Skoda Kamiq Spied Testing In India, Launches In 2021

• The SUV spied testing in India seems to be the Euro-spec model.
• The Euro-spec Kamiq is based on VW Group’s MQB A0 platform.
• Skoda’s India-spec SUV will be inspired by the European model.
• Skoda is currently localising the MQB A0 platform for the domestic market.
• Expect the upcoming India-spec compact SUV to be based on this platform.
• It will be a petrol-only model and will rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
• Expect features such as a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, etc.
• It is likely to be priced between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).

Skoda’s compact SUV, the Kamiq, which made its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, has been spied on our shores. Set to be launched in India by early 2021, the Kamiq will take on the Kia Seltos and the upcoming second-gen Hyundai Creta.

The Kamiq is the smallest SUV offering from Skoda and is based on VW Group’s MQB A0 platform. Skoda and Volkswagen are currently in the process of localising this platform for the Indian market under its India 2.0 growth strategy. The resulting platform will be called the MQB A0 IN and will form the basis for both manufacturers’ upcoming cars, including the India-spec Kamiq.

The SUV seen in these spy shots seem to be the Euro-spec model that sports design elements like Skoda’s latest butterfly grille flanked by split headlamps with projector units and LED DRLs. At the rear, it sports LED tail lights with SKODA lettering across the bootlid. Expect the India-spec Kamiq to feature a slightly different aesthetic.

There is only one spy shot of the interior of this Kamiq wherein the instrument cluster features analog dials instead of Skoda’s virtual cockpit. It does get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and climate control, though. The test mule also seems to feature a blacked out roof flanked by roof rails while the global models vary between offering a panoramic sunroof or a fixed glass roof. These features are expected to be offered on the India-spec model as well.

Skoda offers the Kamiq with multiple engine options in global markets. They include a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel motor. Recently, the Czech carmaker added a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol CNG-hybrid to the list as well. The India-spec Kamiq will get the smaller turbocharged engines while a factory-fitted CNG kit is likely to be offered as an option.

In India, the Kamiq might get slightly different dimensions too. The European-spec SUV’s measurements are as follows:

	Skoda Kamiq	Hyundai Creta	Kia Seltos
Length	4241mm	4270mm	4315mm
Width	1988mm	1780mm	1800mm
Height	1531mm	1595mm	1620mm
Wheelbase	2651mm	2600mm	2610mm
Boot size	400 litres	400 litres	433 litres

The Euro-spec Kamiq is smaller than the Creta and Seltos in terms of overall length and height. But the Skoda is wider and has a longer wheelbase than the Korean SUVs. When launched, the India-spec Skoda Kamiq is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh.

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