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The Czech manufacturer has released more details on its new Epiq electric SUV, which is expected to be affordably positioned.
Electric Cars
Skoda's new Epiq, the brand's next production electric vehicle (EV), is nearing a showroom arrival after being spied testing with almost no camouflage.
The Czech brand is promising the Epiq will be priced comparably to the similarly sized petrol-powered Kamiq SUV, while more information that has surfaced on the EV include an expected 430km driving range and DC fast-charging capability.
The Epiq can be seen almost completely uncamouflaged and coloured black as it tests in snowy conditions, with the details around the headlights still hidden.
Three grades will be on offer with the production Epiq, all powered by a single front-drive electric motor.
The entry-level Epiq 35 will produce 85kW and 267Nm, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time in 11 seconds, while its 38.5kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LPF) battery is good for a WLTP-rated 315km driving range.
The middle-of-the-range Epiq 40 has 99kW/267Nm, cutting the claimed 0-100km/h run to 9.8s, while driving range remains at 315km from the same 38.5kWh battery despite the power increase.
As for the top-spec Epiq 50, it features a more potent 155kW/290Nm for a claimed 7.4s 0-100km/h sprint, while the battery is upgraded to a larger 55kWh nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC) unit for a 430km driving range rating.
The base Epiq has a peak charge rate of 50kW, while the mid-tier can take up to 90kW, and the flagship recharge at 133kW. Skoda claims a 10-80 per cent recharge in the 40 and 50 at 28 minutes and 23 minutes respectively.
The Skoda Epiq will be the first car underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's new MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, which will open up the interior space and bring a 475-litre boot – one of the largest in its class and 75-litres larger than the Kamiq.
The interior will see a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the driver's line of sight, as well as a central 13-inch infotainment touchscreen for navigation, and other vehicle settings and functions.
Customers will have a choice of three interior designs – 'Studio' as the entry-level option; 'Loft' with synthetic leather on the dash and door cards available in shades of grey or mint green with embossed patterns; and 'Suite' that adds suede.
Skoda is yet to confirm a price or announce a release date for the Epiq electric model, but it will be the brand's third EV following the Enyaq and Elroq, and will be positioned as the entry to the brand's all-electric line-up as a city-focused SUV.
Skoda will also bulk out its EV offerings with the flagship seven-seat Peaq due to break cover later this year – bringing the total number of all-electric models in its stable to four.
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