Deeq

The Type S concept that Acura is showing off at Monterey Car Week is basically the blueprint for the next-generation TLX sedan in its top-performance trim — minus some of the design flourishes that make it a concept. "The Type S concept sets the stage for re-introducing Type S performance variants to the Acura lineup after a decade hiatus, and will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S," the company said in a statement. Acura, which is harking back to its performance roots with edgier looks and go-fast parts, released images of the concept prior to its presentation at Monterey Car Week on Thursday. The next-generation TLX is likely to be shown in the coming months for sale as a 2021 model. The production car will have door handles — unlike the concept — along with larger side mirrors and an interior similar to the redesigned RDX crossover, which last year became the brand's first mainstream model under the new design direction. Acura's remake began four years ago with the second-generation NSX supercar. Acura designers say the concept to be shown in Monterey already has many of the engineering details worked out, suggesting the production car won't be far off in terms of overall design. The concept will also heavily influence a second vehicle with the reborn Type S trim, although Acura hasn't said which one. "The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots," said Jon Ikeda, Acura brand officer. More recently, Acura brought back A Spec appearance trims, along with a new pentagon grille for all models. It also confirmed a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine is in the works for Type S models, excluding the low-volume NSX, which has a unique powertrain. "I don't have the direct numbers to give you about the exact performance," Ikeda said at an event last week. "I guarantee you that just as exciting as these [Type S] vehicles were in the past, we are definitely going to have the performance upgrade, whether its brakes or handling or performance of the engine." The luxury brand has said it will get down to four core vehicles: two sedans and two crossovers. The RLX full-size sedan is set to be discontinued given its poor sales. Moreover, Acura is refocusing on the NSX as its halo vehicle rather than a big sedan. The Type S trims are seen as the bridge to link the NSX to the brand's more attainable models. The "brand pyramid" consists of the NSX at the top, followed by Type S performance trims, A Spec appearance trims and regular models. Up next for a full redesign after the TLX are the MDX three-row crossover and ILX compact sedan. That will complete Ikeda's promise, in the short term, to bring Acura back to its roots as a brand that is deeply involved in racing and reflects that racing heritage in its vehicles. "What we did promise our dealers and our enthusiast friends is that as we go back [to our roots] you're going to see a transformation happening to their brand through our products and designs, and not only through performance," Ikeda said. He promised that "big changes" in product are coming "very quickly."

BMW has been supplying safety cars to MotoGP for 20 years now, and its latest is this M8 Competition. It debuted at the weekend’s race in Austria – where Andrea Dovizioso recorded a vital win to keep in touch with Marc Marquez in the rider standings – thus starting its role in the job partway through a season. It’s perhaps fitting that MotoGP has employed M Division’s most powerful car yet to work on a grid of 200mph bikes, with the 616bhp M8 Comp capable of 0-62mph in 3.2secs and a 186mph top speed. While the standard car comes with a wealth of tech, including Drift Mode-equipped four-wheel drive and almost all the electronics under the sun, BMW has understandably given it a small makeover for circuit duty. There’s a carbon-tipped titanium exhaust system to ensure the M8 sounds nearly as good as the bikes around it. A roll cage, fire extinguisher and race-spec Recaro seats. Cup tyres and motorsport-spec bonnet catches. A ginormous wing nicked from the BMW M8 GTE racecar. And last but certainly not least, lots of MotoGP stickers and a whopping great light bar on the roof. Safety’s never looked so aggressive. The M8 replaces a 592bhp BMW M5 on MotoGP marshalling duties, while Formula E now uses a fairly unique BMW i8 Speedster.

A Tennessee-based Ford dealership specializing in Roush-tuned Mustangs has developed a real corker to celebrate this year's 50th anniversary of when a GT40 in Gulf Oil livery won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That was back in 1969, though the same car, also wearing the Gulf Oil livery, was also a winner at the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans. The special Mustang honoring those wins has been developed by Brown Lee Ford of Nashville, Tennessee. It's called the Brown Lee Performance Gulf Heritage Mustang, and just 119 examples will be built, each priced from $139,995. That's a steep price to pay for a Mustang, especially with the Shelby GT500 offering up 760 horsepower for just $73,995. Well, Brown Lee Ford's Mustang goes further with an output of 808 horsepower and 677 pound-feet of torque generated by its 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic, the engine will rocket the car from 0-60 mph in as low as 3.3 seconds and past the quarter-mile in under 10.7 seconds. Beyond the supercharger, the Brown Lee Ford team upgraded the fuel injectors and added high-flow intake and exhaust systems, as well as intercooler. There's also track-tuned suspension, carbon fiber aero elements including a wicker bill spoiler, a few unique interior appointments, and of course the famous Gulf Oil livery. And for a bit of peace of mind, the car even comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile limited warranty. “We are incredibly proud to have this opportunity to honor the Ford and Gulf racing legacy in such a special build,” said Brock Patterson, Brown Lee Ford's global specialty vehicle manager. “With over 800 horsepower carrying this licensed icon from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, the Gulf Heritage Edition Mustang pays homage to the accomplishments of the Ford and Gulf racing teams from 50 years ago, on all levels.” The Brown Lee Performance Gulf Heritage Mustang will be presented on August 18 at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The event caps Monterey Car Week which is currently under way. For our complete coverage on the event, head to our dedicated hub.

