Škoda’s Kamiq a perfect fit
SKODA is adding a third model to its European SUV portfolio: the Skoda Kamiq. Just like with the successful Skoda 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.
Skoda says the Kamiq perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle – such as higher ground clearance and an elevated seat position – with the agility of a compact car.
With an emotive design, state-oftheassistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever features, the new Kamiq equally fulfils the needs of both families and lifestyle-oriented customers.
Skoda Auto CEO, Bernhard Maier, said that by introducing the Kamiq, Skoda is completing its successful European SUV portfolio at the lower end.
‘ The Skoda Kamiq offers an attrac tive overall package and combines SUV typical characteristics such as the elevated seat position and a good view of the road with agile handling, an emotive design, a high level of safety and state-of-the-art connectivity. Furthermore, its generous amount of space and many Simply Clever features make it a real Skoda,’ he said.
Skoda Ireland Head of Marketing & Product, Raymond Leddy, said there is a huge appetite from buyers in the small SUV segment.
With the Kamiq, Skoda is tapping into a new, younger target group that pursues a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle. Apart from a car’s off-road appearance, a high level of efficiency is essential in this segment; therefore the Kamiq is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.
The Kamiq Interior is dominated by a 9.2-inch free-standing screen providing infotainment and performance information in the driver’s field of view.
The Skoda Kamiq is equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems that are always online via the most advanced Connect online services in the Skoda range. An optional Virtual Cockpit is also offered.
Despite compact exterior dimensions, the Kamiq possesses generous interior space with a boot capacity of 400 litres, which increases to 1,395 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
All of the Skoda Kamiq’s engines are direct-injection units with turbochargers. They come with brake energy recovery as well as Stop/Start technology. The entry-level engine is a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI delivering 95bhp. A more powerful 1.0 TSI with a power output of115bhp with a 6-speed manual; or a 7-speed DSG is also offered. A four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with 150bhp tops the petrol line-up. A four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel engine delivering 115bhp coupled with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is also part of the offering.
The new Skoda Kamiq will be available to order in Ireland from October 2019. Prices are to be confirmed, but indicators suggest it will be positioned below the bestselling Octavia.