Skoda Epiq is a small electric SUV with big promises on value

Skoda is getting ready to show the world its newest creation. The next small SUV from the Czech brand is called the Epiq and it will officially debut on May 19. The new EV is meant to be an affordable choice for families, but the brand says the interior will feel much more expensive than the price suggests. Most people want electric cars that do not break the bank, and this model promises to solve that problem. It uses a fresh design style that the company calls "Modern Solid" - the car is supposed to look tough but simple.

The first official images of the cabin reveal focus on a clean look. The dashboard sits in a flat, horizontal line, making the inside of the car feel wider than it actually is. Skoda added a soft, upholstered section to the lower part of the dash to make it feel cozy. The driver gets a small 5.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel to see speed and battery info. This screen has a unique six-sided shape. In the middle of the dash, a much larger 13-inch screen handles the music and maps.

Even though many EVs put every single control inside a screen, Skoda kept some real buttons. These are called "haptic shortcuts." They sit right under the big screen so drivers can find them easily. There is also a dedicated wireless spot to charge a smartphone. The steering wheel has only two spokes, which looks modern and gives the driver a clear view of the tiny dashboard screen. Skoda also used indirect lighting inside the car to make it feel more like a living room.

Practicality has always been a big deal for this brand. The Skoda Epiq is not a giant vehicle, but it holds a lot of gear. The trunk offers 16.8 ft³ of space. If you need to carry something big, like a bicycle or a lot of moving boxes, you can fold the back seats down. This opens up 47.5 ft³ of room. For a car this size, that is a lot of space.

Skoda also wants to be kind to the planet. Inside the Epiq, the seats are made from a recycled PES, a material made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. This fits the goal of making EVs that are sustainable from the wheels to the seat cushions. The car sits on an MEB+platform, which it shares with other vehicles from Volkswagen and Cupra.

When it comes to power, buyers can choose from three different versions. The entry-level model is the Epiq 35. It has a 38.5 kWh battery paired with an 85 kW motor, which is about 114 horsepower. This version takes 11 seconds to reach 62 mph. It can travel about 196 miles on a single charge - plenty of range for people who mostly drive around town or have short commutes to work.

If you want a little more pep, the Epiq 40 is the next step up. It uses the same battery and has the same 196 miles range as the base model, but the motor is stronger. It produces 99 kW, or 133 horsepower. This extra power helps the car reach 62 mph in 9.8 seconds. Both the 35 and 40 models have a top speed of 93 mph, and both use an LFP battery.

The fastest and most capable version is the Epiq 55. This model gets a larger 55 kWh battery and the motor is much stronger, delivering 155 kW or 208 horsepower. It can reach 62 mph in a much faster 7.4 seconds. It also has a slightly higher top speed of 99 mph. Most importantly, it can travel up to 267 miles before it needs to plug in again.

Skoda plans to build the Epiq in Spain. The most exciting part for many people is the price. Skoda says the starting price will be around $30,500. In many markets, this is the same price as the gas-powered Skoda Kamiq. Offering an electric crossover for the same price as a gasoline one is a big move. It removes one of the biggest reasons people avoid buying EVs. Let's see how the public receives the new Epiq when it officially arrives later this month.

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