Apart from the next-gen Octavia and the facelifted
Superb, Skoda has a few more surprises down the belt for the Indian market. The
much anticipated Skoda Kamiq has been spied getting tested on the country roads
for the very first time. It was also showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in
March this year.
The Kamiq is the smallest SUV
from the house of Skoda, and the spied test mule seems to be the Euro-spec
version of the same. It is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform,
while the Indian-spec model will be undoubtedly based on the MQB A0 IN
platform. It will measure somewhere between 4.2 - 4.3 metres in length, pretty
close to the Hyundai Creta and is expected to feature a slightly longer
wheelbase than international versions. This will enable Skoda to carve out
slightly more space on the inside as per the Indian market demand.
As for the exteriors, its overall design will remain
pretty close to the already available international-spec Kamiq. The Indian-spec
model will flash more extensive use of chrome and is expected to look sassier
in comparison to its international counterpart.
Inside, expect the Skoda Kamiq to feature a large
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen placed on the centre dashboard. To make the package more
desirable amidst the stiff competition, the company will likely give the
Indian-spec Kamiq a host of comfort and convenience features such as a
panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, electrically adjustable front seats, adjustability
for the rear seats with reclinable backrests and much more. Mechanically, the
details remain scarce, but the SUV is expected to be offered with turbo-petrol
engines along with a CNG option which is also highly likely for India.
The Skoda Kamiq will be the first product out of the
Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 programme. At the same time, Volkswagen will also
launch a similar SUV which will spawn out of the Skoda Kamiq. Later, the MQB AO
IN platform will be used for a number of new products for both the brands. The
competition is already stiffing up in the B-SUV segment with the arrival of Kia
and MG, and by the time Volkswagen's version of the Kamiq arrives, Toyota and
Suzuki will also be ready with a competitor in the same segment.
