Much like any mainstream automaker out there, Skoda also jumped on the SUV bandwagon, launching two crossovers over the last two years. Following the introduction of the midsize Kodiaq in 2016, Skoda unveiled the compact Karoq in 2017. Come 2018, and the Czech automaker is adding a third crossover to the lineup. It's called the Kamiq, it was unveiled in China, and you won't be able to buy it unless you move to the Asian country.

Slotted below the Karoq, the Kamiq is a small, urban SUV aimed at young drivers. It's built on Volkswagen's ubiquitous MQB platform, and at 4,390 mm long, it fits right between the Tiguan and the T-Roc, which suggests that it may be based on the latter. Although smaller than its siblings, the Kamiq shares many design features with the Kodiaq and Karoq. Actually, it's almost identical to the Karoq up front, with only minor revisions to the headlamps and bumper. I guess Skoda also takes brand identity serious nowadays.

Though it competes in the affordable segment, the Kamiq is well equipped, featuring an infotainment system with a sizable display and front seats with an exclusive, checkered pattern with 3D effect. It also features speech recognition based on artificial intelligence thanks to software that understands regional Chinese dialects and automatically learns an individual or local language style. Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, and MirrorLink compatibility are also included.

Under the hood, the Kamiq comes with a new 1.5-liter engine. The unit is shared with the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc, but it generates less power. While the former SUVs get 148 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, the Kamiq comes with 109 horses and 111 pound-feet of twist on tap. A seven-speed automatic transmission sends all that power to the wheels.

Skoda has no plans to offer the Kamiq outside China, so don't get your hopes up yet.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Skoda Kodiaq.

Read more Skoda news.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.