A classic Aston Martin V8 Vantage will star in the new James Bond film. As much was confirmed after an amateur video surfaced on social media showing the car on set during filming for 007’s next outing in Norway. The video provides confirmation that the latest Bond movie will feature a petrol-powered Aston, following recent speculation that Bond would be seen behind the wheel of the £250,000 all-electric Aston Martin Rapide e. There’s nothing to suggest the Rapide e won’t make an appearance as well but now we know for sure that Bond will get his V8 hit. Bond last drove the classic Aston in the 1987 film, The Living Daylights, with actor Timothy Dalton at the helm. Both a convertible and hardtop version of the V8 Vantage appeared in the movie.’ The ‘Q-branch’ hardtop version featured a range of upgrades, such as retractable skis, spiked snow tyres and an afterburner hidden behind the rear number plate. Like all Bond cars, Dalton’s V8 Vantage was also fitted with a host of gadgets, including a pair of heat-seeking missiles, a police scanner radio, laser beams built into the front wheels and a self-destruct function. Whether or not similar toys will appear on the Vantage for the latest Bond film is yet to be confirmed.

Whether you are a driver or not, chances are you recognise Shell. And it isn't just due to Shell's extensive involvement in motorsports, or its association with arguably the greatest car manufacturer in the world - Ferrari. It is instead, due to Shell's quality fuel, service, and the convenience which Shell stations provide to the everyday Singaporean. Let's have a look at why we all love Shell stations here. Innovation partner of Scuderia Ferrari Shell has been involved with various motorsport teams for the longest of time, the most notable one being the technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team. Its relationship is also a unique one. In 2015, Shell and Scuderia Ferrari extended their relationship to an Innovation Partnership. Since 1947, when the first Ferrari road car was produced, every single vehicle that rolled out of Ferrari's Maranello factory has been powered and protected by Shell fuels and lubricants. This partnership does not stop here. Shell works with Scuderia Ferrari to improve its products which will in turn improve the race team's performance on track. These technology advancements are then translated from track to road, benefitting everyday users of Shell's premium quality fuels. Scuderia Ferrari race drivers gain an edge over the competition with Shell. Thus, you too can benefit from using Shell fuels. Not just for the cars - recharge yourself while you refuel Majority of Shell stations in Singapore are open 24 hours (with the exception of Shell Woodlands Mandai and Tuas), giving drivers the convenience of refuelling at any time of the day. While refuelling, you can also browse through a wide selection of food and drinks. You can pick up a range of delicious freshly baked pastries and drinks to keep you energised on your journey at Deli by Shell, which is available at certain Shell stations. Perhaps the most interesting petrol stations in Singapore will be the Shell stations located at Tampines Ave 2 and Hougang Ave 3. These are the only petrol stations here with a 24-hour McDonald's outlet that also includes a drive-thru. Feeling the hunger pangs while commuting at any hour of the day? Why not check out these two unique Shell station, we are sure you'll love it. All under one roof We've established that a Shell station is the perfect place to refuel both you and your car, but what if your car needs a little something more? Fret not, many Shell stations also feature car wash and Autoserv workshops, providing a one-stop servicing experience apart from the wide range of services you get to enjoy at Shell stations. With 22 Shell Autoserv outlets located in Shell stations in Singapore, you can get your car repaired and serviced with ease. Shell Autoserv outlets use Shell Helix Ultra engine oil which provides the best engine protection and performance. With your car's maintenance in good hands, you can keep driving on with no worries. Continuous innovation - New Shell fuels with Dynaflex Technology Dynaflex Technology is the latest breakthrough formulation by Shell. Dynaflex Technology took five years of research and development and has been tested over three million kilometres, on more than 250 cars. The result is the most advanced Shell fuels that meet the harsh demands of modern cars. It is able to reduce wasted energy in the engine while cleaning and protecting it, allowing greater engine efficiency to be achieved. Reaping the benefits of this cutting edge fuel is easy. You can simply proceed to any Shell station and fuel up your car with the new Shell fuels with Dynaflex technology. The new Shell FuelSave 98 and 95 with Dynaflex Technology contains 20% more friction-reducing molecules than before, instantly forming a shield that protects against friction and dirt. Meanwhile the new Shell V-Power high-performance fuel with boosted Dynaflex technology contains three times more cleaning and friction reducing molecules than Shell FuelSave petrol, to help remove up to 80% of performance-robbing deposits! If you are driving a diesel-powered vehicle, you can benefit from the new Shell FuelSave Diesel with Dynaflex Technology as well. It contains new dirt busting molecules for a clean and efficient engine while protecting against dirt build-up through a new deposit control additive.

