It was no secret that Skoda was working on a
brand-new subcompact SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault
Captur and Hyundai Kona. The automaker had already released a number of teasers
and confirmed that it would be named the Kamiq and it has just unveiled
it ahead of its debut at Geneva.
The name ‘Kamiq’ originates from the language of the
Inuit people. According to the company’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing,
Alain Favey, it “embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any
situation and that has its own character. This suits the car perfectly.”
The Kamiq is 4,241
mm long, 1,793 mm wide and 1,531 mm tall, with a
2,651 mm long wheelbase. It has a 400-liter boot
capacity with all seats in place, while folding down the second row increases
it to 1,395 liters. Moreover, the front passenger seat can
(optionally) be folded down, allowing for items up to 2,447 mm long
to be transported inside.
On the outside, the Kamiq has a rather funky
styling. It features split LED headlights with DRLs, dynamic front and rear
indicators and an interpretation of the brand’s C-shaped taillights. The wide
grille with double slats, distinct hood creases, rear diffuser and elevated
ground clearance, along with a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloys, complete
its exterior look.
The Kamiq’s interior is dominated by its
infotainment system that comes in 6.5, 8.0 or 9.2-inches, depending on the
version. Positioned in the driver’s field of view, the 9.2-inch one is said to
be the largest in the segment and sports an ergonomic hand rest below for
operating the touchscreen display. Skoda also offers a 10.25-inch Virtual
Cockpit digital instrument cluster as an optional extra.
Elsewhere, the front door trims have a high-quality
soft-foam surface and there’s even ambient lighting available in three colors –
white, red and copper. Customers will be able to specify contrast stitching on
the seat covers, which can be upholstered in Suedia microfiber. A heated
steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and heated windscreen are some of
the comfort features offered by the Kamiq.
The Czech subcompact SUV comes exclusively with front-wheel drive.
It can be powered by a 115 PS and 200 Nm of torque
1.0-liter petrol engin with a 6-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a 7-speed
DSG. There’s also a 150 PS and 250 Nm 1.5-liter
TSI with active cylinder management and the same transmission choices, whereas
diesel fans will get to order the 1.6-liter TDI that’s rated at 115 PS and 250 Nm of torque.
The Kamiq is also available with the Sport Chassis
Control active suspension which includes adjustable shock absorbers and a 10 mm lower ride height and has four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and
Individual. Front Assist and Lane Assist are standard, whereas Adaptive Cruise
Control, Driver Alert, Crew Protect Assist, Side Assist, Park Assist and Auto
Light Assist are available as options.
