Hot on the heels of Volkswagen's launch of its new small budget EV, which is coming in at a price below €20,000, come details from its VW group stablemate, Skoda, about its plans to introduce a very similar car early next year.
However, if you expected that the Skoda Epiq might be comparable in price terms, or even lower, think again because while the entry level VW ID Polo will start at €19,995, the Skoda Epiq will have a starting price of €24,559 - a considerable difference.
Of course, levels of equipment, vehicle dimensions (Skoda, for example, says the boot of its car will have a class-leading capacity) and other factors may well account for that kind of difference but it looks like VW - as the main player in the group - has flexed its muscles to compete intensely on price in the Irish market at least.
It’s going to be an interesting contest because, broadly speaking, the entry level versions of both cars are small and city-owner oriented. Both have comparable claimed ranges, comparable battery sizes and software features.
The Epiq is described as a compact city SUV-styled carwith front wheel drive and it will come in four different trims. The choice of battery size will be either 37.5 kWh, with a claimed range of 315 kilometres, or a 55 kWh capacity with a claimed range of 435 kilometres.
For purposes of comparison, the VW ID Polo will have a choice of either a 37 kWh or a 52 kWh battery, with claimed ranges of up to 454 kilometres.
The Epiq will have a 13.1" infotainment screen, wireless 'phone charging and safety features such as lane assist and automatic braking. It will even have physical buttons for various functions, as promised by VW bosses who admit the craze for purely touch screen controls had gotten out of hand.
Along with that 475 litre boot, there will be ISOFIX child seat anchors in the rear and in the front passenger seat.
Other features such as LED front headlights will be standard, along with one-pedal driving, but we don’t have a specification list as yet to see what else will be standard.
When you add the new Cupra (another VW stablemate) Raval, with similar technology and batteries, into the mix at €26,000, this is certainly going to be a very competitive time for all three brands - with likely benefits for the buyer.
