Skoda Epiq 2027 review: International first drive | BYD Atto 2 rival tested

The Skoda Epiq is a new entry EV that will join the compact Elroq and mid-size Enyaq SUVs from the middle of next year, with pricing estimated to inhabit the space between $35,000-$40,000.

Developed alongside the Cupra Raval, Volkswagen I.D Polo and ID. Cross, the Epiq has more in common with the small VW SUV, although all four share the MEB Entry platform and come with the same battery and powertrain tech.

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What is the 2027 Skoda Epiq powered by?

In Europe, the Skoda Epiq comes in three flavours – the Epiq 35, Epiq 40 and flagship Epiq 55.

The base Epiq 35 and mid-spec 40 come with a smaller 37kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is combined with either an 85kW (35) or 99kW (40) e-motor driving the front wheels, each producing an identical 267Nm of torque.

The lower-powered Skoda hatch accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds, with the Epiq 40 carving a second off the same sprint (9.8 seconds).

For those who need more performance, the Epiq 55 obliges with the combination of a bigger 52kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery and a punchier front electric motor that pushes out 155kW and a more muscular 290Nm of torque for a brisk 0-100km/h dash of 7.1 seconds.

How efficient is the 2027 Skoda Epiq and what's its range?

Whichever Skoda Epiq you choose, the small SUV comes with remarkable efficiency for an EV, with either version capable of averaging around 13kWh/100km.

That means the Epiq 35 and 40 with the LFP battery can drive up to 310km on a charge, while the Epiq 55 with the NMC powerpack travels up to 441km, bettering the BYD Atto 2 with the longest range (430km), despite having a significantly smaller battery (52kWh vs 65kWh).

Slashing real-world energy consumption is the heavily revised MEB Entry platform that has been redesigned to save weight, with even the flagship version tipping the scales at 1544kg, which isn't bad for an EV. A BYD Atto 2 with the bigger battery fitted weighs 176kg more.

Helping it slip through the air easily, the Epiq also comes with some trick aero tech that slashes its drag coefficient to 0.275. Achieving that figure for an upright SUV wasn't easy and needed active air shutters behind the front bumper that only open when the battery needs cool air.

Other additions include a set of wind-cheating wheels and a pair of air curtains that channel air through the bumper and around the front wheels.

An optimised flat underfloor that leads air to a rear diffuser, plus a rear tailgate spoiler and tail-lights and wheel-arch cladding's that have all been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel complete the extensive aero tweaks.

How long does it take for the 2027 Skoda Epiq to range?

Choose the most basic Skoda Epiq 35 and DC charging is capped at just 50kW, which isn't the best for how long you'll be hanging around a fast-charge, with the benchmark 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 33 minutes.

A better bet is paying more for the Epiq 40 that can accept a 90kW charge for a quicker 25-minute recharge.

The Epiq 55, meanwhile, thanks to its different chemistry, can be charged at up to 105kW for the quickest 24-minute 10 to 80 per cent refill.

Using the standard 11kW AC charger a 10-100 per cent top-up takes four hours for the entry and mid-spec Epiq and around 5.5 hours for the Epiq 55.

What's the 2027 Skoda Epiq like on the inside?

While its sister car, the Cupra Raval hatch, stuns you with its design, the Epiq wins you over with its classy cabin that mixes high-quality materials with loads of space and slick, intuitive tech.

Even though it's not as big as some of its rivals at 4171mm long, 1798mm wide and 1581mm tall, the Epiq's designers have managed to squeeze in generous rear head- and legroom, plus a huge 475-litre boot.

If that's not enough those seats drop to provide up to 1345 litres of space, while under the bonnet lurks a 25-litre capacity storage bay to swallow all the cables.

Despite being an entry Skoda, you'll still find an umbrella stashed in the door and an ice scarper in the boot, but it's the cabin's general look and feel that edges it over all its rivals.

The large 13-inch Android-powered touchscreen is also intuitive and easy to use and even comes with a clear 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

As well as proper buttons on the multi-function steering wheel, there's also a row of useful physical buttons below the centre console's vents.

A large, central under-armrest bin, capacious door pockets and useful cupholders cement a deeply impressive cabin.

What's the 2027 Skoda Epiq like to drive?

Developed by a team of Cupra engineers sharing all the same parts bin items as the sporty Raval, it might be tempting to think the Skoda Epiq should drive like the little Spaniard that blurs the boundary between an EV and a hot hatch.

Instead, the Epiq feels more grown up – not that it isn't an engaging steer, it's just the MacPherson struts up front and the torsion bar rear axle have been set up with a clear comfort bias, rather than outright thrills.

The steering is precise and the ride remains smooth and controlled. Over some really challenging, bumpy roads you occasionally wish for some more pliancy from the dampers, but adaptive dampers are not an option, and our car rode on large 20-inch wheels, with the expectation things will improve on smaller rims.

What was unexpected is how quiet and refined the Epiq is, giving the impression of a bigger, more expensive car.

Behind the wheel, drivers can alter the amount of brake regeneration using a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddles that provide a one-pedal mode.

It's also worth mentioning that, unlike many rivals in the class, all the driver assist tech seemed to work unobtrusively on the European roads, while the in-car tech is intuitive, clear and easy to use on the move.

What's not so good about the 2027 Skoda Epiq?

We've already mentioned the Skoda Epiq isn't as entertaining behind the wheel as a Cupra Raval, and some Australians might feel the entry models with a 310km range won't be enough.

There's also a fear Skoda Australia might deny us both the Epiq 35 and 40 Down Under and only bring the flagship Epiq 55. If it does, the Skoda is likely to be priced well above $40,000, where the small entry EV will butt heads with the larger Skoda Elroq (from $48,990) and then start to look very expensive beside the bigger, more spacious, faster-charging BYD Atto 3 Evo.

What comes standard with the 2027 Skoda Epiq?

Since it's too early for prices and full specifications, we're forced to look at what's happened with the Skoda Epiq in Europe where the small all-electric EV is available in three different trims.

Choose the Epiq and there are six different paint options.

Standard on the Skoda Epiq are:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Black roof rails
• Ambient lighting
• Climate control
• Manual height-adjustable front seats
• 13-inch multimedia system
• 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Variable boot floor
• LED tail-lights
• Rear parking sensors

Mid-spec models in Europe add:

• Heated front and rear seats
• Digital key
• Reversing camera
• Privacy glass

High-grade variants get:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Orange mirrors, window trim and seatbelts
• Three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddles for brake regen
• Contrasting black roof

Options on the entry and mid-spec models include large 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a full-width panoramic roof and an electrically retractable tow bar (the Epiq can tug up to 1200kg braked).

The Skoda Epiq has yet to undergo crash tests by either Euro NCAP or ANCAP but, when it does, expect it to be awarded the full five stars for protection.

Standard safety kit includes:

• AEB, adaptive cruise
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Predictive speed sensor
• Exit warning

What warranty does the 2027 Skoda Epiq come with?

Like any other Skoda, the all-new Epiq arrives with a comprehensive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with eight-year/160,000km protection for the high-voltage battery, plus a further 24 months roadside assistance.

The expected service interval for the Epiq should be every 24 months/30,000km, whichever comes earlier. Like the bigger Elroq, the new entry Skoda EV will come with either a pay-as-you-go fixed price servicing, or the option of pre-paid eight- and 10-year service packs for an additional cost on purchase.