Skoda Kamiq spotted testing ahead of Geneva debut

-    The Kamiq is the third high-riding vehicle from Skoda after the Kodiaq and Karoq.
-    Will debut a split headlamp design for the carmaker.
-    Expected to make its way to India as well.

Skoda is prepping up for the 2019 Geneva Motor Show where the carmaker will debut the all-new Kamiq. The Kamiq is the third SUV in Skoda’s line-up after the Kodiaq and the Karoq. In their usual fashion, Skoda has already teased the Kamiq in design sketches and we also know now how the cabin will look like. However, ahead of the official debut, our spy sleuths have caught the production-spec Kamiq. And it seems that the carmaker has expunged the sharp design details of the sketches and transformed it into a high-riding version of the Skoda Scala.

Unlike the Chinese-spec Kamiq, this Kamiq debuts a split headlight with daytime running lights, a first for Skoda. As can be seen in the prototype, there is a LED strip atop the squared-off headlamps. The trademark Skoda double-slat ‘moustache’ grille is also present.  And the upright bonnet sports sharp creases to add character to the SUV while the bumper has a silver finished front splitter. Additionally, the Kamiq is the first Skoda to have dynamic indicators at the front and rear.

The silhouette is very Skoda-like with boxy lines and sharp creases. The rear carries similar boomerang-shaped taillights seen on the new crop of Skodas. It is slightly bigger than the one seen on the Scala. The raked D-pillar, shoulder line, high ground clearance and rugged bumpers give the Kamiq a proper SUV stance. As mentioned earlier, the Kamiq is also the first product from the carmaker to bear the ‘SKODA’ lettering in the middle of the tailgate instead of the logo.

Based on the same MQB (modular transverse matrix platform), the Kamiq shares its underpinning with the Kodiaq and Karoq. This versatile underpinning will allow class-leading space efficiency and lightweight yet rigid dynamics, claims the carmaker. Under the hood will be the same choice of engines as the new Scala. Which means there will be 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel motors with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

Following the debut at the Geneva stage on 5 March, the Kamiq will go on sale later this year. It might also make its way to India as a part of the German carmaker’s India 2.0 strategy.