You must have heard of Lego Ideas. It’s a platform where people are invited to submit ideas for new Lego sets. Get to 10,000 ‘supporters’, and something called the ‘Review Board’ seriously considers offering your set for sale as an official Lego product. And yes, you do get commission. This BMW is one of those sets. Blocky cars always translate well into Lego models for, well, obvious reasons. And because the M1 hails from an era that curves (mostly) forgot, it’s blocky as they come. Frankly we’re surprised nobody thought of this sooner. There are loads of ace cars from the Seventies and Eighties that we’d love to see as Lego models. Someone get going on the Lamborghini Countach and Aston Martin Lagonda, stat. Made from around 1,000 standard Lego bricks, user TOMOELL has rendered BMW’s first mid-engined car as either a standard road car or Procar racer. It has opening doors, an opening engine compartment and working steering. Looks like you can separate the body from the chassis too, for a better look at the engine and interior. At the time of writing, it’s got almost 2,000 supporters and still over 500 days left to run.

Could Ken Block take a stock Ford F-150 and have a blast ripping it around the desert? Yes. Would that be the Hoonigan Ken Block way? Absolutely not. First, he needed more speed, more lights, more graphics and more custom off-roading gear. Block debuted this new Ford Raptor at the beginning of the year, but he never gave it the full proper video feature that it deserved. The first portion of the video details exactly what has been done to this beast to make it a supertruck. He relied on California-based Raptor-focused SVC Offroad, which also did Block's RaptorTRAX, for all the work. Nearly every important piece on the Avalanche Grey 2017 Raptor has been altered, including the engine. SVC took the twin-turbo V6 and gave it a new tune, an SVC intercooler, an SVC intake, SPD turbo adapters and a Stainless Works exhaust system. Block estimates power to be around 550 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, up from about 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Giving the truck a meaner look, the Raptor's new exterior parts include a Gen2 Mojave front bumper with a skid plate, a Gen2 Baja rear bumper, a Gen2 Bypass bed rack with tire storage and wide ADV fiberglass front fenders. A 50-inch light bar up top and a 30-inch bar in the front bumper from Rigid Industries will add extra visibility in the dust. The flashiest feature, however, is the HOONIGAN logo graphics that reflect light, for the illusion of glowing in the dark. The real cred comes from the off-road bits. SVC gave it a Mid Travel Kit with Fox 3.5 bypass shocks in the front, and Deaver Suspension leaf springs, SVC traction bars and Fox 4.0 five-tube bypass shocks in the rear. The Raptor rides on 17-inch Fifteen52 Turbomac HDs wrapped in 37-inch Toyo Tires Open Country M/T rubber. Watch it all come together, as Block shreds up some dirt in the Moab desert.

The Infiniti Qs Inspiration concept has been revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show, previewing an upcoming three-box sports saloon The new Infiniti Qs Inspiration concept, which previews a new upcoming production model, has been officially revealed at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show. The Qs Inspiration concept is a saloon sibling for the QX Inspiration concept SUV, revealed earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show. The front of the Qs uses the industry-norm blank grille, with a large Infiniti badge, illuminated lettering and sharp headlights. The blacked-out windows and A-pillars give it the appearance of a floating roof, while the handle-less doors continue the streamlined design to the as yet, unseen rear end. Infiniti says that the Qs Inspiration has been designed to offer a high driving position while still keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible for optimum control and handling. Under the metal of the Qs sits a new platform. Infiniti says it is a ‘flexible’ architecture designed specifically for fully-electric and hybrid e-POWER drivetrains, borrowed from sister brand Nissan. In the case of the Qs, the powertrain is a ‘high-performance’ all-wheel-drive setup. Though the concept directly previews a new three-box saloon, we won’t be seeing the final product in Britain: Infiniti has announced it plans to pull out of Europe by 2020. The brand will focus more on the Chinese and American markets, where large saloons are still popular. Christian Meunier, Chairman of Infiniti, said: "The age of electrification presents us with an opportunity to renew our credentials as an innovative challenger brand, ready to move quickly and decisively in this growing and exciting area of the market."

