Skoda Kamiq
The Skoda Kamiq is the smallest SUV from the Czech brand, following on the tradition of their SUVs’ names starting with a K and ending with a Q. It shares a platform with Seat’s Arona and VW’s T-Cross and is the second most popular car Skoda sells. The small SUV sector is expanding all the time with almost every brand now throwing their hats into the ring, so this new Kamiq had to be good in order to maintain its popularity.
Three specs, petrol engines only
It comes in three specs; SE, SE L & the Monte Carlo we have here, named in tribute to Skoda’s long history in the world of Rallying. Prices start at £24,040 for the SE spec and for that you get full LED lights, 17″ alloys and dual zone climate control. Should you go for the base model Kamiq you also get an extra engine to choose from. Where the SE L & Monte Carlo get a 1.0l TSI with 115bhp or a 1.5l TSI with 148bhp, both available with a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission, the SE also gets the 1.0l TSI with 95bhp & a 5-speed manual.
Want fun? – go for the 148bhp engine
Our Monte Carlo we have here is packing the 148bhp 1.5l engine and is mated to the 6-speed manual ‘box. This combination will set you back £30,680 and what’s perhaps quite surprising in a small SUV, it’s a bit of a hoot to drive. It feels quite a bit more spritely than its 0-62mph time of 8.3s would suggest and that MQB chassis feels tight and responsive around bends. Skoda has wisely not bothered with the option of a 4×4 Kamiq, despite its SUV status. It’s FWD only so, although the Kamiq can’t really claim any off-road abilities, it’s light and nimble which is undeniably more important.
How economical is the Kamiq?
Modern drivetrains and keeping the Kamiq light also means for impressive economy. No, there’s no diesel, there’s not even a hybrid yet but those TSI petrol engines all manage to return between 47 & 50mpg, dependent on spec and gearbox. Go for the SE trim with 95bhp and it’ll return over 51mpg on the combined cycle.
Inside the Kamiq
Skoda has to work hard to maintain its own identity within the VAG group and that’s possibly even more difficult on the inside, especially with the modern trend of touchscreens replacing physical buttons and switches. The standard of materials used in the most is right up there with anything sporting a VW badge. It’s only if you delve a bit deeper that plastics get a bit scratchy. The majority of controls are touchscreen based, that’s true, but Skoda has kept climate control separate with chrome ringed dials.
Easter egg hunt
One Skoda touch that sets it apart is the little extras you get hidden around the car. There’s an umbrella in the door, a little bin complete with liner in the driver’s door, erm, bin, door edge protectors that appear when a door is opened and and ice scraper inside the fuel filler; a reminder of the cold climate Czech cars traditionally tolerate. Some new little treats the Kamiq provides are a clamp for rear passengers to secure their phone or tablet to and a very clever ventilated wireless charging pad to prevent your phone from overheating, but that is part of the optional £350 charging package.
One slightly less gimmicky aspect of the Kamiq is just how much space you get inside. This is especially obvious for rear seat passengers who are treated to far more room to spread out in than the competition.
Should I buy a Skoda Kamiq?
The small SUV segment is already crowded and shows no sign of abating. Standing out is therefore more difficult than ever but the Kamiq manages it with a combination of user-friendliness, quality and just enough fun.
By Ben Harrington
2024 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo Specifications:
Engine – 1.5-l 4-cyl petrol, Transmission – 6-speed manual, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 148bhp,Torque – 250Nm Emissions – 129-136g/km CO2, Economy – 47.1-49.6mpg, Maximum Speed – 132mph, Acceleration – 8.3s – 0-62mph, Price – £30,680 OTR
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq is available now, priced from £24,040. For full details go to:www.skoda-auto.com
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