New Skoda Epiq priced from £24,950 as brand's cheapest EV

• On sale now, Epiq prices start at £24,950

• Based on MEB platform shared with Cupra Raval, VW ID.Cross and ID.Polo

• Two power outputs and two batteries offered, with maximum range of 272 miles

• Rivals include Renault 4, Kia EV2 and Ford Puma Gen-E

The Skoda Epiq is now on sale priced from just under £25,000. With a range of up to 272 miles and 500 litres of luggage space (including a frunk), its blend of practicality and affordability means it should have the features to beat the best in its class.

Based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, the Epiq range comes with a choice of two battery sizes, matched to two power outputs, badged as Epiq 40 and Epiq 55, the latter of which claiming a 272-mile range. Both battery options can be DC rapid charged from 10-80% in under 25 minutes.

In a first for Skoda, the electric Epiq, which starts at £24,950, has reached price parity with the petrol-powered Skoda Kamiq, priced from £25,535. This makes the Epiq the most affordable EV Skoda has offered.

New Skoda Epiq price and release date

Order books for the Skoda Epiq opened in the UK in July, with prices starting at £24,950, rising to £31,450 for a limited-run First Edition model with features not available on the rest of the range.

Initially, cars with the larger capacity 55 battery, priced from £27,700, are available for order, with the shorter range 40 models set to be added at a later date. Cars with the 55 battery are eligible for the government’s band two Electric Car Grant, so get a £1500 discount when you place an order.

New Skoda Epiq electric motor, battery and range

The Skoda Epiq range is mercifully simple. You choose from one of two trims and either 40 or 55 powertrains. The 40 is a 37kWh battery that powers a 135PS motor and gives a range of 190 miles. Opt for the 55 and you get a 211PS motor that gives a claimed range of 272 miles.

Both models can be DC rapid charge from 10-80% in under 25 minutes, and have bi-directional charging on top-spec trims, so the car can be used to power devices or even your own home, depending on the charging infrastructure installed.

New Skoda Epiq design, interior and space

The Epiq’s exterior design fits right in with Skoda's most-recent SUV models, and includes the glossy black Tech-Deck Face up front, while also adding a new T-shaped light signature that will roll out to other models over time.

Buyers have the choice of six exterior colours, five of which are brand new, and include Marble Grey, Jasper Red, Timano Green, Platinum White, Pebble Silver and Mystery Black.

The interior has been designed to be clean and simple, and to put practicality first, not just with a 475-litre boot but with numerous additional storage solutions and a 25-litre frunk to stow the charging cable when not in use. Buyers can also opt for one of three interior design selections to further personalise their Epiq.

New Skoda Epiq technology, equipment and infotainment

Epiq tech centres around the 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, which includes lots of personalisation options, online services and an app store, while the MyŠkoda app allows you to check charge status and manage the car's charging from the comfort of your own phone.

The driver also gets a 5.3-inch screen to display the digital dials, while LED headlights are standard kit. As it’s based on the MEB platform, driver assistance systems fitted as standard include Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

New Skoda Epiq trim levels

Keeping things simple, there are just two core trim levels to choose from – SE L and Edition – plus a limited-run First Edition model that tops the range to begin with.

SE L models get 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless smart link, rear parking sensors, keyless go and adaptive cruise control. Step up to Edition trim and you get two-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, sat-nav, wireless phone charging and a rear-view camera.

The Epiq First Edition 55 gets two-tone black and Navajo Orange paint, 20-inch alloys and the Convenience and Tech Packages, and is only offered with the larger 52kWh battery and its 211PS motor.

Skoda does its interior trims as design selections. Loft Grey is standard, and includes grey fabric and artificial leather with grey stitching. If you're buying an Edition model, you can switch to Loft Mint, which adds mint fabric and grey artificial leather with mint stitching, or Suite, which has brown artificial leather and microsuede with brown stitching.

New Skoda Epiq rivals and used alternatives

Chances are, if you’re looking at the little Skoda, you’ll also be interested in the Renault 4, which offers lots of retro style, competitive prices and a strong feel-good factor, but is a bit short on space.

The Ford Puma Gen-E is another pragmatic choice, and a good shout if you need lots of luggage space, while the Kia EV2 is another well equipped and competitive member of that firm’s broad line-up of electric cars.