The Japanese auto manufacturer has teamed up with JAXA to design a lunar rover with a cruising range of 10,000km. Toyota has joined forces with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), with the aim of producing a manned, pressurised lunar rover. Powered by a fuel cell electric drivetrain, the pair are targeting a total lunar-surface range of more than 10,000km (around 6,200 miles). Should a physical version of the six-wheeled rover reach production, it’ll measure six metres long, five metres wide and almost four metres tall. As such, it would be twice as long, twice as wide and almost five times the height of the Moon Buggy used on the Apollo 15 mission. Toyota claims its lunar rover could comfortably accommodate two astronauts (or four in emergency situations) in its 13-metre-squared living quarters. Other features include a huge retractable solar panel, air-less tyres and an array of communications equipment. JAXA’s Vice President, Koichi Wakata, set out the firm’s plans for space exploration, stating: “Manned, pressurized rovers will be an important element supporting human lunar exploration, which we envision will take place in the 2030s. We aim at launching such a rover into space in 2029.” Toyota seems to have its sights set on a more terrestrial level, and is keen to see how its partnership with JAXA will advance battery-electric and fuel cell technology for its earthbound vehicles. Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, Shigeki Terashi, said: "Toyota believes that achieving a sustainable mobility society on Earth will involve the coexistence and widespread use of electrified vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles. “Our joint studies with JAXA are a part of this effort. Being allowed to be a member of 'Team Japan', we would like to take up the challenge of space."

It was only a matter of time. This, ladies and gentlemen, will decimate all. Welcome to the first new A90 Toyota Supra that’s had its BMW-sourced 3.0-litre turbo swapped out for that engine: Toyota’s 2JZ from the Mk IV Supra. Champion Japanese drifter Daigo Saito is the man who has done the honourable thing by dragging the Supra right back to the Nineties, building this special drift A90 for the upcoming D1 Grand Prix. It’ll be unveiled in full in a couple of weeks’ time, but for now, we have a couple of details. Such as the 2JZ straight-six heart producing a nice, healthy 800bhp with help from turbo specialists HKS. And the fact the entire build took just 42 days, “unheard of before”, according to its builders. “I’m so happy to be able to convert Supra into a drift car for the first time in the world,” explains an exuberant Saito-san. He notes the car’s short wheelbase and compact body allow him to control it more “freely”. We suspect having a turbo straight-six with 800bhp makes it feel quite free also.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a surprise addition at Geneva, with the compact SUV based on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade. There's a new arrival in the compact premium SUV market in the form of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Italian auto manufacturer revealed a concept version of the new model at the Geneva Motor Show, and it slots into the range below the Stelvio. Under the skin, the Tonale is based on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, but it gets a completely different look to its US sister model. The Tonale looks very much like a shrunken Stelvio. Styling features include a distinctive nose with an extended front overhang, the traditional Alfa shield grille and slender three-bulb headlights. A long bonnet leads back to the rakish windscreen, a low roof and curved rear end. Some of the concept's design touches, such as the slender wing mirrors and small tail-lights, are likely to be tweaked for the final production model. There’s no information on engines or specs, but we expect power units to be pulled from elsewhere within the FCA Group, with likely options including the latest Firefly petrol engines seen in the mechanically similar Fiat 500X, but with the added attraction of hybrid drive. Also, the new Alfa is likely to be one of the better handling models in the class, as the Italian firm focuses of offering a range of sharp-handling models. When it does go on sale, the Alfa Tonale will enter an exceedingly crowded SUV market at the very closely-fought small SUV end. The exact size of the newcomer is unknown but it's likely that the brand will be pitching its effort at the likes of the BMW X2, Volkswagen T-Roc and Audi Q3, as well as more mainstream models such as the SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai. The Tonale follows on from the Stelvio in taking its name from a mountain pass. At 1,883 metres the Tonale pass in Northern Italy is lower than the famous Stelvio, which sounds about right for Alfa’s more diminutive SUV model.

