located lower on the console. Skoda has not disclosed much technical information, except that the vehicle will feature a driving range of 250 miles (400 km) and bi-directional charging.

      Based on what is known about the new MEB Short platform, it is expected that the Epiq will be available with 38 kWh and 56 kWh battery options, with higher specification models likely to include a single 222 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) motor driving the front wheels, enabling acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 7 seconds.

      The Epiq looks to be an appealing offering, potentially aiding Skoda in achieving another significant milestone. Last year, it was the fourth-best-selling brand in Europe, with 767,000 sales, just 8,000 units shy of third-place BMW. This is an impressive feat for a brand that was once the subject of jokes.