Skoda’s new Kamiq SUV has gone on sale priced from €21,300, writes Trish Whelan.
The newcomer compares in size to the Skoda Yeti that ceased production in 2017 and is one of the largest cars in its segment.
This is the third model to the Czech car maker’s successful SUV portfolio. Its arrival sees Skoda compete in the rapidly growing city or small SUV segment for the first time.
Skoda say Kamiq blends the typical advantages of this segment such as increased ground clearance and a raised seat position with the agility of a compact car.
It comes with state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features so equally fulfils the needs of both family- and lifestyle-oriented customers.
From the exterior, the new Kamiq shares the brand’s SUV design language of its siblings Kodiaq and Karoq. However, the split headlights which feature daytime running lights above the main headlights,
distinguish the car from its bigger siblings. It is also the first Skoda to have dynamic front and rear indicators.
Kamiq gets a familiar and tested engine line up with three TSI petrol engines of 1.0 or 1.5 litres, and a 1.6 TDI diesel producing 95 to 150bhp. The engines can be coupled with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG.
The raised seat position and large amount of space provide easy access to the car with very good road visibility. The boot has a capacity of 363 litres, which can be increased to 1,360 litres by folding down the split back seat.
Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform, the Kamiq offers the highest level of active and passive safety. Features include up to nine airbags as standard.
Grades are Active, Ambition and Style. All come well specced as standard.
Skoda Ireland Head of Marketing & Product, Ray Leddy, commented at the car’s launch that the car has already seen ‘unprecedented’ sales success on the continent and as a result, demand is expected to outstrip supply in many markets including Ireland. He advised customers to order early to avoid disappointment.
