The new Skoda Kamiq compact SUV will appear in showrooms before the end of the year, expanding the brand’s SUV line-up to three models.

It’s the smallest model offered by the Czech Volkswagen Group brand, sitting beneath the Karoq, and is destined to rival the likes of the VW T-Cross and upcoming Nissan Juke.

Prices start at £17,700, with four trim versions available: S, SE, SE L and Monte Carlo.

Like its stablemates, the new Kamiq features split headlights that feature daytime running lights. It also welcomes styling cues from the Scala, such as the stretched badging across the rear tailgate.

The name Kamiq comes from the language of the Inuit people living in northern Canada and Greenland and means “something that fits perfectly in every situation – like a second skin”.

The new SUV is set to become a future pillar of the Skoda model range, harnessing further potential for growth.

Demand for SUVs is continuously increasing, growing by 6.8% between 2017 and 2018.

In addition to a raised seat position, the Kamiq also promises higher ground clearance, a generous amount of space despite compact dimensions, a high level of functionality and advanced connectivity.

It is exclusively available with front-wheel drive and buyers can choose from three powertrains.

A 1.0-litre TSI petrol motor offers 95PS or 115PS, while a more potent 1.5-litre serves up 150PS. There is also a 115PS 1.6-litre TDI.

Inside, the Kamiq is billed as the most spacious model in its class, with better elbowroom, kneeroom and headroom than rivals.

The boot has a capacity of 400l, which can be increased to 1,395l by folding down the split back seat (60:40).

Clever storage compartments in the interior provide an extra 26l of space for stowing items. 

Customers can enhance the Kamiq with ambient lighting, decorative trims, contrasting stitching and a dynamic package. The level of comfort can be boosted with an optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, as well as climate control, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel.

The Kamiq can optionally be fitted with Sport Chassis Control – a 10-mm-lower sports chassis that can have its characteristics switched between Normal and Sport using Driving Mode Select.

The Swing, Bolero and Amundsen infotainment systems offer displays measuring from 6.5 to 9.2 inches and can be equipped with the Skoda Sound System featuring ten speakers as an optional extra. 

Skoda Connect mobile online services include Care Connect including remote vehicle access and Proactive Service, as well as Infotainment Online. 

Simply Clever features include optional automatic door-edge protection, an electric tailgate including Tip-To-Close function and an electrically retractable tow bar.

Skoda Kamiq prices:

Kamiq S	VED Band	Recommended OTR
1.0 TSI 95 PS	G	£17,700.00
Kamiq SE
1.0 TSI 95 PS	G	£19,135.00
1.0 TSI 115 PS	G	£19,935.00
1.0 TSI 115 PS DSG	G	£21,185.00
1.5 TSI 150 PS	TBC	TBC
1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG	TBC	TBC
1.6 TDI 115 PS	G	£21,835.00
1.6 TSI 115 PS DSG	G	£23,085.00
Kamiq SE L
1.0 TSI 95 PS	G	£21,180.00
1.0 TSI 115 PS	G	£21,980.00
1.0 TSI 115 PS DSG	G	£23,230.00
1.5 TSI 150 PS	TBC	TBC
1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG	TBC	TBC
1.6 TDI 115 PS	G	£23,880.00
1.6 TSI 115 PS DSG	G	£25,130.00