Skoda Kamiq nears production guise; specs, features unveiled
Škoda is finally adding a third model to its European SUV portfolio: the Škoda Kamiq. Just like 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. The Škoda Kamiq continues the successful SUV design language from the Kodiaq and the Karoq. It comes with new visual highlights such as the split headlights featuring the daytime running lights above the main headlights.
Sitting in the growing city SUV segment, the Kamiq perfectly combines the advantages of a sport utility vehicle – such as higher ground clearance and an elevated seat 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 Kamiq is immediately recognisable as a member of the Škoda SUV family thanks to its large, upright radiator grille, the distinct lines on the bonnet and the crystalline headlights.
The Kamiq’s USP
The front of the new 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.
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, one of 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.
Exterior dimesnsions
The new Kamiq is 4,241 mm long and 1,793 mm wide, and has a height of 1,531 mm. The wheelbase measures 2,651 mm. This is especially beneficial for the rear passengers who can enjoy 73 mm of knee room. The boot has a capacity of 400 litres, which increases to 1,395 litres when the rear seats are folded down. As an optional extra, the front passenger’s seat back are also foldable.
Engine and drivetrain
All of the Kamiq’s engines are direct-injection units with turbochargers. They come with brake energy recovery as well as Stop/Start technology. It also complies with the currently strictest Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. The entry-level engine is a 1.0 TSI delivering 69bhp and 175 Nm from a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The higher-spec 1.0 TSI has a power output of 113bhp comes with a 6-speed gearbox as standard. An optional 7-speed DSG is available, and generates torque of 200 Nm.
The top-end engine is the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with 109bhp and 250Nm. 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.
The four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel engine delivers 88bhp and 250 Nm. This efficient diesel engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard; a 7-speed DSG is available as an option. Power is transmitted via a manual 6-speed gearbox.
With 37 mm more ground clearance over the Scala. Hence, the 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. Additionally it also has a Sport mode with firmer characteristics for the shock absorbers which the driver can adjust electronically.
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.
Interiors and safety features
The Kamiq gets state-of-the-art safety systems such as Front Assist and Lane Assist are already available as standard. Front Assist, which includes City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian Protection, monitors the area in front of the car while driving in the city, thereby helping to prevent accidents. Using a camera, Lane Assist recognises lane markings and helps the driver to keep the car in lane.
In combination with DSG, the system can even brake the Škoda Kamiq until it stops and have it pull away again automatically in up to three seconds. The optional Driver Alert fatigue detection system emits a warning as soon as it
registers that the driver’s concentration is waning.
Additional optional systems further increase the Kamiq’s level of safety. If the car’s sensors detect an impending collision, the optional proactive Crew Protect Assist quickly closes any open windows and pre-tensions the front seat belts. Up to nine airbags, including a knee airbag and side airbags for the rear seats, protect the passengers in the case of a collision. Following an accident, the Multi-Collision Brake prevents the vehicle from rolling any further in an uncontrolled manner.
Rear Traffic Alert warns the driver about objects moving behind the vehicle when reversing. This is a key function of Side Assist. The optional rear-view camera and Park Assist, which automatically manoeuvres the ŠKODA KAMIQ into and out of parallel and bay parking spaces, lend the driver a hand when parking.
The integrated Manoeuvre Assist function automatically brakes the city SUV if the sensors detect an obstacle in front of or behind the car during parking. Auto Light Assist is also available as an option. This uses a camera to detect oncoming traffic as well as vehicles travelling ahead of the KAMIQ, and automatically dips the headlights
Infotainment and connectivity
Three infotainment systems are available for the new ŠKODA KAMIQ. The top-of-the-range Amundsen infotainment system gets a free-standing 9.2-inch touchscreen that is positioned up high, in clear view of the driver. This screen ranks amongst the largest within the segment. And so does the KAMIQ’s 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit with a choice of five different display layouts – Classic, Basic, Modern, Sport and Extended. Even the Bolero infotainment system comes with an 8-inch display and the entry-level Swing system features a 6.5-inch screen and four speakers in the front.
The permanent Internet connection provides the KAMIQ with eCall, which communicates information such as the car’s location and status in the event of an accident, and Proactive Service, which stays in contact with the garage to coordinate service appointments.
The car’s high degree of connectivity also enables remote vehicle access via the ŠKODA Connect app or web portal. In addition, car owners can conveniently call up information while on the go or, for example, from the comfort of their own living room, and find out how much fuel is left in the tank. Other vehicle and driving data such as the car’s mileage or the speeds it has travelled at can also be accessed.
Overall, the Škoda Kamiq offers more than twenty Simply Clever features. The KAMIQ is the first car in its segment to that gets clever door-edge protection. This system prevents damage to the KAMIQ as well as nearby vehicles, particularly in tight parking spaces in the city. The optional electric tailgate proves to be another convenient feature when loading a weekly shop for example. The tailgate can be opened and closed at the push of a button; thanks to its integrated tip-to-close function, it can also be closed by lightly pulling on the open tailgate. From the Ambition trim level upwards gets a removable LED torch on the side in the boot. The button electrically unlocks the retractable tow bar from the boot.
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