Skoda Kamiq compact SUV based on the Vision IN: What to expect in the production version

Skoda recently unveiled the Vision IN concept at the Auto Expo 2020. The Vision IN shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Taigun compact SUV that was also showcased at the Auto Expo 2020.  However, the production version of the Vision IN Concept will be known as Kamiq and will be the smallest SUV from Skoda for the Indian market. The car has also been spotted being tested on the Indian roads. So, what all can we expect in the production version of the Kamiq when it hits our market?

Exteriors

The design of the Kamiq is typical Skoda with clean straight lines, grille with vertical slats, sleek LED headlamps and squarish elements. When compared to the rivals, the Kamiq is a bit smaller than the Creta, Hector and others. But the wheelbase of the Kamiq is longer than the Seltos and the Creta which means that it may offer more cabin space than the Korean SUVs.

Interiors

Skoda’s interiors are known for its build quality, elegance, and timeless design and the story will continue with the upcoming Kamiq. The highlight of the dashboard will be the floating touchscreen infotainment system. The centre console will house the traditional gear lever and controls for the dual-zone climate control. The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced with a digital instrument cluster which can be configured just like the Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

New Platform

Skoda Kamiq will be using the MQB A0 IN platform which has been specially designed by Volkswagen Group. This platform will be used for heavy localization for various emerging markets and this will help in reducing the cost of production. Because of this, Skoda will be able to price the SUV competitively in the segment.

Engine options

Skoda has been known for its peppy petrol engines and diesel engines with strong mid-range. However, Skoda will not be offering the Kamiq with a diesel engine and the SUV will come with two petrol engines. The lower variants will get a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo petrol engine that will produce 115PS of max power and a peak torque of 200Nm. There will also be a more powerful 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo petrol engine available on the higher variants. This engine will produce 150PS of max power and peak torque output of 250Nm. The engines will come with a manual transmission or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Price

The vehicles built on the MQB A0 platform will be a bit cheaper to produce because of this we can expect that the starting price can also be competitively priced among the rivals. However, the starting price of the Kamiqmight not be as low as the Creta at just Rs. 9.99 lakhs. We can expect the price to start from around Rs. 11 lakhs.
Overall, Skoda Kamiq will be a worthy contender considering the equipment and quality levels that Skoda offers with its vehicles. Skoda also has always managed to hit the right balance of ride quality and handling and with 150PS of power, the Kamiq will be the most powerful compact SUV that comes with a petrol engine. Once launched, the Kamiq will go against the likes of Kia Seltosand Hyundai Creta.