You probably know a bit about Polestar by now – the racing team that became Volvo’s tuning arm, that became a standalone electric performance brand in 2017. You might even have gazed longingly at the company’s first car, the Polestar 1, a 600bhp plug-in hybrid coupe costing €155,000 and limited to 1,500 units. But frankly the 1 is just eye candy - in Polestar’s masterplan, the 2 is the one that matters. This is Polestar’s Tesla Model 3 rival, and it’s not shying away from the fact either, name-checking the Model 3 in the fourth line of its press release. And why wouldn’t you? Tesla is close to selling 500,000 a year of its first, truly mass-market EV because it offers a range of over 300 miles, it’s fast, it appeals to tech lovers and it’s relatively affordable. Polestar has been taking notes. The 2 is an all-electric, 4WD, five-door saloon-shaped hatchback – or ‘fastback’ according to Polestar - with a 311-mile range from its 78kWh battery, 402bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds. By comparison the long-range, AWD Model 3 (that’s not the 444bhp M3-rivalling performance version, by the way) has a 338-mile range (the longest of any WLTP certified EV) from its 74kWh battery, 341bhp and 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Spot any similarities? Not that we’re complaining you understand… And then there’s the price. The launch version of the Polestar 2 (the only one available for the first year of production, which starts in early 2020) costs €59,900, although Polestar will offer a subscription-style plan (prices TBC) that includes one monthly payment to cover everything except charging. The long-range, AWD Model 3 starts at €58,800. The Model 3 looks a bit generic, the kind of car a 10-year old might doodle, the Polestar is much sharper – all taught creases and Swedish minimalism. The Volvo fans out there will have spotted this is almost identical to the Volvo 40.2 concept from 2016, except for the addition of smaller, more aero efficient, framelesss wing mirrors - a Polestar patent, no less - and a full width light bar at the back.

Volkswagen might be on the cusp of the electric car revolution, but it’s painfully aware it needs the new 2019 Golf range to be a smash hit for those not yet ready to take the EV plunge. And its halo car - the venerable VW Golf GTI - is returning for its eighth iteration with a mission to tempt hot hatches to stay loyal to the genre. Carmagazine UK has some inside scoops on the long awaited hothatch. Not everybody likes the front end, which strikes some as looking like a sad face. But chief designer Klaus Bischoff tells me he’s confident that when you see it on the move you’ll be struck by its freshness and presence. His CEO Herbert Diess nods in agreement. And you can be sure that the GTI will look sharper and more purposeful than more mainstream versions, which is the way it’s been since the first Golf GTI appeared in 1976. Expect the traditional red interior accents and chequered upholstery as well as the strong horizontal lines on the front. New 2019 VW Golf GTI: When the Golf Mk8 arrives, there will be many permutations of engine, transmission and spec, but they’ll all have five doors, as the Golf has not been immune to the global loss of interest in three-door hatches. At the top of the Golf range there will be three distinct versions: GTI GTI Cup Golf R VW Golf GTI performance specs The regular Golf GTI returns with its familiar 2.0-litre turbo four now making 232bhp. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or, as a cost option, a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch auto. Expect a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec, aided by a marginally lower weight and a more slippery body. Top speed is restricted to 155mph. The GTI Cup is a new addition to the line-up of go-faster Golfs. Inspired by the TCR derivative of the Mk7, it’s the sportiest Golf by a clear margin. It boasts the wildest aero kit, the lowest ride height, the fattest wheels and the biggest brakes, plus a diff lock. The power output is a reassuring 286bhp, and the maximum torque of 273lb ft is on tap from 1600 to 4300rpm. Optionally, you can pay to have the top speed limiter chip removed, buying you 166mph. The new 2020 VW Golf R The next VW Golf R is, again, powerful and composed – an uber-GTI with tidier road manners and a more comprehensive specification. It shares its 328bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four with the forthcoming Arteon shooting brake. The peak torque of 295lb ft is distributed to all four wheels via the seven-speed DSG. Expect an acceleration time of 4.3sec and relatively frugal fuel consumption. A 48-volt system with mild hybrid technology should be available on all three high-end Golfs. Each model gets its own bumper graphics and cockpit treatment, and options including 20in wheels, larger-diameter cross-drilled sports brakes, lowered sports suspension with adaptive dampers, an Akrapovic exhaust and a blacked-out bodykit. Photos courtesy of: CAR magazine

