Skoda Kamiq 2020 revealed ahead of Geneva

Skoda has uncovered its new Kamiq small SUV that will make its public debut at next month’s Geneva motor show and expected to arrive in Australian showrooms early next year.

Not to be confused with the Chinese-market Skoda small SUV that shares the same name and is built in conjunction with SAIC, the global Kamiq will slot in below the Karoq and Kodiaq crossovers with similar exterior aesthetics.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous MQB platform that already underpins the Golf, Audi TT and Skoda Octavia, the Kamiq measures 4251mm long, 1793mm wide, 1531mm tall and has a 2651mm wheelbase.

With the rear seats in place, the Kamiq can swallow 400 litres in the boot, which increases to 1395L with the second-row pews stowed.

Overseas Kamiq buyers will have a choice of five different powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and natural gas engines, but Australian versions will likely stick with petrol power.

Kicking things off is a 70kW/175Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while a more powerful 85kW/200Nm tune of the same mill is offered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Topping off the petrol engine offerings is a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre donk, which also features cylinder deactivation.

For oil-burning fans, an 85kW/250Nm 1.5-litre TDI engine can be fitted, while a 66kW/145Nm 1.0-litre natural gas-powered three-pot is also offered for those wanting a lower-emissions vehicle.

As an option, Skoda is also offering a “Sport Chassis Control” package that lowers the Kamiq by 10mm and includes a ‘Sport’ driving mode in addition to ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Individual’. 

Inside, the Kamiq features either a 6.5-, 8.0- or 9.2-inch infotainment screen – the latter being touted as “one of the biggest in its segment” – while a 10.25-inch all-digital ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrumentation can also be optioned.

Buyers can also spec up the cabin with a Suede microfibre material, heated steering wheel, and front- and rear-seat heating.

Skoda has also equipped its Kamiq with an array of safety equipment including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, blind-spot monitor, reversing camera with ‘Park Assist’, automatic headlights and multi-collision braking. 

Expect pricing of the new Kamiq to come in below the Karoq (from $29,990 before on-roads) and Kodiaq (from $42,990).

Will the Kamiq be the model to make Skoda a household name? Tell us what you think in the comments below.