Skoda has fully revealed the EU-spec Kamiq ahead of
its world premiere at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show that will take place from 5-17
March. The EU-spec Skoda Kamiq is a completely different animal compared to
the Chinese SUV we saw last year. With the European model, the Czech automaker
has “rigorously advanced” its SUV design language, says Oliver Stefani, Head of
Å KODA Design.
The EU-spec Kamiq is the first Skoda to feature
split LED headlights with daytime running lights that (in the full-LED version)
appear like four gemstones above the main headlights. While the Scala has
dynamic indicators only at the rear, this SUV features them even at the front.
While the split headlamps show off the SUV’s trendy
nature, the familiar design of the wide grille with double slats and the wide
air intake lets onlookers know it’s undoubtedly a Skoda. A rugged underbody
spoiler emphasises its off-road character. Looked from the sides, the low and
flat betline isn’t the most appealing aspect of the SUV, as it gives it a soft,
car-like appearance.
The rear-end is very masculine, and arguably the
most SUV-like angle of all. The interplay of the concave tailgate with straight
lines and the rakish back glass make it very interesting. The L-shaped LED lights
form the brand-typical C-shape when seen with the light reflectors below. In
the lowermost portion, a diffuser underscores the powerful appeal of the SUV.
The interior of the EU-spec Skoda Kamiq is a
straight lift from the Skoda Scala. Key features include 10.25-inch Virtual
Cockpit, Amundsen infotainment system with a free-standing 9.2-inch
touchscreen, Suedia microfiber seat upholstery, heated seats (front and rear),
steering wheel and windscreen, ambient lighting (white, red & copper) and
405-watt, 10-speaker Skoda sound system.
Like the Skoda Scala, the EU-spec Skoda Kamiq sits
on the MQB A0 platform. It is 4,241 mm long, 1,793 mm wide and 1,531 mm high.
Its wheelbase spans a length of 2,651 mm. The boot capacity is 400 litres,
expandable to 1,395 litres on folding down the rear seats. Moreover, it is also
possible to fold down the front passenger’s seat back for making room for
longer items up to 2,447 mm.
There are five engine options to select from, all
direct-injection units with a turbocharger. They come with brake energy
recovery as well as Stop/Start technology. Below is the list of the engines and
transmissions:
- 1.0L TSI three-cylinder petrol, (95 PS/175 Nm), 5-speed MT
- 1.0L TSI three-cylinder petrol (115 PS/200 Nm), 6-speed MT/7-speed DSG
- 1.5L TSI four-cylinder petrol (150 PS/250 Nm), 6-speed MT/7-speed DSG
- 1.6L TDI four-cylinder diesel (115 PS/250 Nm), 6-speed MT/7-speed DSG
- 1.0L G-TEC three-cylinder petrol-CNG (90 PS/160 Nm), 6-speed MT
An all-wheel drive system isn’t available, and so, the
power is directed to solely the front wheels in all cases. The MQB A0 IN Skoda SUV arriving
in India in 2020 will have some similarity to the MQB Skoda Kamiq, but it will
look tougher and have a higher ride height.