New 2019 Skoda Kamiq: prices announced
The new Skoda Kamiq compact SUV is on sale now, promising class-leading space and technology, at a base-price of £17,700
Skoda has finally joined the hugely competitive compact SUV sector with this; the new Skoda Kamiq. It was revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with promise of being one of the most practical and technology-laden cars of its class. Prices start from £17,700, with first deliveries due by November.
Four trim levels will be offered. The base-model Kamiq S comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, air conditioning and a 6.5-inch “Swing” infotainment system with bluetooth connectivity.
• Best compact SUVs on sale now
The mid-range Kamiq SE is priced from £19,135 and adds body-coloured bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an eight-inch “Bolero” infotainment system with SmartLink and Apple CarPlay.
Skoda’s upper mid-range Kamiq SE L starts from £21,180. Additions include 18-inch alloy wheels, blind spot detection and revised LED rear lamps with dynamic indicators. Inside, buyers get black and silver microsuede upholstery and a 9.2-inch “Amundsen” infotainment system with satellite navigation.
The Czech brand’s range-topping Kamiq Monte Carlo trim-level comes with unique 18-inch alloys, a sports-inspired body kit, a new gloss black grille, privacy glass, a panoramic glass roof aluminium pedals and red interior ambient lighting. Prices will be confirmed shortly.
Four front-wheel-drive powertrains are available, with buyers given the choice of three petrols and one diesel. Petrol options include a pair of turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinders, with either 94bhp or 113bhp, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp.
The single diesel option is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit, with 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. All four engines come with a manual gearbox as standard, although the two most potent petrol options and the sole diesel can be specced with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for an extra £1,250.
The least powerful 1.0-litre unit is also the first engine in a Skoda SUV which is capable of running on natural gas, and Skoda claims that all four engines conform to the Euro 6d emissions regulations.
New 2019 Skoda Kamiq: design
The Kamiq’s shape is inspired by both Skoda’s existing SUV range and the recently revealed Scala hatchback. Its front puts a twist on the “four-eye” lighting arrangement seen on the larger Karoq and Kodiaq, with slim, high-mounted units which integrate both daytime running lights and – in a Skoda first – scrolling indicators.
Other typical Skoda 4x4 cues include a heavily contoured bonnet and upright grille, while the Kamiq’s “Skoda” tailgate lettering tail-lamp design bear more resemblance to the Scala hatchback.
Measuring 4.24 metres front to rear, the Kamiq is one of the longest cars in the sector – but this, combined with a roofline that’s 106mm lower than that of our current class favourite, the Citroen C3 Aircross, means that in the metal the Skoda doesn’t quite offer the same SUV presence as its French competitor.
However, thanks to its long body, the Kamiq is set to become one of the most spacious cars in its class. Rear knee room is a match for the Octavia’s and although the Kamiq’s 400-litre boot can’t match the Renault Captur’s 455-litre volume, its maximum 1,395-litre capacity is much larger.
The Skoda Kamiq’s interior also features a 60:40 split folding rear bench seat, 26 litres-worth of storage space and a folding front passenger seat back, allowing items up to 2,447mm in length to be transported. Optional extras include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel.
• Best small SUVs and crossovers on sale 2019
Up front, the dashboard takes on a design direction, first seen in the Scala. This includes a sweeping ‘wing’ that highlights the cabin’s width, further emphasised by air vents that extend into the door panels. Skoda appears to have focused on quality, too: textured soft-touch plastics cover the top of the dash and padded material trims the door inserts.
Click here for all the latest from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show...
