ŠKODA is adding a third model to its European SUV portfolio: the ŠKODA KAMIQ. As with the successful ŠKODA KODIAQ and KAROQ, the name KAMIQ also originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland:
it means something that fits perfectly. Sitting in the growing city SUV segment, the ŠKODA KAMIQ perfectly combines the advantages of a sport utility vehicle – such as higher ground clearance and a comfortable seating position – with the agility of a compact car. With an emotive design, state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever features, the new KAMIQ equally fulfils the needs of both family- and lifestyle-oriented customers.
The ŠKODA KAMIQ continues the successful SUV design language from the KODIAQ and the KAROQ and comes with new visual highlights such as the split headlights featuring the daytime running lights above the main headlights. The city SUV is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and, with a length of 4,241 mm, offers the ŠKODA-typical generous amount of space. Modern assistance systems, environmentally friendly and efficient drive systems, the latest infotainment systems and state-of-the-art connectivity solutions ensure the ŠKODA KAMIQ perfectly fulfils the requirements of modern individual mobility – all whilst further consolidating the emotiveness of the ŠKODA brand.
The name KAMIQ continues the already familiar nomenclature of ŠKODA SUV models. The names of the larger models, the ŠKODA KAROQ and ŠKODA KODIAQ, both also start with the letter K and end in a Q.
The front of the new ŠKODA KAMIQ is characterised by a wide radiator grille with double slats and distinct lines on the bonnet. The rugged front spoiler emphasises the car’s off-road character. The compact side view, with large wheels measuring 16 to 18 inches and an elevated bonnet, appears robust and dynamic; the roof line and high ground clearance reinforce this impression. The side view presents balanced proportions and a timeless design, combined with a dynamic and sporty look. The rear features a new interpretation of the ŠKODA-typical ‘C’ shape of the lights. A diffuser accentuates the car’s generous ground clearance and powerful appearance.
The new ŠKODA SUV is the brand’s first model to feature split LED headlights with daytime running lights that, in the full-LED version, appear like four gemstones above the main headlights. Three‑dimensional and crystalline effects as well as LED units that look like glistening jewels add to the sophisticated appearance. The full-LED version also features fog lights with static cornering lights as well as – for the first time in a ŠKODA – dynamic front and rear indicators. The front indicators are divided into individual LEDs. When the driver turns the indicators on, they flash outwards in a sweeping motion.
The KAMIQ is the Czech brand’s second model featuring the new interior concept. Its interior is dominated by the free-standing screen which is ideally positioned in the driver’s field of view and, at 9.2 inches, the biggest in its segment. A character line echoes the lines on the bonnet. It also forms an ergonomic hand rest below the display for operating the touchscreen. Measuring 10.25 inches, the optional Virtual Cockpit is also amongst the largest displays in the segment. The redesigned instrument panel continues the emotive design language of the exterior. The side air vents extend into the doors, visually enhancing the spacious feel of the KAMIQ.
The dashboard, with its new, extensive decorative elements, and the front door trims feature a high‑quality, soft-foam surface with a new specific texture resembling crystalline structures. This will also shape the ŠKODA brand’s style in future. The ambient lighting, available in the three colours white red and copper, also helps to provide a pleasant feeling of spaciousness. These add a visual highlight to the shades and coloured contrasting stitching on the seat covers. As an option, the seat covers are available in Suedia microfibre.
The interior of the new ŠKODA SUV impresses not only with its amount of space but also with its comfort options that are otherwise only seen in higher vehicle segments. These include a heated steering wheel and heated windscreen. The KAMIQ also offers heated seats, not only for the two front seats but also as an option for the outer seats in the back.
All of the ŠKODA KAMIQ’s engines are direct-injection units with turbochargers. They come with brake energy recovery as well as Stop/Start technology and comply with the currently strictest Euro 6d‑TEMP emissions standard. The entry-level engine is a 1.0 TSI delivering 70 kW (95 PS). From its cylinder capacity of 1.0 l, this three-cylinder model produces maximum torque of 175 Nm and features a manual 5-speed gearbox.
The 1.0 TSI with a power output of 85 kW (115 PS) comes with a 6-speed gearbox as standard, but can be fitted with a 7-speed DSG as an option, and generates torque of 200 Nm. The top-end engine is the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with a power output of 110 kW (150 PS) and maximum torque of 250 Nm. Its Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) automatically shuts down two cylinders when the load is light, thus saving on fuel. This engine is also available with a 7-speed DSG as an alternative to the manual 6-speed gearbox. All three petrol engines are equipped with a petrol particulate filter.
The four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel engine delivering 85 kW (115 PS) also offers torque of 250 Nm; it is fitted with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and a diesel particulate filter as standard. This efficient diesel engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard; a 7-speed DSG is available as an option.
With 37 mm more ground clearance than the new compact car, the ŠKODA SCALA, the ŠKODA KAMIQ’s chassis combines the advantages of an SUV with the agile handling of a compact car. Sport Chassis Control allows for an even more dynamic set-up. This optional sporty chassis is 10 mm lower and, in addition to the Normal mode, also has a Sport mode with firmer characteristics for the shock absorbers that feature adjustable valves. Drivers can configure the two chassis settings in the menu for Driving Mode Select, which comes in combination with Sport Chassis Control. Driving Mode Select offers a choice of four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. As an optional extra, underbody protection is available for those who also like to venture off‑road.