India-Bound Skoda Kamiq Revealed

The compact SUV from Skoda will go on sale in India by late 2020

• Will make its India debut at the 2020 Auto Expo.
• India-spec model is likely to feature subtle aesthetic changes.
• Shares its MQB-A0 platform with Volkswagen T-Cross.  
• Gets 1.0-litre petrol/CNG and 1.6-litre diesel engine globally.
• Will rival likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Kia SP2i and its VW sibling, the T-Cross.

Skoda has revealed the much-awaited Kamiq SUV ahead of its public debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. This compact SUV sits below the Karoq SUV, which is also expected to go on sale in India this year, and the flagship Kodiaq.

Based on the MQB A0 platform, the Kamiq measures 4241mm x 1793mm x 1531mm (LxWxH), making it among the shortest SUVs in its class. However, it is one of the widest and has the longest wheelbase when compared to other compact SUVs in India and its VW sibling. The boot space on the Kamiq stands at 400 litres and it can be increased to 1395 litres with the rear seats folded down. Offered as optional extra on the Kamiq is the foldable co-passenger seat that allows longer items of up to 2,447mm to be transported.

As far as the styling is concerned, the Kamiq draws inspiration from its elder siblings, the Karoq and the Kodiaq. Up front, it features the signature Skoda grille with chrome surround flanked by dual-purpose LED DRLs( DRLs also function as turn indicators). The LED headlamps, on the other hand, are placed below the LED DRLs, in the front bumper.

On the side, the Kamiq features a clean layout with just a sharp shoulder line running across the entire length of the car, just like the Karoq and the Kodiaq. The compact SUV gets alloys wheels of upto 18-inch; however, in India, it is expected to get 17-inch units.

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The similarity is visible at the back as well. The Kamiq features sleek C-shaped tail lamps and a sharper looking tail gate. The bumper also features a big silver colour insert making the SUV look rugged and sporty.

Skoda had already revealed the interior of the Kamiq earlier this month and it looks similar to that of the Skoda Scala, which was unveiled last year. The layout looks clean, with a 9.2-inch floating touchscreen unit taking the centre spot. It is complemented by a 10.25-inch all-digital instrument cluster that makes the cabin look modern and sophisticated. Both the features are expected to make their way to the India-spec car as well; however, in India, the SUV might get a smaller 8-inch touchscreen unit.

Moreover, the Skoda Kamiq is loaded in terms of safety. It is equipped with front assist and lane assist as standard. Front assist includes city emergency brake and predictive pedestrian protection, thereby helping prevent accidents. It is also equipped with optional adaptive cruise control.

The Kamiq also get other safety features like 9 airbags, blindspot detection system, rear parking camera with sensors, rear traffic alert and handsfree parking. The majority of the features are not expected to make their way to the India-spec SUV save for multiple airbags and active safety features like ABS with EBD, traction control and ESP.

Under the hood, the Kamiq is available with three engine options: 1.0-litre TSI, 1.5-litre TSI and 1.6-litre TDI. The 1.0-litre engine is available in two states of tunes making 95PS/175Nm and 115PS/200Nm respectively, while the 1.5-litre unit is good for 150PS of power and 250Nm of torque. The only diesel engine on the Kamiq, a 1.6-litre unit, makes 115PS/250Nm.

Along with these, the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine is also available with a CNG fuel option. It makes 90PS of power and 160Nm of torque.

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Out of the three engine options, only the 1.0-litre engine has so far been confirmed to be introduced with the India-spec SUV. VW Group is also planning to introduce the CNG variant of this engine in the Indian market.

When launched in India in 2020, the Kamiq will take on likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia SP2i concept-based SUV, Nissan Kicks and the upcoming T-Cross SUV. It will be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Skoda Kamiq Vs Volkswagen T-Cross: Interior Pics