We've driven it in heavily camouflaged form (see more on that here), and we've seen the concept version, but now here at last is Skoda's new electric crossover, the Epiq, in full.
Is Skoda setting itself up for a fall with that name?
Possibly, but then the Czech brand has form in this area. After all, since 2002, it's been selling a big car called Superb, and that lives up to its name. There's no reason that the Epiq won't either. In fact, it's looking pretty good already...
Is the Skoda Epiq electric only?
Yes, it's based on the same MEB+ front-wheel-drive mechanical package as the Volkswagen ID. Polo, the Cupra Raval and the VW ID. Cross.
That means it can pack a 37kWh (net) battery using lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which gives you a range of up to 315km with a choice of 116hp or 134hp electric motors (those are badged Epiq 35 and Epiq 40, respectively).
Or there's a big-battery model, the Epiq 55, which gets a 51kWh NMC battery, a 210hp electric motor and a range of up to 430km. This model has the fastest 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds, while official energy consumption across the lineup is 13.0-13.2kWh/100km.
What about charging?
That's a bit... variable. In its most basic form, the 37kWh LFP battery can only manage 50kW of DC charging power - in the Epiq 35.
Skoda doesn't quote a 10-80 per cent charging time for that model, but it does say that the Epiq 40, which can handle 90kW of DC power, will go from 10-80 per cent in 28 minutes, which isn't bad.
There's better performance to be had from the Epiq 55, which can handle 133kW of DC charge, and that will go from 10-80 per cent in a very brisk 23 minutes. All versions will charge at up to 11kW on three-phase AC outlets.
It looks pretty good...
Yes, there's not been a huge change from the original concept version of the Epiq, so it has retained its chunky, but compact, stance and gained a few nice details along the way.
There's a wavy styling line that runs through the lower section of the front bumper, which Skoda calls the 'Volcano Line' which not only looks good, but also has practical applications.
It allows Skoda to leave lots of unpainted plastic panelling running around the lower edges (which should help cut down on parking dings) and it also helps to disguise the neat little 'air curtain' vent which directs some of the airflow through the bumper and around the front wheel, for greater aero efficiency.
Speaking of aero, direct your attention to the rear bumper - again, much of which is scratch-proof unpainted plastic - and you'll notice two tiny aero 'flicks' on the back of the wheelarch on each side.
These aren't strictly for aerodynamic performance but are actually there to create an airflow effect which helps to stop the rear wheels flicking up stone chips.
What are all the holes in the front bumper about?
They're there so air can get in to cool the battery, but they're also there to look good and give the Epiq more of a rugged off-road aesthetic (although it's strictly a front-wheel-drive car for now) and they're mirrored in the styling of the rear bumper.
In the First Edition model we were shown in Prague, you can have one or more of those vents colour-coded, and while Ireland might not get the First Edition, it's pretty close to how a Sportline model will look, including the black badges and the contrast colour line that runs along the tops of the doors.
The Epiq's front end also kicks off a new leg of Skoda's styling journey as it gets ultra-slim T-shaped LED running lights, with smaller projector LED main beam units tucked in at the base of the 'T'.
How practical is the Skoda Epiq?
As standard, the boot stretches - across its two levels - to 475 litres, which makes the Epiq one of the roomiest cars in its class.
The adjustable floor, at its highest level, gives you a flat load floor, which is handy, and there are useful storage areas to either side. There are bag hooks and a 12-volt socket too, and optionally Skoda will sell you a handy storage bag for your charging cable, which can clip upright against the back of the rear seat.
If you go for the optional Canton stereo, you do lose 20 litres of that space to the stereo's sub-woofer, but there's a way of compensating for that, as there's an optional plastic storage tray that slots into the Epiq's nose, above the electric motor.
It only holds the same 20 litres that you've just sacrificed to the stereo, but it's enough to hold a neatly coiled charging cable.
While we're on the practical end of things, the boot opening at the back is noticeably wide, and the built-in ice-scraper has moved from its traditional home tucked into the charging port flap, to a new spot in the inside of the tailgate.
Fold down the back seats and there's 1,344 litres of luggage space, and while you can't stash the rigid luggage cover under the floor, it has been designed to clip upright against the back seats when you don't want to use it.
What's the Skoda Epiq's interior like?
This is where the Skoda Yeti vibes start to ramp up, as the Epiq has a Yeti-like mix of style and practicality.
The dashboard is very square and horizontal in its style, and the relatively small (but informative) 5.3-inch driver's instrument screen is counter-sunk into the dashboard behind either a two-spoke (standard) or three-spoke (Sportline) steering wheel which, gets proper physical buttons instead of annoying haptic touchpads.
The big screen in the centre measures 13 inches across, and it uses a new Google-based operating system which seems impressive, although we've not had a proper chance to test this out on the road as yet.
Annoyingly, you still get the 'slider' touch sensitive bar for stereo volume control, and there are no physical buttons for air conditioning nor cabin temperature, but at least there are a few shortcut buttons beneath the screen.
Overall quality seems very good, as you'd expect from Skoda, and the brand is ramping up its recycled and sustainable material count, including a new 'Techtona' material made of recycled plastic, which adorns the dashboard and which feels oddly like linoleum at times.
All of the seat upholstery is made from 100 per cent recycled PES. The front seats are comfortable, and there's copious adjustment in both the driver's seat and the steering wheel.
On the practical front, there are storage areas on top of and underneath the centre console, as well as a huge storage box under the front-seat armrest.
Skoda claims that there are 26 litres of storage scattered around the cabin, and of course there's the traditional umbrella in the driver's door.
What about the back seats?
There are just enough knee room and headroom in the back for four six-foot people to get comfortable inside the Epiq. There are handy split-level seatback pockets, with smaller sections for earbuds or what have you.
Higher-spec models get a folding rear armrest with cupholders, and there are rear air vents and USB-C sockets too.
All Epiqs will come with three ISOFIX points (two in the back and one in the front passenger seat) but the middle rear seat is likely too narrow for even a booster cushion to fit.
How much will the Skoda Epiq cost in Ireland?
Skoda Ireland has confirmed that the Epiq will cost from €24,559. That's for the Epiq Choice 35 model. The Epiq Essence 40 is €26,898, the Selection 40 is €29,704 and the entry-level version with the larger battery is the Epiq Selection 55, at €32,979.
Above that are the Epiq Sportline cars, the 40 and 55 variants priced at €33,915 and €37,189, respectively.