In the latest edition of Drive Time, John Murdoch profiles the new Skoda Epiq, the Czech automaker's upcoming all-electric model set to hit showrooms next month. Additionally, he reveals that Caterham is introducing a Nurburgring special edition, limited to just 100 vehicles.
Skoda Epiq: Affordable Electric Crossover
Skoda has finalized UK specifications, pricing, and order details for the all-new all-electric Epiq, which will start at £24,950. This model expands the brand's electric lineup into the entry-level segment, offering compact dimensions paired with a roomy interior and high practicality for daily use.
With its starting price, the Epiq achieves cost parity with its petrol counterpart, the Kamiq, making it the most affordable fully electric Skoda model and bringing EV ownership to a wider audience. The city SUV crossover plays a crucial role in Skoda's electric strategy and, alongside the forthcoming all-electric Peaq, will double the brand's EV range.
Orders open next month, beginning with SE L and Edition trims equipped with the 55 battery. The Epiq is the first Skoda built on the Volkswagen Group's new MEB+ platform and the brand's first front-wheel-drive EV. This platform is optimized for compact EVs, balancing reduced weight with high efficiency.
The UK range includes two value-packed trims: SE L and Edition (from £27,700). A limited First Edition will also be available from launch, priced at £31,450, featuring a loaded specification list with unique design elements.
Externally, the Epiq boasts a glossy black Tech-Deck Face, a new T-shaped light signature that will define future Skoda SUVs, and a robust bumper with O-shaped air inlets. Six paint options are offered, five new, including free Marble Grey solid and exclusive Jasper Red metallic.
Inside, the Epiq provides a functional cabin with a 475-litre boot and numerous storage solutions, plus a 25-litre front trunk (frunk). Customers can choose from three new interior Design Selections. Connectivity centers on a 13-inch infotainment display with extensive personalization, online services, and an app store. The MySkoda app enables remote access, charging management, and comfort functions.
The Epiq is available with two battery options and two power outputs, all front-wheel drive. The smaller 37kWh LFP battery (Epiq 40) delivers around 190 miles range, while the larger 52kWh NMC battery (Epiq 55) offers up to 272 miles. Both charge from 10-80% in under 25 minutes. The Epiq 40 produces 135ps, and the Epiq 55 delivers 211ps.
Standard equipment includes a 13-inch infotainment screen, five-inch digital cockpit, wireless Smartlink, rear parking sensors, one-zone climate control, keyless start/stop, and adaptive cruise control. The First Edition 55 adds Navajo Orange accents on mirrors, side window trim, wheel covers, and bumpers, plus orange stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and dashboard, orange seat belts, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with red stitching and First Edition badge, black headlining, sports pedal covers, and decorative door sills.
Caterham Seven Nurburgring Edition: A Century Celebration
Specialist manufacturer Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven Nurburgring Edition, celebrating 100 years of the legendary Nurburgring circuit. Only 100 examples will be produced globally, based on either a Seven 420R or Seven 340R, with UK prices starting at £48,995.
Race suspension was developed exclusively by Bilstein using its advanced vertical dynamics test rig. The setup was refined specifically for the Nurburgring's demands, balancing road and track capability. Paired with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine producing 210bhp at 7,600rpm, the car achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 375bhp/tonne.
With a five-speed gearbox, the Nurburgring Edition accelerates from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 136mph. As a fully licensed Nurburgring product, it features the circuit's distinctive branding and logo, with paint options including Verkehrsrot (Traffic Red), Achatgrau (Agate Grey), and Basaltgrau (Basalt Grey), plus custom colors.
Exterior upgrades include a Nurburgring red track day roll bar, a Nurburgring mesh grille with Seven logo, and a 620-style nose cone with carbon aero whiskers. Inside, leather seats feature Nurburgring embroidery and red stitching, also found on the transmission tunnel. Carbon interior panels, four-point road harnesses, and sequential shift lights complete the package. Each of the 100 cars has an individually numbered plaque.
For a century, the 12.9-mile 'Green Hell' track in Germany's Eifel Mountains has served as the ultimate proving ground. Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
