Nother CarGuy

It was no secret that Skoda was working on a brand-new subcompact SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Hyundai Kona. The automaker had already released a number of teasers and confirmed that it would be named the Kamiq – and now, it has just unveiled it ahead of its debut at Geneva. The name ‘Kamiq’ originates from the language of the Inuit people. According to the company’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Alain Favey, it “embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. This suits the car perfectly.” Slotting under the compact Karoq, the Kamiq is 4,241 mm (167 in) long, 1,793 mm (70.6 in) wide and 1,531 mm (60.3 in) tall, with a 2,651 mm (104.4 in) long wheelbase. It has a 400-liter (14.1 cu-ft) boot capacity with all seats in place, while folding down the second row increases it to 1,395 liters (49.3 cu-ft). Moreover, the front passenger seat can (optionally) be folded down, allowing for items...

Skoda is set to reveal an all-new crossover at the Beijing Auto Show this week. We’ve already seen a whole batch of images that have leaked out. And the automaker has released some sketches. But this is the first official glimpse we’ve had at the finished product. Called the Kamiq, it’s a “city SUV” positioned underneath the Karoq and the larger Kodiaq. But don’t start calling your local dealership yet, even if you live in a market where Skoda is represented. Unless you live in China, that is. Because the Kamiq will be exclusive to that market. Little wonder, since China represents Skoda’s largest market worldwide. The Czech automaker has competed there for over a decade now. And since entering the market in 2007, it has sold over 2.35 million vehicles there. Last year alone, it sold 325,000 vehicles in China. The new Kamiq aims to help Skoda nearly double that figure to 600,000 per year by 2020. But it won’t have to go it alone: Skoda says it plans on developing even more ...