New Skoda Kamiq crossover 26 | 02 | 2019
SKODA HAS LIFTED the wraps from its high-tech compact SUV, the Kamiq, ahead of its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Prices are expected to start between £16,000 and £17,000 when the car goes on-sale at Scottish dealerships in the third quarter of this year. (Related: Hot Skoda Kodiaq vRS to cost £42,870)
Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Nissan Juke, VW T-Cross and Citroen C3 Aircross, the front-wheel drive-only Kamiq — based on the Vision X concept shown at last year's Geneva show — bears a family resemblance to the Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq, from which it takes its styling cues. (Related: Skoda teases Vision X concept)
There are noticeable differences though: the Kamiq boasts a more upright grille and optional narrow LED running lights which feature animated, ‘dynamic’ scrolling indicators, and sit above the main headlights. Pop round to the rear, and you’ll spot the fact the boot features the Skoda name in letter, instead of the firm's logo.
There’s also a heavily contoured bonnet, which helps add to the Kamiq’s solid, chunky look. And while the new Skoda measures 4241mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2651mm, its roofline is 106mm lower than the C3 Aircross. The Kamiq though is 106mm longer than the Juke, and boasts a 121mm longer wheelbase which — Skoda says — boosts interior space and rear legroom. In fact, the Czech carmaker says there’s as much rear legroom in the Kamiq as an Octavia.
Built on the same Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform used by the VW T-Cross and Seat Arona, the Kamiq has a boot capacity of 400-litres, exactly the same as the Seat. Significantly, that’s 46-litres more than the rival Juke. Fold the rear seats down, and stowage increases to 1395-litres, all accessed via an electric tailgate.
Inside, the dashboard includes a sweeping wing, which helps emphasise the width of the cabin. The impression is continued by the air vents which extend into the door panels. Textured soft-touch plastics cover the top of the dash and padded material trims the door inserts, a sign that Skoda has focussed on improving interior quality.
The 9.2in infotainment system sits proudly on the centre of the dashboard, and can be combined with an optional 10.25-inch customisable digital instrument panel. A permanent internet connection, wireless smartphone charging, Front Assist and Lane Assist, mood lighting and USB-C connectivity are included as Skoda strives to ensure the Kamiq stays ahead of its rivals in the tech race.
Initially, the Kamiq — which is expected to be offered in three trim levels in the UK — will be available with a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel. The 113bhp 1.6TDI, will be supplemented by the three petrols; two 1.0 engines making producing either 94bhp or 113bhp, or a 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo. Its unlikely the range will include a sporty vRS version.
Related: Skoda Kodiaq Sportline
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Jim McGill