Skoda has launched its most compact electric model yet, the Skoda Epiq, taking on the Renault 4 E-Tech in Spain’s growing market for affordable city EVs. Both vehicles are designed to comfortably seat four adults and offer a practical option for urban travel, but their differences in space, performance and price stand out. Both have five-seat layouts, making the comparison relevant to family errands and luggage as well as city commuting.
Dimensions and Interior Space
The Skoda Epiq measures 4,171 mm in length, 1,798 mm in width and 1,581 mm in height, with a 2.60-metre wheelbase. Its 475-litre boot expands to 1,345 litres with the rear seats folded, and the original specification gives it a 25-litre underfloor compartment. That gives it a large cargo advantage over the Renault’s 375 litres (VDA standard). The dimensions and capacity reflect the Epiq’s focus on packaging: it is a compact SUV with luggage space more often found in larger vehicles.
Renault’s 4 E-Tech is slightly shorter at 4.14 metres long and 1.57 metres high, but has a marginally longer wheelbase of 2.62 metres. Four adults up to 1.85 metres tall can travel comfortably, though rear space and trunk volume fall short of the Skoda. The Renault’s interior is well assembled, but its extensive use of recycled plastics and textiles gives it a solid, less premium feel. In practical terms, the Renault’s longer wheelbase does not make up for the Epiq’s greater stated boot capacity.
Technology and Design
Inside, the Skoda Epiq has a minimalist dashboard with two digital displays: a 13-inch central touchscreen for infotainment and a 5.3-inch instrument cluster. Skoda emphasizes durable, sustainable materials throughout the cabin. The exterior follows the brand’s Modern Solid design language, with sharp LED lighting and a restrained, contemporary look.
The Renault 4 E-Tech’s dashboard centers on a 10-inch multimedia screen running Android Automotive. It offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Google Maps integration, and route planning that accounts for battery status and charging points. The digital instrument panel ranges from 7 to 10 inches depending on trim. Renault’s approach is functional, though its materials and finish are less refined than the Skoda’s.
Performance and Range
The Epiq 55 is the most powerful configuration described here, with a 211 hp motor and a 51.7 kWh net (55 kWh gross) NMC battery. Its quoted range reaches 440 km, while independent technical specifications list the larger-battery version at 433 to 441 km under the WLTP cycle. The top version is also reported with 155 kW of power, 290 Nm of torque and front-wheel lead. The cited figures for this configuration show fast charging at up to 133 kW, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in about 24 minutes. Two more affordable versions are expected: the Epiq 35 (116 hp, 37 kWh LFP battery, 310 km range) and Epiq 40 (135 hp, same battery, 310 km range), both with lower charging speeds. All Epiq models include V2L, V2H and V2G functions for bidirectional charging. The battery chemistry reflects the range strategy: LFP for the lower-cost versions and NMC for the larger-battery model.
The Renault 4 E-Tech comes with two powertrains: a 120 hp version with a 40 kWh battery and a stated range of 308 km, and a 150 hp version with a 52 kWh battery and a stated range of 408 km. Independent Spanish technical listings give WLTP figures of 308 km and 399 km respectively, showing how published figures can vary by market and specification. Charging is rated at 11 kW AC, with DC fast charging up to 80 kW for the 40 kWh battery or 100 kW for the 52 kWh battery. An 80% charge takes about 30 minutes. Listed combined consumption is approximately 14.7 kWh/100 km for the 40 kWh version and 15.5 kWh/100 km for the 52 kWh model. Renault also offers V2L capability, letting the car power external devices at up to 3.7 kW. Independent technical listings give the Renault’s entry version a higher stated peak DC charging rate than the Epiq entry version, while the Epiq 55 is reported with a slightly higher maximum range.
Pricing and Equipment
Price is a decisive factor. The Skoda Epiq starts at €33,650 in the figures cited here, but brand discounts, Spain’s Plan Auto+ and the CAE bring the effective price down to €26,175. Equipment levels include Urban, Selection and a First Edition launch model, with optional packages for convenience, technology and travel. Published prices vary by country and trim: European listings also put the Epiq 35 at €26,290, the Epiq 40 at €27,490 and the Epiq 55 at €32,990, while a separate Spanish listing gives a starting price of €29,130. These list and advertised prices cannot be directly compared with an offer that includes incentives.
The Renault 4 E-Tech starts at €27,954, including discounts and CAE, putting it slightly above the Epiq after incentives. A separate Spanish listing gives its starting price as €30,085, while dealer inventory can include used or nearly new examples at different prices. Trim levels, evolution, techno, techno ‘plein sud’, iconic and iconic ‘plein sud’, offer varying features, but all include 18-inch wheels, digital instruments and a suite of driver assistance systems. The base evolution trim is available only with the 120 hp powertrain. A comparison so depends on the specific trim, equipment, taxes and incentives, not just the advertised starting figure.
Which Model Wins?
For city drivers seeking maximum space, range and value, the Skoda Epiq stands out. Its 475-litre boot, expandable to 1,345 litres, is its clearest practical advantage, while the Epiq 55’s reported WLTP range reaches around 440 km. The effective price cited here also undercuts the Renault’s after incentives, although market listings show that prices vary by country and specification. The Epiq’s upcoming entry-level versions are expected to make it even more accessible.
The Renault 4 E-Tech, meanwhile, appeals to buyers drawn to nostalgia and the charm of a modern reinterpretation of a classic. Its design and technology are competitive, and its two battery options cover urban use and longer trips. For buyers who prioritize emotional connection over outright utility, the Renault remains a compelling choice. Its higher listed DC charging rate in the smaller-battery version may also matter to drivers who use public rapid chargers.
The comparison is playing out as Spain’s electric-car market expands. Battery-electric registrations reportedly rose 77.1% in 2025 to 101,600 vehicles, or 8.8% of all registrations, information from Agencia EFE figures attributed to ANFAC. That growth gives affordable compact EVs a larger role in the market, but does not determine which model will suit an individual buyer. The choice comes down chiefly to boot capacity, the selected battery and motor, charging needs and the final price after incentives.
Competition among compact electric cars is intensifying as new models and technologies arrive. Ferrari’s recent move into the electric segment was highlighted by the auction of its first all-electric Luce at Monterey, covered in Ferrari’s debut EV auction. It reflects how the field for electric mobility in Europe is developing and consumer expectations are rising.
