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Another city SUV but demand for Skoda Kamiq to outstrip supply

Published on 6 November, 2019

Demand will outstrip supply

Overview

It says a lot for the sort of cars we are increasingly buying that distributors of a new-arrival city SUV admit demand will outstrip supply.

Usually I'd take such talk with a bit of salt (a ploy to get early orders sometimes), but I believe it is the case with the Skoda Kamiq crossover just unveiled here. Skoda will get an allocation of 600 here but says that won't be nearly enough for next year.

The same thing arose with the larger Kodiaq a few years back. The Kamiq is the third and smallest of Skoda's SUVs (the in-between model is the Karoq).

It is deceptively low outside but really large within; few rivals beat it on space (they include the Hyundai Kona, Dacia Duster, Renault Captur, SEAT Arona, Kia Stonic and Nissan Juke).

Admittedly, the car we tested had DSG transmissions and top-spec style touches, but I liked the feel and space of the interior. Room is comparable with the iconic Yetic. It isn't as tall but has 24mm more headspace, is 19mm longer, the same width as the Yeti - and it has the highest ground clearance in its class.

It costs from €21,300 for entry-level Active but realistically most people will plump for Ambition trim at €23,300. Top-of-the-range Style costs from €25,300.

The most popular power source will be the 1-litre TSi 95bhp petrol 5spd manual transmission. There is a 1.5-litre 150bhp petrol too, and a 1.6-litre 115bhp diesel.

Highlights include the VW third-gen radio set-up and models with dynamic front and rear indicators. Active and Ambition trims have the 6.5ins Swing touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights/tail lights, lane assist, front assist with city emergency brake, predictive pedestrian protection, and multi-collision braking is standard. Style has an 8ins Bolero infotainment unit, full LED headlights with AFS and dynamic indicators.

I was taken with the exceptional driving position. Most drivers will tell you how important and reassuring that can be. It largely explains why these smaller crossovers are so popular.

The boot isn't as large as the Yeti's but its 363-litre capacity increases to 1,360 litres if you fold the 60:40 split-backseat.