Cut-price European electric car concepts revealed: Volkswagen, Skoda, Cupra take aim at BYD Atto 3, MGS5, Geely EX5 and more

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Volkswagen Group brands VW, Skoda and Cupra have revealed three new small, affordable electric car concepts that preview production vehicles, built on the new ‘MEB Entry’ EV platform.

Revealed at the International Motor Show Germany (IAA), the Skoda Epiq, Volkswagen ID Cross, and Cupra Raval share similar dimensions and power outputs, with a primary focus of customer value and space efficiency.

No prices have been revealed yet, but expect the VW Group to deliver on affordability, which it will need to compete with the influx of Chinese brands. 

The Skoda Epiq and ID Cross list power outputs of 155kW and WLTP range target of 420km; not too dissimilar to the recently unveiled ID Polo (previewed by the ID2). 

The spicier Cupra Raval compact hatchback gains an extra kick of power, claiming 166kW and an expected 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds. 

Both the Epiq and ID Cross will predominantly rival the equally small Kia EV3 and Hyundai Inster, with larger (but still small SUV) rivals including the BYD Atto 3, MG S5, and Volvo EX30. The Cupra Raval will head the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. 

Currently, none of the three nameplates have been confirmed for the Australian market. Chasing Cars has contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment, and will update this article as more information becomes available.

Volkswagen ID Cross

The newly revealed Volkswagen ID Cross is expected to be the volume seller of the MEB Entry platform. It measures 4161mm long, 1839mm wide, and 1588mm tall, and will serve as VW’s EV alternative to its popular T-Cross compact SUV. 

Under the skin, the ID Cross is mechanically identical to the front-driven ID Polo hatchback, but for European markets is expected to be 10-15 percent more expensive – we anticipate this trend will follow into Australia, although the ID Cross is not yet confirmed locally. 

To stand out from the low-set ID Polo, the ID Cross sports rugged, squared-off styling, which incorporates prominent black plastic wheel arches, Atlas-style headlights, body length front and rear light-bars, blacked-out pillars, roof rails and a raised body. 

The cabin of the ID Cross uses lightly coloured fabric made from recycled materials. A welcome feature is the twin device chargers and prominent selection of physical buttons for the front seat passengers, which sit below a 13.0-inch infotainment screen. 

The driver benefits from an 11.0-inch digital cluster, as well as more physical controls on the steering wheel and stalks. 

All five seats can be folded completely flat to enter a ‘camping mode’.

Skoda Epiq

A familiar face now confirmed to be entering production is Skoda’s ‘Epiq’ small electric SUV. Initially revealed as a concept car in March 2024, the Epiq will likely be the first production model MEB Entry vehicle, with Skoda claiming a final version will be revealed mid next year. 

The Epiq measures 4100mm long, and, according to Skoda, is intended to be an EV counterpart to the Kamiq small SUV. It features Skoda’s new ‘modern solid’ contemporary design language, sporting large-diameter wheels, ‘Tech Deck’ front clip, and a full width rear light bar.

A 475-litre boot gives it the largest luggage volume of the three MEB Entry vehicles (450-litres denoted for the VW ID Cross). 

Inside, the Epiq is not dissimilar to what was seen in last year’s concept. It sports a small 5.0-inch digital driver display, which we expect will be upgraded to the 11.0-inch unit installed in the ID Cross.

Cupra Raval

Expected to be the ‘sporty’ member of the MEB Entry crew, the Cupra Raval is currently the smallest vehicle on the platform. It measures 4046mm long— a full size below Cupra’s current 4324mm Born small EV. 

Evidently, some exterior details are still to be confirmed for the Raval, which appeared at the IAA under light ‘Barcelona camouflage’. The front end is simple, and more production focused compared to the closely related Urban Rebel concept, which first debuted in 2021. 

The Raval does retain the Rebel’s triangular headlights, which sport a Cupra motif inside. At the back, a full length rear light bar can be seen, complete with an incorporated Cupra badge.

Sporty elements confirmed for the Raval include a firmer and lower suspension setup to other MEB Entry vehicles, a Cupra-specific electric power steering tune, 19-inch alloy wheels and an electronically controlled front limited-slip differential.

Interior details are still to be confirmed. 

EV driving range should be around 440km WLTP in long range trim, with the 166kW full-fat VZ likely to have a touch less range.