Skoda will be bringing its newest (and smallest) crossover of its SUV lineup – the Skoda Kamiq – to Australia sometime during mid-year. Skoda Australia has said that it will not clash with the launch of its new Scala hatch, which was originally due to arrive earlier in the year, but was delayed until June because of supply issues due to COVID-19.
No official pricing and specification information has been announced for the models to be sold in Australia as yet, but we can take a look at what has been said about the Kamiq elsewhere.
In europe you can get the Skoda Kamiq with one diesel and two petrol engines and with either a manual or an automatic gearbox. Unlike some small SUVs, you can’t get it with four-wheel drive.
In terms of speed, with the 1.0 litre (95hp or 115hp) petrol engine variants with a manual gearbox, you can expect to go from 0–62mph in about 10 to 11 seconds. And with the more powerful 150hp 1.5 litre petrol engine, it will take you just over 8 seconds.
Fuel efficiency has proven to be economical with the 115hp 1.0-litre TSI rated at 47.9mpg (45.6mpg for the DSG) while the less powerful 1.0-litre (95hp) manages 49.6mpg, and the more powerful 150hp 1.5-litre TSI claimed an average of 44.1mpg with the DSG (47.1 for the manual).
The Kamiq on its standard suspension setup is said to hold up well, doing a good job of ironing out bumps and potholes. You can tweak the suspension by adding the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) (adaptive suspension), and it has a tighter turning circle than most of its rivals, with light and accurate steering.
The Skoda Kamiq’s interior is similar to that of the Scala hatchback, with Skoda saying both the dashboard and front door trims are finished with yielding soft-foam surfaces. Driving position is very good, with adjustable, comfortable, ergonomic seating design (with lumbar support on upgraded models), and ample head and leg room.
There is a touchscreen infotainment and control unit in the centre console (from 6.5 inch up to 9.2 inch) within easy reach, together with functions such as an online voice control system and ‘Digital Assistant’ called Laura and plenty of connectivity options including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
And the Virtual cockpit is available as an option if you prefer a digital version of the dashboard.
The Kamiq has a suite of driver assist systems for a safer drive, and was awarded a Euro NCAP safety rating of 5 stars.
The boot of the Skoda Kamiq is square shaped, with a wide opening and a capacity of 400 litres with the rear seats in place. That space can be further increased by folding the rear seats (split 60:40) down to give a 1,395 litres.
Overall the Skoda Kamiq has been well received overseas. It plays to Skoda’s strengths, with a practical, spacious interior and some nice extra touches that make it a great option as a small family car. So it would be worthy of a look when it becomes available at your local Skoda dealer.