Skoda: This is how the Kamiq drives on natural gas

The Kamiq completes Škoda's SUV range with the two larger models Karoq and Kodiaq. Now the city SUV is also available as an efficient G-Tec variant with split headlights and top-mounted LED daytime running lights.

Consumption is lower than specified
What was most pleasing after the fortnight behind the wheel was that the Škoda Kamiq with its CNG drive did not consume around 4.3 kilograms per 100 kilometers, as stated by the factory, but actually made do with 3.9 kilograms. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. Thanks to the federally approved biogas content of 20 percent, the climate-relevant CO2 emissions are thus 87 g/km. The Kamiq G-Tec thus significantly undercuts the CO2 emissions of 95 g/km required for new cars since the beginning of the year.

A good 400 kilometer range with CNG
Running exclusively on natural gas, the Kamiq covers up to 410 kilometers. Once the CNG supply is exhausted, the technology automatically switches to gasoline mode. Fuel from the gasoline tank can be used to drive up to 220 more kilometers.

Only seven francs for 100 kilometers of natural gas
And if you fill up with 100 percent biogas, you're even CO2-neutral on the road. The low consumption is not only good for the environment, but also for the household budget. This means that you only pay around seven francs for every 100 kilometers you drive.

Environmental idea is in the foreground
Of course, the city SUV with its 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and 90 hp at a weight of 1432 kg is not an emotional athlete. The CNG Skoda needs 12.5 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. That's significantly more than the clearly more powerful SUV. That is significantly more than the 1.5-liter gasoline engine (150 hp), which is also clearly more powerful. Here, the Kamiq reaches the 100 km/h mark after just 8.4 seconds.
But customers who opt for a CNG variant are likely to focus on comfort and environmental considerations rather than sportiness anyway.

Faster with manual 6-speed transmission
If you want more power, you can simply shift the G-TEC with the standard 6-speed manual transmission more diligently and drive the Skoda at higher speeds for a short time. In this way, the 160 Nm, which are available between 1800 and 3800 rpm, are fully effective and the intermediate spurt is also easily possible on hills.

The trunk holds up to 1395 liters
Despite tanks for 13.8 kilos of CNG/biogas and nine liters of gasoline (for emergencies, should there be no CNG filling station nearby) on board, the Kamiq has extremely generous space for its size.

If a big shopping trip is on the cards, the rear seats (split 60:40) can be folded down in no time at all and the trunk expanded from 400 to a generous 1395 liters. This makes the G-Tec at least a real luggage gobbler.

Many Simply Clever ideas for everyday life
Incidentally, one of the "Simply Clever" details of the Kamiq is also hidden in the large trunk: the LED lighting on the side also doubles as a removable flashlight.

Practical features include the funnel integrated in the cap of the windshield wiper fluid reservoir, the umbrella in the driver's door and the ice scraper hidden behind the gas cap. You can also see more details in the gallery.

Front radar assist with emergency braking function
Despite 182 millimeters of ground clearance, the city SUV has a firm grip on the road. The low-floor gas tanks and the resulting low center of gravity also help the Kamiq maneuver agilely through curves.

And thanks to the large number of assistants, you are also very safe behind the wheel. The Kamiq comes with lane departure warning and front wheel assist with city emergency braking as standard. For long-distance comfort, for example, an adaptive distance assistant is also available, as is an optional parking assistant for more convenience when parking.

It also works without a navigation system
Comfort is also a top priority in the clearly laid out and well finished Škoda cockpit. The free-standing 9.2-inch touchscreen is ideally positioned and the menu navigation of the multimedia system is intuitive.

Even if our car had to make do without a navigation system, thanks to perfect networking and the SmartLink function, smartphone apps can also be operated via the Škoda's infotainment system using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink, and their content can be shown on the display.

Thanks to its own navigation app, you can easily find any destination even in the driven Kamiq G-Tec.
Prices start at 28 330 francs.

Text and photos:
Jürg A. Stettler, CNG-Mobility.ch

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