Skoda has released design sketches of the third and smallest model in its SUV line up.
The Kamiq is designed to take on other small SUVs such as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3.
Hoping to steal a march on the opposition, however, Skoda has based the new model on the same underpinnings as the larger Seat Arona – another member of the Volkswagen group.
This should create a larger interior and give the Kamiq the edge over its rivals when it comes to practicality.
The Kamiq is the production version of the Vision X concept car Skoda showcased at the Geneva Motor Show last year. By and large, it sticks to that model’s design, with a sleek, coupe-like bodyshape.
The super-slim daytime running lights and sharply-angled headlights remain, as does the oversized front grille. Also only slightly changed is the side profile, although the sketches don’t show any door handles, so it’s still not clear whether the car will use a hidden rear handle to give the illusion of being a three-door.
The name Kamiq comes from the language of the Inuit people of Northern Canada and Greenland. It describes something that ‘fits as perfectly as a second skin’ – perhaps a nod from Skoda that this is the smallest model in its SUV line up.
Under the bonnet will be a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrols, and a 1.6-litre diesel. There will be a mix of five and six-speed manual gearboxes, along with dual-clutch automatics. As is the case with the vast majority of its rivals, Skoda isn’t bothering to offer the Kamiq with four-wheel drive – correctly assuming few buyers will want or need it.
The Kamiq won’t go on sale in the UK until the tail end of 2019. Skoda won’t be releasing specifications or prices until closer to the time, but expect an entry level Kamiq to cost around £16,500 and range topping models to weigh in closer to the £25,000 mark.
