Skoda to launch 25,000 euro Epiq city e-SUV in 2025

With the Chinese brands gaining an increasing presence in Europe, helped by the lower prices of their electric vehicles, the European carmakers are rushing to develop lower-priced EV models to compete. Soon, we will see new models at the 25,000 euro (RM180,000) level which is expected to be competitive against the Chinese EVs.

Being legacy carmakers which have been around for decades making vehicles with combustion engines, developing new EVs is not something that can be done quickly. Skoda is in the final stages of development for a new model which will be unveiled in 2025 and cost around 25,000 euros.

City SUV crossover
This is the Epiq, a new city SUV crossover with a battery electric powertrain and a target range of 400 kms. “The coming Škoda Epiq will package a lot of car for an attractive price and a big interior with a compact size. Our customers want choices, which is why we are expanding our growing e-mobility portfolio into this popular segment. I hope these first design teasers demonstrate that the Epiq will shine because of its modern design, everyday range and user-friendly technologies – all of it affordable,” said Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto.

The carmaker has provided a glimpse of the new model with digital images of the design study. It will be 4.1 metres in length and have efficient packaging to accommodate 5 persons inside, as well as up to 490 litres of space for cargo.

New design language
The Epiq adopts the brand’s new Modern Solid design language which combines robustness, functionality and authenticity. The Tech-Deck Face is flanked by bifunctional, T-shaped LED elements for the daytime running lights and indicators. The light modules have a cubist-inspired design and feature Matrix LED technology.

The side view is characterised by a high, sweeping tornado line that visually separates the greenhouse from the rest of the body and emphasises the car’s powerful shoulders. The wheelarches are picked out with a striking trim and house aerodynamically optimised wheels.

The minimalist look of the Epiq design study is underlined by the matt metallic paintwork in bright Moon White. Flashy Orange detailing on the roof rails and the wheels as well as on the front and rear bumpers add visual interest.

“Our new design language represents the next level of modernity. Smart functionality and practicality are harmoniously balanced by attractive new looks and our sustainability approach. The Skoda Epiq design study perfectly embodies all the key attributes of the new design language,” said Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design.

Modern Solid interior
The Epiq will be the first production vehicle to adopt the minimalist Modern Solid interior focusing on durable, practical and sustainable materials. It has an open storage compartment that includes a wireless mobile phone charger in the free-floating centre console as well as Simply Clever compartments for even more storage options.

The boot also benefits from some of the brand’s hallmark Simply Clever details such as bag hooks, cargo elements, fastening hooks and a hidden underfloor compartment. The two-spoke steering wheel showcases the new Škoda lettering as well as physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels with Flashy Orange accents to control key functions while driving.

The Epiq will have V2L bidirectional charging capability, making the SUV a ‘mobile powerbank’ which can be used to power external devices and even appliances in the home or at a campsite.

Missing in Malaysia
Skoda cars were sold in Malaysia as far back as the early 1980s and one model, the 120LS, was even assembled for a while in Sarawak. However, at that time, the carmaker which was founded in 1925, was still under government ownership and its products were outdated.

It was only in 1990 that Volkswagen acquired it and then made big investments to modernise the factory and then provided modern products from the Volkswagen range for Skoda to adapt and sell under its own brand.

A private importer handled the brand in Malaysia during the 1990s   and then Autopraha Sdn Bhd took over as franchise holder in 2003. While they sold a small number of cars, the lack of locally-assembled models made things challenging as importing CBU (completely built-up) units meant high prices. There was a target of 400 units a year but eventually, the low numbers saw sales activity coming to an end.

Though the brand is part of the Volkswagen Group, its business in Malaysia is not managed by  Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia which handles only the Volkswagen and Audi brands. Skoda owners who require aftersales support can still get it at Bermaz Motor Trading.

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