Buyer trends for larger electrics expected to clarify NZ baby Skoda’s market potential

THE smallest electric in Skoda’s stable is still a maybe for local inclusion.

The Epiq compact sports utility is a little brother to the Elroq and updated Enyaq that have just unrolled into NZ showrooms.

As much as Skoda NZ has always made clear that its electric vehicle ambitions will not always rest on those two products, that intention could yet more likely run to the Peaq, a seven seater fully electric equivalent of the Kodiaq set for production in 2027, rather than the Epiq, whose production begins around August.

“At this stage we’re focused on Elroq and Enyaq,” says Matthew Markby, Skoda NZ’s product and planning manager.

“Epiq has been discussed; however, the timing and nature of that product is still to be determined.

“Ultimately, volume is a key factor when deciding whether to introduce a model family or additional trimlines.

“We need to be confident there’s genuine appetite from the end consumer – the coming months with Elroq and Enyaq will provide a measure of that.”

Aside from that, the local arm has yet to fully determine where exactly the car would fit.

Conceivably, it’s in the same genre as some low-cost Chinese models - BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 and Dongfeng Box and Vigo - that would undoubtedly having price advantage. Or perhaps not?

Says Markby: “Factory benchmark competitors are typically euro-centric and oftentimes subject to different market forces.

“We’d need to be confident Epiq has a place and meets the needs of our customers while championing the elements that make Škoda appealing – space, practicality, drive/build quality, all while being a little bit ‘clever’.

“Yes, a comparison to Chinese new entrants is certainly useful, but I don’t believe these are necessarily direct competitors as they appeal to a different type of buyer.”

Built on the Volkswagen Group's ‘MEB plus' platform, which underpins a new range of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles - including the Volkswagen ID. Polo - Epiq is similar in size to the Skoda Kamiq.

It adopts the same 'Modern Solid' design language that applies now to facelift Enyaq and also features on Elroq, and prioritises interior space while offering a more affordable price point for electric vehicle ownership.

In NZ, Skoda’s current electric price leader is a Elroq, which begins at $69,000.

The Epiq is very much cut out as a city adventurer in its base and medium level specifications, but gets a zestier powertrain with much superior range in its top format. All versions are single motor, with that unit running the front wheels. But Skoda makes clear this is very much an 'SUV' aimed at purely on-road driving.

The Epiq 35 and Epiq 40 run lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries of 38.5kWh capacity (37kWh net). The ’35' runs a 85kW/267Nm motor and the ’40’ has 99kW/267Nm, but both have a top speed of 150kmh and range of 315km.

The Epiq 55 flagship runs a 55kWh (51.7kWh net) nickel manganese cobalt NMC battery, has a range of 430km and is 10kmh faster. Max power and torque are 155kW and 290Nm respectively.

Fast charging is highlighted as plus points; the LFP battery will recharge from 0-80 percent in 28 minutes, the NMC unit achieves this in 23. All three variants can be charged with 11 kW AC power, while DC charging is available at up to 50, 90 and 133 kW, depending on the variant.

Depending on the version, wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.

Skoda says the rear axle design allows for a much deeper boot cavity, boosting carrying capacity. And it has a flat floor across the rear passenger compartment.

Like Enyaq and Elroq, Epiq is equipped with a 5.3-inch digital instrument display in front of the driver, but there’s no head-up display. Mounted up high on the centre of the dashboard is a 13-inch touchscreen, running Skoda infotainment system an supporting wireless smartphone mirroring with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A wireless charging pad is located in the centre console, and USB-C charging ports avail front and rear.

The Epiq will be available with LED matrix headlights and 'Travel Assist 3.0', the most advanced set of driver assistance systems yet to be offered in a Skoda.

Epiq has 475 litres of boot space and the rear seats have a 60:40 split and can fold down, boosting cargo capacity to 1344 litres.

As standard, there is no 'frunk', but Skoda will offer an optional accessory that can be installed to provide 18 litres of additional storage under the bonnet. Sadly, a neat stowage feature for Elroq - a cargo net under the parcel shelf that can be used to hold the car's charging cables - doesn’t go into Epiq.