Skoda Kamiq Review
By Motor Match • 02/02/2024
Think of Skoda and you’ll probably imagine hatchbacks and comfortable saloons, but these days it’s the Czech firm’s range of SUVs which takes a more prominent place.
What is it?
Skoda’s most compact SUV model is the Kamiq, which sits under the Karoq and Kodiaq as a smaller - yet no less usable - SUV option.
But in such a crowded market, what can the Kamiq do to stand out? We’ve been behind the wheel to find out.
What’s new?
It’ll probably come as no surprise that the Kamiq does share some components with other cars in the Skoda range. After all, it’s a cost-saving process which is used across the motoring industry, with this compact SUV pinching some features from the Scala. However, it is very much its own car in terms of styling, design and execution.
In fact, we’d argue that the Kamiq has some of the boldest styling from within the Skoda range with this car’s ultra-sharp headlights and chunky dimensions giving it a far larger appearance on the road than its basic dimensions would suggest.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Kamiq is available with a pair of efficient engines. The first is a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit with either 94bhp or 108bhp, while you should be able to see over 50mpg in either version. Both cars use a six-speed manual gearbox, too, so they’re very user-friendly.
For more power, there’s a 1.5-litre option which comes with 148bhp. Even in this more powerful version, Skoda says that you should see just over 49mpg combined. Plus, there’s the option of either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, with the latter making those longer journeys more comfortable.
What’s it like to drive?
The Kamiq manages to bring the feel of driving a much larger car into a smaller package. Of course, its small dimensions mean it’s a breeze to park, but it’s the refinement that this car brings which really shines through. It’s quiet, comfortable and - above all else - intuitive, so you can feel at home in no time at all.
It’s also quite sharp to turn into a corner while well-judged suspension helps to contain body roll and stop the whole car from wobbling around too much. At slow speeds, this suspension setup also helps the Kamiq to deal with the worst of the potholes and road imperfections too.
How does it look?
As we’ve touched upon, the Kamiq has the kind of smart styling that helps to stand out in this very busy segment. Skoda offers it in a range of eye-catching colours too, so if the basic look of the car isn’t quite enough for you then it’s easy to spruce it up with some jazzy paint.
The separate headlights do give the Kamiq a more distinctive appearance to other Skoda models, while a lack of black body cladding lends this model a more upmarket, premium feel.
What’s it like inside?
Skoda definitely hasn’t scrimped with the interior of the Kamiq. There are plenty of soft-touch materials which really do lift the feel of the cabin and give the whole car a far more premium impression than you might initially think. The Kamiq also has plenty of technology to offer, so it’s not just good materials which shine through here.
There’s also plenty of space in the back, while headroom is more than adequate thanks to the Kamiq’s boxy design. Open the boot and you’ve got 400 litres of space - more than you’ll find in hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
What’s the spec like?
There are four trims available with the Skoda Kamiq - SE, SE Drive, SE L Executive and Monte Carlo. From the off, you’re getting standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and an eight-inch touchscreen system alongside a leather multi-function steering wheel. Move to SE Drive and you’ll find larger wheels added alongside a larger 9.2-inch infotainment setup. The SE L Executive trim, meanwhile, includes 18-inch alloy wheels and - importantly for over winter - heated front seats. It’s at this level where you get the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit as standard, too.
Sporty Monte Carlo is great for drivers looking to make a statement thanks to its variety of black exterior elements, full LED headlights and eye-catching 18-inch black alloys.
Verdict
Skoda has been on a roll with its SUVs and the Kamiq is no exception to this. It’s well finished, packed with equipment and refined to drive. Though its engine choices are relatively limited, the two powertrains on offer suit the character of the Kamiq and provide more than enough performance for most.
Opt for a lower-down specification and you’ll find the Kamiq to be good value, too, while those aforementioned engines will ensure fuel bills aren’t too high further down the line.
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