Skoda shows off new baby Epiq SUV

Skoda has revealed the first details of its baby electric SUV that's expected cost around £22,000 when it arrives next year. 

Confidently called 'Epiq', the newcomer has been shown off for the first time in a series of design study images. But, despite the car technically being a concept, it's believed the car is a close representation of the final version due to be revealed in 2025. 

Measuring 4,100mm long, it's around 200mm shorter than Skoda's current smallest SUV, the Karoq, and more akin in size to the much-loved Yeti. But while the body is small, the interior is expected to be very spacious and will include a boot measuring an impressive 490 litres.

The Epiq also debuts a new design theme for Skoda. Called 'Modern Solid', the interior consists of "durable, practical and sustainable materials", says the carmaker, and a number of new features for a Skoda including new lettering on the steering wheel, a digital key which is linked to the driver's smartphone, and bi-directional charging.

Spot the new lettering on the steering wheel

The interior won't be a complete servant to technology, though, as Skoda says there will be physical buttons and scroll wheels to control the car's various features, and, in typical Skoda style, there will be a raft of 'Simply Clever' features, including bag hooks and neat storage solutions. 

The exterior carries on the 'Modern Solid' look with a new take on the Skoda grille, T-shaped LED day-running lights, and cube-shaped headlights. The grille neatly hides the car's cameras and sensors for the driver assistance systems, and Skoda calls this the 'Tech-Deck'.

Underpinning the Epiq will be the Volkswagen Group's MEB small electric car platform that will be used on the forthcoming Volkswagen ID.2 and Cupra Raval. No technical details have been revealed, but Skoda has said the Epiq will have a range of around 250 miles. 

The Epiq will be one of six EVs to appear in the coming years, with the Elroq appearing first and expected by the end of this year.

Epiq will show off a whole new look for electric Skodas