With the help of his Hoonigan squad, Ken Block is building an empire. After his Ford Escort RS Cosworth rally race car burned to the ground in 2018, Block unveiled a back-from-the-dead Escort version 2.0 this week, and he plans to take it on a world tour. Since he gained fame through his racing and his Gymkhana video series, Block has done nothing but expand his reach, grow his team, and built bigger and more ambitious projects. And when his modernized Escort RS Cosworth was incinerated, Block didn't really accept that, building this new Cossie and planning a Cossie World Tour. First, the car. It's an Escort RS Cosworth that's been given some of Michael Jordan's Secret Stuff. Block said he wanted it took look as if the Escort had come out today and was given to the World Rally team to be fitted with a full aero package. The exterior was designed by Ash Thorp, a graphic designer who has worked on movies such "Ghost in the Shell," "X-Men: First Class," "Prometheus" and "Assassin's Creed," to name a few (the car stuff is just his hobby). Thorp built numerous variations and modeled them with CGI on a computer. After several renderings, he and Block settled on the widebody beast seen here. In the video, Thorp explains the tiny details most people would never think about, such as matching the lines of the rear diffuser to the taillights. On top of the body, Cali-based Troy Lee expressed his creative mind with a livery that's just as wild as the car itself. It features gradients, stars, dark colors, light colors and gobs of decals. Compared to the previous Cossie livery, this one feels much more vibrant and lively with its multiple shades of blue. Watch both videos for more detail on how Block chose the Escort, how he helped build and design both cars, and what it's been like getting to know the car through racing.

The new high-tech Skoda Kamiq compact SUV has arrived ahead of Geneva, promising class-leading space Skoda is one of the last mainstream brands to enter the hugely competitive and popular compact SUV sector, but the brand has finally arrived with this, the new Skoda Kamiq. The newcomer looks set to become one of the most practical and tech-laden offerings in the class. The Kamiq’s shape takes inspiration from both the rest of Skoda’s SUV family and the recently revealed Scala hatchback. Its front puts a twist on the ‘four-eye’ lighting arrangement seen on the Karoq and Kodiaq; slim top units house four LED elements that integrate both daytime running lights and – in a Skoda first – scrolling indicators. Below them sit the main headlamps, with LED tech available, and cornering lights. Other typical Skoda 4x4 cues include the heavily contoured bonnet and upright grille, which contribute to the Kamiq’s chunky look. The tail-lamp design and Skoda lettering in place of the usual logo give the rear end a strong resemblance to the Scala’s. Measuring 4.24 metres front to rear, the Kamiq is one of the longest cars in the sector – but this, combined with a roofline that’s 106mm lower than that of our current class favourite, the Citroen C3 Aircross, means that in the metal the Skoda doesn’t quite offer the same SUV presence as its French competitor. However, thanks to its long body the Kamiq is set to become one of the most spacious cars in the class. Rear kneeroom is a match for the Octavia’s, so four six-footers can get quite comfortable in the cabin. A 400-litre boot can’t quite match the 455-litre volume of Europe’s best-selling small crossover, the Renault Captur, but the 1,395-litre space with the seats down is much larger. Some models will offer a folding front passenger chair, enabling the storage of objects up to 2,447mm long. Up front, the dashboard takes on a design direction first seen in the Scala. This includes a sweeping ‘wing’ that highlights the cabin’s width, further emphasised by air vents that extend into the door panels. Skoda appears to have focused on quality, too: textured soft-touch plastics cover the top of the dash and padded material trims the door inserts. It feels a cut above many of its rivals, while the wing dips in the centre to both mirror the shape of the car’s grille and to house the infotainment touchscreen. At 9.2 inches, the display in top-spec models will be one of the largest in the sector, and it can be combined with an optional 10.25-inch customisable digital instrument panel. These features, plus wireless smartphone charging, USB-C connectivity, mood lighting, an electric tailgate and lane assist, should ensure the Kamiq leads the class tech race. There are few surprises under the new car’s bonnet; every model will be front-wheel drive, and all four engine options are known quantities. The single diesel is a 1.6-litre TDI producing 113bhp and 250Nm of torque, while petrol buyers can choose from 1.0 engines making either 94bhp or 113bhp, or a 1.5 turbo. With no sporty vRS version in the pipeline, this 148bhp unit will be the most powerful option available. Prices for the Kamiq should be confirmed later this year, but expect a similar cost to that of the SEAT Arona