Test drive Skoda Kamiq
The new compact crossover Kamiq may well become another Skoda bestseller, but not in Russia
It used to be easier: there was only one crossover in the Skoda lineup - the Yeti. And, in general, it was clear to everyone that this is a reduced and simplified version of the soplatform Volkswagen Tiguan, available for less money.
But three years ago, VAG management messed up all the cards, allowing Skoda to expand its off-road lineup. First came the big seven-seater Kodiaq, which became a kind of flagship of Czech crossovers. Then Karoq appeared, who was one step lower. And this spring the compact Kamiq was rolled out.
Formally, it is Kamiq that the Czechs call the ideological heir to Yeti, but in reality it turns out a little differently. Because, unlike its predecessor, the Kamiq has no all-wheel drive. In fact, it is not even a crossover, but rather an all-terrain hatchback. A kind of off-road version of the recently debuted Skoda Scala.
Kamiq, like Scala, is based on the simplest version of the modular MQB framework. And in the design of its rear axle, a twisting beam is used instead of a multi-link. With such a scheme, difficulties arise with the integration of the all-wheel drive system, therefore, in principle, they abandoned it.
But do not think that Skoda has taken the path of maximum simplification and cost reduction. This becomes clear immediately after getting into the car. The well-tailored interior is finished with not the most expensive, but far from oak plastic. There is a 10,1-inch multimedia touchscreen on the center console, and a virtual tidy behind the wheel. Of course, all this is the prerogative of the top-end configuration (there are no others on international test drives), but the simpler versions also have a touchscreen, and the finish of all cars is equally pleasant.
The salon itself is made in the best traditions of "Skoda": spacious, comfortable and there are a lot of all sorts of branded chips like hangers, tables and trash cans in the door pockets.
At the same time, the luggage compartment is atypically small for a Skoda. The specifications say 400 liters, but it seems that we are talking about the volume not under the curtain, but up to the ceiling. Visually, it seems tighter. Although everything is, in general, relative. Three large suitcases won't fit, but supermarket bags or a baby seat are easy. And even the place will remain.
Kamiq is primarily focused on the European market, so it has a corresponding line of motors. Contrary to the main trends, diesel was not removed from the range. But there is only one here - this is a 1.6 TDI engine with a return of 115 horsepower. But there are two gasoline engines. Both, of course, are low-volume and turbocharged. The younger one is a three-cylinder unit with 115 horsepower, and the older one is a new 150-horsepower “four” with a volume of 1,5 liters.
Since the car with the older engine has not yet mastered the conveyor, we are content with three cylinders. And, you know, this motor is surprisingly good luck for the Kamiq. The pickup is not the sharpest, but quite tangible. Peak 200 Nm are available from 1400 rpm, so there is no lack of traction throughout the entire operating speed range. Above 3500-4000 rpm, the engine is prevented from spinning by the seven-speed "robot" DSG with two dry clutches.
Sometimes such transmission calibrations are rather annoying and not play into the hands. Because sometimes, out of a desire to save as much as possible, the transmission shifts up a gear too early. But this nuance is easily eliminated by transferring the selector to Sport mode.
In our version, not only the gearbox, but also the engine and chassis can be switched to sport mode. On the smallest crossover Skoda, an optional drive mode system is available, which allows you to change the settings for the electric power steering, accelerator sensitivity and even the stiffness of the shock absorbers. Yes, the dampers are adaptive here.
However, having tried all the modes from economical to sporty, I am once again convinced that on cars of this class such systems are more an unnecessary expensive toy than a pleasant and useful option. Because, for example, when switching to economy mode, Kamiq turns into a vegetable, and in Sport it becomes unnecessarily shaky due to jammed shock absorbers.
But what I really would like to see in all versions of the Kamiq, and not just the top-end, is incredibly comfortable sports chairs with integrated head restraints and developed lateral support. They are good.
The bottom line is that Skoda has re-built a very comfortable and balanced car in the fastest growing market segment. Moreover, for adequate money. For example, in Germany, prices for Kamiq start at 17 euros (about 950 rubles), and the cost of a decently equipped car does not exceed 1 euros (about 280 rubles). So the success of this machine on the market is not in doubt now.
But the prospects for its appearance in our country are still vague. Skoda's Russian office announced the localization of Karoq in the spring, so there will be no room for the junior crossover on the conveyors or the technological base. And the decision to import the car from the plant in Mlada Boleslav has not yet been made. The euro exchange rate, customs duties and recycling fees will raise the price of the car to an indecent level. And then its competitiveness against the background of localized Korean models will be questionable.
| A type | Crossover |
| Dimensions (length / width / height), mm | 4241/1793/1553 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2651 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1251 |
| engine's type | Gasoline, R3 turbo |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 999 |
| Max. power, l. with. (at rpm) | 115 / 5000-5500 |
| Max. cool. moment, Nm (at rpm) | 200 / 2000-3500 |
| Трансмиссия | RCP, 7 st. |
| Drive unit | Front |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, from | 10 |
| Max. speed km / h | 193 |
| Fuel consumption (mixed cycle), l / 100 km | 5,5 – 6,8 Feet |
| Cargo space, l | 400 |
| Price from, USD | Not announced |
