Skoda Epiq: What are its key rivals?

Skoda has just taken the covers off its most affordable and smallest EV: the Epiq crossover.

The Epiq sits on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB+’ platform and shares its underpinnings with the new Cupra Raval, Volkswagen ID.Polo and ID.Cross.

It’s available with a choice of 37kWh and 52kWh battery packs which provide claimed electric ranges of up to 190 miles and 272 miles respectively.

The exterior uses Skoda’s latest ‘Modern Solid’ design language and the cabin boasts lots of sustainable materials and recycled plastics.

So, before you order a new Skoda Epiq, what is it going up against in this fiercely competitive market, and what do its rivals have to offer?

We’ve compiled a list of the Skoda Epiq’s key rivals to find out.

The Citroen e-C3 Aircross has set the benchmark in the electric compact crossover segment.

That’s because it represents excellent value for money, offers lots of interior space and comes with Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ front seats and suspension as standard.

On the road, the supple ride and armchair-like seats make the car an excellent mile-muncher, while the spacious rear seats offer lots of head and legroom.

There is a choice of battery packs: the ‘Standard Range’ model is fitted with a 44kWh battery pack and an electric motor to deliver a claimed range of up to 188 miles, while the ‘Long Range’ car is mated to a 54kWh unit with an electric motor to provide a claimed 249 miles between charges.

The Ford Puma Gen-E is a great choice for those looking for a practical and easy-to-live-with EV.

Underneath, the Gen-E uses a 43kWh battery pack with an electric motor to deliver a claimed range of up to 233 miles on a single charge.

It also boasts one of the biggest boots in its class, thanks to an additional 145-litre ‘gigabox’ underfloor storage bin, which creates a total load capacity of 523 litres.

Behind the wheel, the Puma is fun to drive and provides the same sporty experience as the petrol-powered model, thanks to its sharp handling and well-set-up chassis.

The Kia EV2 sets the bar pretty high in the compact electric crossover market.

It uses Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language with its vertical headlights and bold stance making it a good-looking option.

Inside, there is plenty of rear-seat passenger space thanks to the car’s high roofline and flat floor, while all models come with a decent amount of kit as standard.

The EV2 is available with a 42.2kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that can return a claimed range of up to 197 miles, while the 61kWh ‘Long Range’ model can take the car a claimed 278 miles between top-ups.

If you’re looking for an electric crossover that has lots of retro styling and is all about making a statement, then look no further than the Renault 4.

The R4 takes design inspiration from the original car of the 1960s with its bold sculpted lines that run down the doors, the small C-pillar rear windows and its three-part LED taillights.

On the road, the R4 delivers a comfortable and engaging driving experience, while the interior is a nice place to be with its infotainment system angled towards the driver.

There is also a ‘Plein Sud’ model, which comes with a canvas-style electric sunroof, which gives a wind-in-the-hair experience.

The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first attempt at an EV and it’s available with front- and all-wheel-drive set-ups.

All variants are well-equipped and the cabin is full of handy cubby holes including a secret storage bin under the floating centre console, while there is an impressive amount of rear legroom.

There are two battery packs available with the entry-level 49kWh model able to travel a claimed 213 miles on a single charge, while the larger 61kWh variant can travel up to a claimed 264 miles.

However, if you go for a car fitted with Suzuki’s ‘Allgrip-E’ dual-motor all-wheel drive system, that claimed figure drops to 245 miles.