Geneva show: Skoda sets date for Kamiq small SUV
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 28th Jan 2019
SKODA has announced it will expand its SUV line-up from two to three models with the inclusion of the Kamiq small SUV, which will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
If the Kamiq name sounds familiar, it is because Skoda has already used it for a small SUV exclusively sold in the Chinese market, however the new Kamiq is an unrelated model.
Along with the announcement, Skoda has released a short video and single image teasing the new model, whose styling looks to show a departure from that of the larger Kodiaq and Karoq.
The Kamiq adopts slimline LED daytime running lights broken up with four clear segments, while the headlights sit underneath.
Styling can be expected to closely mirror the Vision X concept revealed at last year’s Geneva show, which acted as a precursor to the Kamiq.
The Kamiq will be built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform that underpins other small SUVs such as the Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc, and will be clearly smaller than the Karoq which straddles the small and medium SUV segments.
If the Vision X is anything to go by, the Kamiq would be slightly longer and wider than the Yeti small SUV, while sitting lower to the ground.
No details have yet been revealed on the powertrains underpinning the Kamiq, however the Vision X and recently revealed Scala small hatchback could point towards possible engine choices.
The Vision X uses an unconventional hybrid set-up that teams a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that runs on both compressed natural gas and petrol to an electric motor on the rear axle for a combined output of 96kW/200Nm.
A more conventional set-up in the Scala solely uses the 1.5-litre engine producing 110kW/250Nm, while European versions also have access to a 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill producing 70kW/175Nm.
The Vision RS concept, which previewed the production Scala, also featured a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid set-up that produces a more-lively 180kW.
Few other details are known about the Kamiq including its launch timing and interior specification, however if it were made available to Australia it would most likely come here given Skoda Australia’s previous stance of taking every available SUV.
Some form of autonomous technology and advanced safety systems can also be expected the Kamiq.
More details including the model’s specification and arrival will be made clear when it is revealed at the Geneva motor show in March.
