The Skoda Kamiq will go on UK sale before the end of 2019, expanding the Czech brand’s new SUV range to three.
Evolved from the Vision X concept shown at the 2018 Geneva motor show, the production Kamiq will make its public debut at this year’s event on 5th March.
Sitting below the Kodiaq and Karoq as the smallest Skoda SUV, the Kamiq will compete in a market traditionally led by the Nissan Juke. Skoda expects it to attract younger buyers than do the brand’s current SUVs.
The new Skoda is built on the same MQB A0 platform that underpins the T-Cross and Arona from sister brands Volkswagen and SEAT.
Both cars will be prime rivals for the newcomer, but the Skoda’s 2.65m wheelbase is significantly longer than its competitors, suggesting a more spacious interior. Skoda quotes a 400-litre boot space, which increases to 1,395 litres with the rear seats folded down.
UK buyers will only be able to choose the Kamiq in front-wheel-drive form, and powertrain options will range across 1-litre petrol engines of 95 or 115hp, a 1.5-litre petrol with 150hp and a 1.6-litre diesel delivering 115hp.
Six-speed manual transmissions are standard but all bar the entry-level petrol engine will also be available with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Skoda is promising an extensive suite of safety aids for the Kamiq though several will be options. The Front Assist, which includes autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian protection in urban environments, will be standard, as will the Lane Assist keeping the car centred in its lane of the road.
The Skoda brand’s much-praised ‘Simply Clever’ details will also feature, with more than 20 available for the car including for the first time an optional door-egg protector which deploys as soon as the door is opened to prevent damage in such areas as tight car parks.
Visually the Kamiq includes family styling ties to its larger sister SUVs. But it also introduces new details such as the daytime running lights placed above the headlamps – these have been created by Skoda’s new design head Oliver Stefani.
Keyword: Skoda Kamiq SUV to target Nissan Juke’s success