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The update of the Kamiq compact SUV together with that of the Scala sedan of the same category opens the season of Skoda novelties. In fact, immediately after the renewed series of the two compact models, the new Superb flagship, the second generation of the Kodiaq SUV, the renewed Octavia and the second full-electric model of the brand will arrive in rapid succession starting from March: the Elroq compact SUV, which it will be revealed before the summer and on sale from the end of the year. The new Kamiq presents itself with a slightly restyled line and offers an updated but not electrified engine offering, the upgrading of digitalisation, more complete equipment than in the past together with solutions that improve general usability.
Skoda Kamiq is now powered only by petrol engines
The range of the new Kamiq says goodbye to diesel and methane engines and offers only 3 and 4-cylinder petrol engines. The former belong to the latest generation of the 1-litre Miler cycle Tsi series which benefits, in particular, from the variable control of the valves, the revisiting of the management electronics and the variable geometry turbo. The less powerful, like the previous one, has 95 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque and interfaces with the five-speed manual gearbox, the other now develops 115 instead of 110 horsepower and a torque of 200 Nm and can be combined with both the manual gearbox six-speed gearbox and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The same option is also offered with the 1,500 Tsi with 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque with deactivation of two of the four cylinders in some driving situations and belongs to the latest generation developed by the Volkswagen group, which makes the transition between the two operating modes. The new technologies chapter also includes options such as the airbag suite which can reach nine elements, the deployment of Adas for level 2 semi-autonomous driving although only in the case of the versions equipped with the dual clutch gearbox and the system that locks automatically opens the windows and tightens the front seat belts in the event of an imminent collision.
Skoda Kamiq, the appearance is sportier
The restyling of the Kamiq does not affect the dimensions, since it is still 4.24 meters long and 1.79 meters wide as well as 1.52 meters high, given that it only affects the bodywork superstructures. However, the larger and reshaped grille, the new LED headlights which can be LED Matrix upon request and the thinning of the daytime running lights together with the redesigned bumper shield with large air intakes give the Kamiq a more aggressive look than in the past. The update also involves the design of the wheels, the bumper shield and the graphics of the rear lights. Overall, few new features but enough to update the look and make it sportier than in the past.
Skoda Kamiq, connectivity and functionality are growing
The updating of the Kamiq’s passenger compartment, adequately spacious for four people, in particular because the central tunnel annoys those who have to sit behind the centre, brings with it new upholstery largely obtained from recycling but pleasant to the eye and to the touch which, therefore, they do not impact the presentation of the environment, which respects the appreciable standards of the Skoda finish. The notable innovations range from the 8″ digital instrumentation which can be configured to 10.25″ upon request, to the 8.25″ central infotainment touch display, which becomes 9.2″ by opting for the navigator which also brings with it the virtual assistant laura. This version of the system integrates wireless connectivity for smartphones, 45W USB-C sockets for the rear seats like the front ones, practical pockets on the front seat backs for the devices of those sitting in the rear area of the passenger compartment. Furthermore, on request you can have the wireless charging plate for smartphones with cooling function. The attention to functionality is also underlined by a choice that goes against the current trend which hides the management of many car services inside the central display or small touch buttons. In fact, on the renewed Kamiq the “mechanical” controls of the air conditioning on the central console are back in vogue, clearly visible and easily operable. Furthermore, new practical optional solutions are available such as the electrically opening tailgate also with hands-free function for accessing the boot whose capacity ranges from 400 to 1,395 liters and the removable glove box for the rear area of the passenger compartment.
Photos of the test of the renewed Skoda Kamiq
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Skoda Kamiq, come va la 1.0 Tsi 115 cv Dsg Style
The newest Kamiq ever is the one powered by the 3-cylinder with 115 horsepower which in the Style version and with the dual clutch gearbox costs 30,000 euros. From the driving seat, a good feeling is immediately established with this version of the renewed compact SUV both because it is agile, reliable and even fun when cornering, thanks to the modest body roll and the steering which, as the speed increases, loses the lightness felt at low speeds. speeds, and because the performance of the engine-gearbox combination is satisfactory, regardless of the mode set. In fact, the 3-cylinder responds promptly and linearly even with the quiet Eco thanks to the complicity of the fluid operation of the gearbox which also becomes rapid using the paddles on the steering wheel (optional) which, for its part, has been the subject of a recalibration of the electronics to eliminate hesitations in the starting phases. Able to reach 195 per hour, reach 100 per hour in 10″2 with an average mileage of 17.9 kilometers per liter, this Kamiq with the Sport mode also shows off a lively temperament. Furthermore, except during sharp accelerations when the typical less than harmonious tone of three-cylinder units emerges, it contributes to determining a good level of general comfort thanks to the silent operation combined with the ability with which the set-up gradually overcomes the roughness of the road, to despite the not very soft calibration aimed at rewarding behavior.