Skoda Kamiq . Sound weird to you? It's natural; like Karoq, it's a dialect word from the Inuit Eskimo people, to describe something we feel good about — that's just what Skoda wanted to do when designing its new B-segment SUV.
However, and although the Czech brand seems surrendered to the Eskimo language, the truth is that Kamiq is much more German… besides Czech. Firstly, because it is based on the genuinely German MQB-A0 matrix of the Volkswagen group, already used in proposals like the Volkswagen T-Cross or the SEAT Arona, and whose competence is very much confirmed.
As for the Czech genes, they start to be noticed in the outer dimensions, with the Kamiq surpassing all its “cousins” in the confrontation of the measuring tape. Achieving, with its 2,651 m, the best wheelbase in the segment!
a very modern eskimo
Regarding the exterior image, the continuation of the design language used today in the products of the Czech manufacturer, marked not only by solidity, but also by the cut planes and a certain sporty air.
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With Kamiq adding very specific details to this family image, such as the option for bi-partite front lighting, with LED daytime running lights for the first time above the optics, in continuation of the elongated front grille — don't forget somewhat reminiscent of the Citroën C4 Spacetourer, but still beautiful.
Equally favoring aesthetics… and modernity, alloy wheels whose dimensions vary between 16″ and 18″, dynamic turn signals “sliding” from the inside out and roof bars.
In addition to the already traditional, more imaginative solutions, or — as the brand likes to call it — Simply Clever, as is the case with the collapsible protections that protect the edges of the doors, the tailgate with electric opening/closing system, or the ball of electric-powered trailer too — not everything is guaranteed to be included in the standard equipment.
Simply Clever: Light in the trunk can be a flashlight
Habitat, typically Skoda
Speaking of equipment, there are two levels — Ambition and Style — and we can guarantee you, right away, that with Style, you'll have an environment fully equal to what traditionally Skoda products are.
Well built and with pleasant materials, with plenty of room for four occupants — the transmission tunnel is imposing, even with the Kamiq promising the best levels of habitability in the segment, for example, at shoulder level — but also with a good design. , equipment and functionality, capable of making many rivals envious.
Let's go in parts: with a pleasantly low driving position and ample adjustments, I liked the ergonomics of the dashboard — whose front, says Skoda, replicates the Kamiq's front line —, the easy access to the cabin and most controls , as well as the good visibility and readability of both the 100% digital instrument panel (optional) and the color touchscreen of the new infotainment system already debuted on the Scala — dimensions can be 6.5″, 8.0″ and 9.2″; we only tried the biggest one, proposed in Style.
The layout was pleasing, as well as the navigation graphics (similar to other Volkswagens…), but also the fact that the Kamiq is permanently connected without added costs in terms of data for the owner. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, can be accessed remotely (for example, to allow the delivery service to leave purchases in the car…) and can become a hotspot for mobile devices.
Skoda also guarantees that the system will also have a virtual assistant, Laura, able to speak and respond to the driver's requests. Mercedes friend, certainly…
Less convincing is the positioning, not very accessible or functional, of the buttons (driving mode system, included) placed next to the gearbox lever, the fact that it only has USB-C inputs and even the positioning of the lever itself. Which, perhaps because it was a little back, led us to bump our elbows on the protruding sides of the (good) bench, whenever we engaged in a pair relationship.
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Finally, further back, in the trunk, a load capacity that starts at 400 l, with a removable floor that hides a hatch covering the entire area of space, but which can also reach 1395 l once the rear seat backs are folded down. There are only doubts about the generous and functional electric drive gate, which it is not yet known if it will be part of the standard equipment. If so, it will be (more) a novelty in the segment...
Equipment, check, check, check…
As for the equipment, it is not yet possible to confirm the final composition of the two levels of equipment (Ambition and Style) for the Portuguese market. But the offer will be wide, not only in terms of the various technological solutions (generous touch screen of the infotainment system, detached from the dashboard; virtual cockpit in everything identical to the solutions already known in other products of the group; four driving modes); as well as the latest safety technologies and driving aids.Among the latter are Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Lane Assist and Multi-Collision Brake, all available as standard and operating without blemish, to which it is also possible to add Side Assist, Crew Protect Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with performance up to 210 km/h — very complete!
Competent Engines
Proposed with the same range of engines as the “cousin” Volkswagen T-Cross and also the “brother” Scala, starting at 1.0 TSI gasoline at 95 hp and 115 hp , followed by a probable (still awaiting approval) 1.5 TSI of 150 hp and finally, the well-known Diesel 1.6 115 hp TDI ; all available, both with manual and automatic DSG transmission.
The more than 200 km we did on mountain roads and highways in the French region of Alsace, driving both of the 1.0 TSI of 95 hp , as of the 1.6 115 hp TDI , ended up demonstrating the competence of the engines of the Skoda Kamiq. Which ended up also confirming the expectations announced by the head of the Czech brand in Portugal, according to which the 1.0 TSI of 95 hp will be responsible for the bulk of sales.
Reasons for this trust? The competent response of the small tricylinder coupled to the gearbox of just five speeds (11.1s in the 0-100 km/h, 181 km/h top speed), progressive in the way it evolves, but also with genius since the initial regimes, around 2000 rpm.
Does it seem like low horsepower for a somewhat generously sized SUV? The Kamiq is contained in weight, just over 1200 kg.
THE 1.6 TDI of 115 hp, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, it reveals greater breath (10.2s in the 0-100 km, 193 km/h), but also greater sound and even vibration; this, at a time when the market is showing more and more evidence, and in this specific B-segment, of a transition from diesel to gasoline.
Finally, just mention that the line-up also includes a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) version. 1.0 G-TEC , which, although planned for some markets, will not appear in the catalog in Portugal. Justification? The lack of charging stations, along with the weak interest of the Portuguese in this fuel.
behavior right, right
Dynamically, we have the good responsiveness of a slightly firmer suspension, which effectively controls mass transfers — the Skoda Kamiq has proven itself effective in all journeys, agile, safe and without any sharp body wobble.
The Czech SUV may also receive a Dynamic Package with Sport Chassis Control, which, in addition to reducing ground clearance by 10 mm, proposes two different types of setup: Normal and Sport — unfortunately there was no opportunity to test it, but the suspension as a series, has already proved to be quite pleasant.
The driving modes, or Driving Mode Select — Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual — justify their presence with distinct and perceptible actions in taking advantage of the engine's capabilities and steering response.
Prices? There isn't yet, but…
With arrival on the national market only scheduled for February 2020, the Skoda Kamiq continues, for now, without defined prices for our country. According to what we were able to find out from the national responsible for the brand, the expectation is that Skoda's new B-SUV will present a price structure identical to that of Scala — with which it shares the platform.
Translated for kids, prices starting at around 22,000 euros. Which, not making this the cheapest B-SUV on the market, leaves it, also the result of design, space, equipment and performance, in a good position to succeed.
Skoda Kamiq