Skoda's baby SUV headed to NZ

Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Skoda's baby SUV, the Kamiq, is coming here with a sharp price and lots of standard equipment.

Settling market position for an incoming small Skoda crossover came down to convincing the factory to consider the effect another recent release has had on the rising category.

The Kia Seltos becoming a fully direct rival for the Kamiq is unlikely, yet no category performer can ignore how the Korean product's aggressive launch pricing has instantly invigorated this growth sector, Skoda NZ's boss says.

'To be fair Kia and what they do in the market probably does everyone a favour,' says Rodney Gillard, in wake of his brand announcing an April launch for two Ambition level editions of the sub-Karoq teensy tot and July entry for a range-topping Monte Carlo.

The Kamiq shares a lot with Skoda's excellent Scala small hatch.

'In terms of timing for us… well, it (the Seltos launch) couldn't have been better, because it gave a chance to raise some good negotiation with the factory.'

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All Kamiqs are petrols, a 1.0-litre generating 85kW/200Nm in the $30,990 entry and a 110kW/250Nm 1.5 four-cylinder in the $36,990 Ambition Plus and still-unpriced flagship. All couple to a seven-speed direct shift transmissions.

Skoda's baby kicks in $5000 above the special price Kia put on the base Seltos LX to boost what became a hugely fruitful November public release, generating hundreds of sales, but they'll be lineball when Kia implements LX's full RRP.

The Kamiq will slot into Skoda's local range below the Karoq, but is expected to sell better than its larger brother.

Not that this makes them wholesale rivals, Gillard enforces.

Kamiq is expected to achieve a 25 per cent of share of Skoda SUV sales – against 50 per cent for Kodiaq, 15 per cent for Karoq and smaller slices for the Scout editions of Octavia and Superb.

Yet while supply for 2020 is sufficient, production limitations for the first year at least will keep it from claiming the volume Kia is chasing for its own car.

In any event, the elevated (by 35mm) off-shoot of the Scala small hatch also attracts a different buyer set and will reward by delivering a better ownership experience and likely command stronger residuals, Gillard contends.

Also, while Kia is doing best with its budget version, Skoda buyer trends suggest the more expensive Kamiq editions might be most favoured.

In general, though, the new car will do well, Gillard reckons, because even with the new car market already being tipped to decline this year, the compact soft-roader category is looking to set to continue the growth it has evidenced for more than 12 months.

'Small SUVs are a true sweet spot. They're just cars people want… for work, for taking kids to school. People enjoy the elevated driving position, they feel safer and they find the cars are very versatile.'

The Monte Carlo sits apart from the Ambitions by having as standard a sportier dynamic tune and a chassis control with 'normal' and 'sport' settings. This Sports Chassis Control is optional to the Ambitions.

There are plenty of opportunities to customise the cars in other ways, too, with special trims, ambient lighting, an electrically-adjusted driver's seat, and heating for the steering wheel and windscreen among options.

The car does not scrimp on safety assists, with up to nine airbags, Lane Assist, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Driver Fatigue Alert, and Cruise Control featuring. LED headlights and tail lights are standard.

Scale is comfy in the shrimp class at 4241mm long, 1793mm wide and a height of 1553mm (including roof rails). Almost 80 per cent of its bodywork consists of high- strength and hot-formed steel.