The Skoda Kamiq SUV Gets A Sportier GT Variant In China

• The GT is the ‘coupe’ variant of the Kamiq in China.
• Exterior updates include sleeker headlamps, more detailing on the grille and dual-tone tone alloy wheels.
• Inside, the Kamiq GT gets a new upholstery with red stitching.
• It gets sportier bits inside-out to distinguish itself from the standard model.
• The powertrain is likely to be the standard Kamiq’s 1.5-litre NA petrol.

Skoda has revealed the sportier Kamiq GT, an SUV coupe variant of the standard Kamiq, in China. For the uninitiated, the Kamiq is a midsize SUV that’s sold overseas. Recently,  Zac Hollis tweeted whether we want the Kamiq GT in India. Is it the SUV destined for our country? Not really as it is different from the one Skoda plans on bringing to India. It will be jointly developed by Volkswagen India under its recent merger with Skoda Auto and will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Nevertheless, let’s read more about the sporty Kamiq GT. 

Skoda has done a good job of differentiating the Kamiq GT from the standard Kamiq. It comes with a distinctive front-end with sleeker LED headlamps that merges with Skoda’s trademark butterfly grille. The grille also gets a tad more detailing than the standard model while the front bumpers are more sporty with sharp cuts and creases. Highlights at the side include a sloping roof that is finished in black. A sharp crease runs through the profile for added character. There’s a GT badge to remind you that you’re driving the sportier variant while dual-tone alloy wheels look tasteful. At the rear, the Kamiq GT gets split LED tail lamps and a sporty rear bumper. 

Sizewise, the Kamiq GT is 19mm longer than the standard model. However, both models fare equally in all other parameters. 

Inside, the Kamiq GT shares its dashboard with the standard model, albeit with some upgrades. The centre trim on the dash gets a brushed silver insert with a GT badge on the passenger side. Other changes include new seat upholstery with red stripes and stitching. Features onboard include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay, manual air-con, steering mounted controls, cruise controls, keyless entry with push button start as well as a sunroof. 

Powertrain options for the Kamiq GT are yet to be revealed. It’ll most likely utilise the 1.5-litre petrol motor from the standard model that develops 110PS of power. Transmission options should include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. 

So is it the China-spec Kamiq that’s headed for India? Not entirely. Skoda is co-developing a mid-size SUV with Volkswagen specifically for India. This new SUV will be based on a localised version of their modular platform (MQB-A0-IN). This Seltos, Creta-rival is expected to debut at the Auto Expo 2020.