Prior to Kodiaq, prior to Karoq and also prior to, it needs to be stated, a broader gentrification of the Czech division of the VW Group, the manufacturer’s 4x4 interests were tested with the outstanding Yeti model. Of course, the ability to dip into the Group’s expansive parts-bins meant that Scout and top-of-the-shop 4x4 versions of the popular Octavia were also available but Skoda perceived a need to follow the rest of the mainstream carmaking industry with specific SUVs.
Yeti was an interesting construct. Featuring the below-the-skin front-end of an Octavia, allied to a Fabia sub-structure and cladding it in a highly practical, if boxy body, resulted in a zeitgeist car that pursued 4x2 and 4x4 drive types. It was an immensely successful model for Skoda but was quite different to the SUV offerings from Seat, Audi and even VW. Of course, being a Skoda, it featured a number of ‘Simply Skoda’ intelligent details that guaranteed its success.
Just as we brought you early information on the latest Skoda Scala, the company’s Golf rival, as soon as the new model name was announced for the firm’s forthcoming urban SUV, we felt there was no choice but to dig a little deeper. The Czechs like order. With the large Kodiaq and mid-size Karoq having set fresh standards in the SUV scene, reflecting the first-letter ‘K’ and last-letter ‘Q’ in the new model’s name was virtually a no-brainer.
Kamiq was chosen in much the same manner as Kodiaq. It is a word with origins in the Inuit language of North America and defines as something that fits as readily as a second skin in every situation. However, in an automotive world that possesses innate difficulties in creating new model names, not least since the advent of the Internet, it is fortunate that Skoda China already has a Kamiq model in its range of SUVs.
Slightly smaller than Karoq but with prices starting at 25% less than it, the Far Eastern Kamiq features a slightly different window-line to Karoq, although the signature radiator grille is almost identical. It is already rumoured that the new European Kamiq will be powered by the punchy 1.0-litre turbo-triple used in the Scala hatchback, although the Group’s increasingly vibrant 1.5-litre, 147bhp, turbo four-cylinder petrol engine will prove a popular fitment. The pictures obtained from Skoda’s Chinese website, while close to what may be the European version, may prove to be a little wide of the mark. However, while Skoda is losing its notably independent design stance, with greater influences coming from VW HQ, just remember that it is a company with a tremendous sense of pride in its branding.
Regardless, Skoda’s new urban runabout is sure to captivate just as the Yeti model did for almost a decade. We cannot wait for its arrival.
