The brand’s smallest EV with a range of 440 km!

Skoda Auto has unveiled its smallest and most affordable electric SUV yet, the production-spec Epic. Positioned as an entry-level EV for global markets, the new compact electric SUV brings a claimed range of up to 440 km, a front-wheel-drive layout and a refreshed design language that will also shape future Skoda SUVs. The Epiq will sit below the Enyaq and Elroq in the brand’s electric line-up.The Epic is built on Volkswagen Group’s new-generation MEB+ platform and becomes the first Skoda EV to use a front-wheel-drive configuration. The company says the platform uses a smaller and lighter battery pack. Skoda will offer the Epic with two battery pack options and three power outputs.The top-spec Epiq 55 variant produces 211 hp and 290 Nm of torque. It gets a large 55 kWh battery pack and a claimed range of around 440 km on a single charge. Skoda claims that the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 24 minutes using a DC fast charger. Lower variants include the Epic 35 with 116 hp and the Epic 40 with 135 hp, both offering a claimed range of around 310 km. The torque is rated at 267 Nm.In terms of design, the Epic is the first production Skoda model to fully adopt the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy. On the front are slim T-shaped LED lighting elements with a glossy black Tech-Deck face. The SUV also gets vertical air intakes inspired by the Vision 7S concept. At the rear, the minimalist styling continues with T-shaped tail-lamps and clean surfaces.The SUV measures 4,171 mm in length and gets a 475-litre boot, which the company claims is the largest in the segment. It also has an additional 25-litre front storage compartment or ‘frunk’.Inside, the Epiq gets a large 13-inch Android-based infotainment system at the centre. The system supports apps like Spotify, YouTube and Google Maps. The SUV also gets extensive connectivity features through the MySkoda app, including remote charging function and climate control. Skoda says the Epic will also support digital key functionality via a software update in the future.Feature highlights include ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, heated seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker Canton audio system on higher trims. Safety equipment includes seven airbags as standard as well as ADAS features such as Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.The Epic also introduces one-pedal driving in B mode, allowing drivers to control acceleration and deceleration using only the accelerator pedal. The SUV additionally supports bidirectional charging, enabling the battery to power external devices or even send power back to homes and the grid where the infrastructure supports it.Skoda has also confirmed a limited ‘First Edition’ version soon after the launch. This version will come with unique orange styling elements, 20-inch wheels and the most powerful drivetrain setup ever.