New Kamiq here in November



Skoda's new Kamiq is based on the same platform as the recently launched Scala hatchback, but Skoda say they’ve changed both chassis and suspension, writes Brian Byrne.

It arrives here in November.

The SUV is taller, has more headroom, and the designers have given it the first iteration of a fresh front style for the brand. Main lights front and rear are LED.

The designers claim the longest wheelbase and the highest ground clearance in the segment.

The interior is similar to the Scala. The direct main instruments with options to show smaller or larger repeat displays of the navigation is effective. Two size options for the centre infotainment screens are available, depending on the grade and personalisation choice.

The SUV's luggage capacity is 400L. It can be expanded by almost 1,000L by folding the seats. An option will offer a folding front passenger seat, allowing carriage of longer loads.

There will be 1.0 and 1.5 turbo petrol engines when the Kamiq launches here in November. A 1.6 diesel will also be offered. The power range between all is 95hp-150hp, while transmissions are 5- and 6-speed manuals and 7-speed dual clutch autos.

I drove both petrol and diesel, each with 115hp on tap, at the recent international launch in Strasbourg. Both also had the dual clutch gearbox. And each was a quite different car in the mountains.

By far I preferred the 1.0 TSI, which in the S setting felt very responsive when getting away from hairpins. Equally, using it in manual mode made the most of the very free-revving engine. By comparison, the diesel felt heavy and lumpish in the terrain. But driving the manual diesel later on a long fast motorway run showed where that particular motor excels.

No prices will be available until close to launch. But in addition to the outside opposition Kamiq will have to be competitive against in-house cousins SEAT Arona and Volkswagen T-Roc.


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