Škoda has added a Sportline version to the Epiq, its smallest and cheapest all-electric SUV. It gets gloss-black styling, Sportline-only wheels and the longest standard equipment list of any Epiq. Buyers can choose between the Epiq 40 with 99 kW and the Epiq 55 with 155 kW.

Sportline has long been Škoda’s sporty-looking trim across its range. It now comes to the Epiq, the compact electric SUV that sits at the entry point of the brand’s EV line-up. The car maker says the Sportline is the best-equipped Epiq on offer. It combines visual changes with a large amount of standard equipment rather than changes to the powertrain.

Gloss-black details and Sportline-only wheels

On the outside, the Sportline has bumpers painted in the body colour at the front and rear. It also gets gloss-black Škoda lettering, gloss-black roof rails and black mirror caps. It is the only Epiq that can be ordered with a black roof.

The standard wheels are 19-inch black alloys, and 20-inch wheels are optional. Škoda says both designs are only available on the Sportline.

Distinctive lighting as standard

The Sportline is the first Epiq with Light Band, Škoda’s illuminated front grille. It comes with T-shaped LED Matrix headlights and LED taillights, and all three are standard. Together they give this version its own lighting signature.

A black interior with Suedia trim

Inside, the cabin is finished in black. The front sports seats adjust electrically and are covered in Suedia, a soft-touch material. Škoda says the seats give the driver and front passenger more lateral support. Suedia is also used on the armrest, the door panel inserts and the dashboard trim.

The heated three-spoke steering wheel carries a Sportline badge and has paddles for adjusting the level of brake energy recovery. The pedals have stainless-steel covers. Black headlining, ambient lighting, decorative door sills and a 15 W wireless phone charger are also standard.

Equipment packages included

The Sportline comes with the Convenience and Tech Packages from the Selection trim, plus the Light & View Package.

  • Convenience Package: heated steering wheel and front seats, dual-zone Climatronic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and privacy glass from the B-pillar back (Sunset)
  • Tech Package: front parking sensors, KESSY Advanced with automatic locking and unlocking, Digital Key, a rear-view camera and wireless phone charging
  • Light & View Package: LED Matrix headlights, Top LED taillights and the Light Band illuminated grille

Two packages are optional. The Travel Package adds Travel Assist 3.0, Crew Protect Assist, navigation and a three-year subscription to Škoda Connect Premium services. The Premium Package adds the Top Area View 360° camera system, a 10-speaker Canton sound system, a frunk, Remote Parking, Trained Parking and Reversing Assist.

Two batteries, two power outputs

The entry-level Epiq 40 has a battery with 38.5 kWh gross (37 kWh net) capacity. It delivers 99 kW and 267 Nm. Škoda quotes a range of more than 310 km (193 miles) and says a 10–80 per cent charge takes 23 minutes.

The Epiq 55 has a 55 kWh gross (52 kWh net) battery and produces 155 kW and 290 Nm. It goes from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.1 seconds. Škoda says it can cover up to 440 km (273 miles) on a charge and that a 10–80 per cent charge can take as little as 24 minutes.

Both versions have a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). Both also have regenerative braking, a coasting mode and the ECO assistant. The ECO assistant shows prompts in the Digital Cockpit that encourage efficient driving and good use of regeneration, which the company says helps cut energy use and extend range. Škoda describes the range and performance figures as preliminary.

What it means

The Sportline package makes the Epiq look sportier without changing how it performs. Both versions use the same two powertrains as the rest of the Epiq range. For buyers, the main appeal is getting the most equipment available on Škoda’s entry-level electric SUV in a single trim, without adding options one by one.

Facts: Škoda Epiq Sportline

  • Epiq 40: 99 kW, 267 Nm, 38.5 kWh gross (37 kWh net) battery, more than 310 km (193 miles) range, 10–80% charge in 23 minutes
  • Epiq 55: 155 kW, 290 Nm, 55 kWh gross (52 kWh net) battery, up to 440 km (273 miles) range, 10–80% charge in as little as 24 minutes, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.1 seconds
  • Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph), both versions
  • Wheels: 19-inch black alloys as standard, 20-inch optional
  • Data status: preliminary, according to Škoda

Škoda has not yet announced pricing or an on-sale date for the Epiq Sportline.

Source: www.skoda-storyboard.com