Skoda Kamiq Is One Boldly Styled Subcompact Crossover

It was no secret that Skoda was working on a brand-new subcompact SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Hyundai Kona. The automaker had already released a number of teasers and confirmed that it would be named the Kamiq – and now, it has just unveiled it ahead of its debut at Geneva.

The name ‘Kamiq’ originates from the language of the Inuit people. According to the company’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Alain Favey, it “embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. This suits the car perfectly.”

Slotting under the compact Karoq, the Kamiq is 4,241 mm (167 in) long, 1,793 mm (70.6 in) wide and 1,531 mm (60.3 in) tall, with a 2,651 mm (104.4 in) long wheelbase. It has a 400-liter (14.1 cu-ft) boot capacity with all seats in place, while folding down the second row increases it to 1,395 liters (49.3 cu-ft). Moreover, the front passenger seat can (optionally) be folded down, allowing for items up to 2,447 mm (96.3 in) long to be transported inside.

On the outside, the Kamiq has a rather funky styling. It features split LED headlights with DRLs, dynamic front and rear indicators and an interpretation of the brand’s C-shaped taillights. The wide grille with double slats, distinct hood creases, rear diffuser and elevated ground clearance, along with a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloys, complete its exterior look.

The Kamiq’s interior is dominated by its infotainment system that comes in 6.5, 8.0 or 9.2-inches, depending on the version. Positioned in the driver’s field of view, the 9.2-inch one is said to be the largest in the segment and sports an ergonomic hand rest below for operating the touchscreen display. Skoda also offers a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster as an optional extra.

Elsewhere, the front door trims have a high-quality soft-foam surface and there’s even ambient lighting available in three colors – white, red and copper. Customers will be able to specify contrast stitching on the seat covers, which can be upholstered in Suedia microfiber. A heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and heated windscreen are some of the comfort features offered by the Kamiq.

Despite the rugged appearance and optional underbody protection, the Czech subcompact SUV comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. It can be powered by a 115 PS (113 hp / 85 kW) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque 1.0-liter petrol engin with a 6-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a 7-speed DSG. There’s also a 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) 1.5-liter TSI with active cylinder management and the same transmission choices, whereas diesel fans will get to order the 1.6-liter TDI that’s rated at 115 PS (113 hp / 85 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

The Kamiq is also available with the Sport Chassis Control active suspension which includes adjustable shock absorbers and a 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height and has four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual.

Front Assist and Lane Assist are standard, whereas Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert, Crew Protect Assist, Side Assist, Park Assist and Auto Light Assist are available as options.

Skoda will host the official premiere of the Kamiq at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

*We’ve added live images from the VW Group Night event in Geneva (Updated 3/4/2019)