Skoda is rolling out its Kamiq subcompact crossover
across Europe. Based on the MQB-A0 platform, just like the Scala hatchback, the
Kamiq is the smallest SUV in the automaker’s lineup — hence the official
description “city SUV.” Aimed at active, lifestyle-oriented customers, the Kamiq combines
crossover advantages such as increased ground clearance (+39 mm/1.5 in compared
to the Scala) and raised seat position with compact car agility.
Measuring 4,241 mm long, 1,793 mm wide and 1,553 mm high, the Kamiq is significantly more compact than
the Karoq and Kodiaq, but that does not necessarily mean it’s cramped inside.
Quite the contrary, in fact, as the automaker claims it offers class-leading
head, elbow and knee room in the rear.
The boot can accommodate 400 liters of
gear with all seats in place and 1,395 liters with the
asymmetrically split (60:40) rear bench folded down. The front passenger seat
back can fold as well, enabling the transport of bulky items up to 2,447 mm long. An extra 26 liters of stowing space is offered by
various storage compartments in the cabin.
Europe’s 2020 Kamiq offers a choice of three TSI
gasoline engines with three and four cylinders and a 1.6-liter TDI
four-cylinder, with outputs ranging from 95 PS to 150 PS.
There’s also a 90 PS 1.0-liter G-Tec three-cylinder running on CNG
(compressed natural gas).
Transmission options include five- or six-speed
manual gearboxes or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch. Regardless of the powertrain
combo, front-wheel drive is the only option. Optionally, the Kamiq can be
fitted with the 10 mm lower Sport Chassis Control that offers Normal
and Sport driving characteristics using Driving Mode Select.
The list of standard features is more than decent
and includes LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, 16-inch alloys,
height-adjustable driver’s seat, Swing multimedia interface with a 6.5-inch
touchscreen from the third-generation modular infotainment matrix, 3.5-inch
instrument panel display, built-in LTE eSIM, as well as several “Simply Clever”
features.
Safety equipment includes up to nine airbags, Lane
Assist, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian
Protection, and Multi-Collision Brake.
Prices for the 2020 Kamiq start
from €17,950 (approximately $20k at current exchange rates) in Germany for the
base Active trim level, with deliveries set to commence in late 2019.
