Name: Skoda Kamiq Review
Item: Skoda Kamiq
Author: Gumtree.com

The compact SUV market is a crowded one, but the Skoda Kamiq does its very best to stand out. Even though it’s competitively priced for its class, you won’t find any compromise on quality, and it definitely ticks all the boxes in terms of style and comfort. Launched in 2018, it’s the perfect blend of sportiness and simplicity. You’ll most likely find it in one of its petrol engine guises, with the range offering a base-level 1.0-litre right through to a perky 1.5-litre. Its agile handling and ability to comfortably tackle both urban roads and motorways make it an ideal family car.

Visit the Skoda Kamiq model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Skoda Kamiq

The Skoda Kamiq is a practical and spacious compact SUV that offers everything a modern family needs.

Pros

Great value for money

Roomy, good-quality interior

Comfortable ride

Cons

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No sliding or reclining rear seats

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Other small SUVs have a higher driving position

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No four-wheel-drive option

Launched in 2018, the Kamiq is the smallest of the trio of SUVs available from Skoda and takes much of its styling from the Karoq and Kodiaq. Three petrol engine options and one diesel are paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic to offer great performance across the range. There are four trim levels: the S, SE Drive, SE L and top-of-the-range Monte Carlo, which features a sportier look.

Driving performance of the Skoda Kamiq

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

In a market full of similar-sized and powered SUVs, the Kamiq really stands out for its excellent handling and comfortable ride. You always feel in control when at the wheel, and a tighter turning circle than the Nissan Juke and Volkswagen T-Roc means it’s suited to urban streets just as much as the open road. Its smooth suspension is the real star of the show, as you’ll glide over undulations in the road with ease, making it an enjoyable journey for all the family. Gear shifting is equally effortless with the Kamiq’s positive clutch and brake pedals. You’ll also find smooth transitions in the automatic.

Safety and reliability of the Skoda Kamiq

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

With a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the Kamiq scored highly for its adult, child and pedestrian protection. As a family-friendly SUV, you’ll get two Isofix mounts in the back for child seat fixing. It comes with some excellent safety equipment as standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance and seven airbags. For increased safety when out and about, go for the optional extras such as blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert. Parking is also a breeze with its rear sensors and reversing camera. Skoda has an excellent reputation for reliability, so it’s unlikely you’ll face any major issues with this newer model. New Kamiqs come with a three-year 60,000-mile warranty that can be extended to up to five years.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Kamiq

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The Kamiq quickly gets into its rhythm, pulling away well, even though you may have to rev a little harder to reach motorway speeds on the smallest engine size. The 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol has 94 bhp and is sufficient for most families, doing 0-60 in under 11 seconds. If you’re looking for a bit more power then the 1.0-litre TSI 110 adds more grunt for relaxed motorway cruising, which is ideal if you’re planning on using it regularly for longer journeys. Even punchier still, the 148 bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine can do 0-60 in just over eight seconds – no mean feat for an SUV.

What you'll find in the Skoda Kamiq

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Kamiq is beefy-looking, with a prominent grille and roof rails. Its headlights sit down low at the front and there are slimline LED running lights that appear above them on all its trims except the basic S range. A nifty design feature is the hidden automatic rubber strips that pop out to protect the edges of your paintwork. This is a great addition for preventing damage, especially with the kids in tow in a tight parking space. Sleek and classy, the design pairs all the urban practicality of a hatchback with the pleasing ride height of an SUV.

Comfort and interiors in the Skoda Kamiq

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

If it’s space you’re looking for, the Kamiq has you covered. Despite being in the compact SUV class, it’s got bags of room inside, including plenty of legroom and headroom in the back – even taller adults will find it a comfortable fit. You don’t have to sacrifice boot space either with a whopping 400 litres. It’s just a shame that the rear seats aren’t sliding so you can’t get even more room in the back. The modern, minimalist cabin design includes a leather steering wheel and plush silver and fabric trims that give the interior a high-quality feel throughout. Opt for the SE Drive trim to add a digital touchscreen display with satnav, or for more tech features (including the virtual cockpit digital dashboard), go for the SE L or Monte Carlo trim levels.

What features you'll find in the Skoda Kamiq

Our Features Rating9 / 10

There are lots of features on offer in the Kamiq, even in the standard S trim, but for something a little bit special, we’d opt for the SE or above. With the SE, you’ll get 17-inch alloys, body colour bumpers and mirrors, privacy glass and an upgraded interior including satnav and Apple CarPlay. But by far the most impressive is the spec for the Monte Carlo. Its 18″ black alloys, full LED headlights, dynamic indicators and panoramic glass roof make it a sporty addition to the line-up. The luxe feel is matched on the inside with sports seats, a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit display and metal pedals.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Skoda Kamiq

Our Fuel Consumption Rating9 / 10

If you’re looking for an economical ride, the Kamiq doesn’t disappoint. With the petrol engines you should achieve 41.5-52.3 mpg across the range, making it comparable to other crossover SUVs and a relatively efficient ride. The best performer for fuel efficiency is the 1.6 TDI with up to 56 miles per gallon. Even the top-spec performance engine, the 1.5 TSI (150ps), achieves up to 50 mpg, so you won’t see a noticeable efficiency drop for that extra pulling power.

Running costs of the Skoda Kamiq

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

The Kamiq will be one of the cheapest SUVs to insure due to its excellent safety rating and low insurance grouping. You can expect the lowest engine and trim to be in group nine and most others between 11-12, making it comparable to the entry-level Nissan Juke and the Renault Captur. The more powerful 1.5 TSI sits in groups 18-19 and is the highest-rated band for the Kamiq, which is still very affordable. Road tax costs are relatively low for the Kamiq, too, as it has good CO2 emissions of 128-149 g/km. As with most cars, you should carry out servicing annually or every 12,000 miles to make sure your Kamiq is kept in good condition and has the reliability you need.

Our verdict of the Skoda Kamiq

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

Built with families in mind, the Kamiq delivers in both performance and practicality. It's an exceptionally good ride with an affordable price tag, making it a compact SUV with a lot to offer.

Skoda Kamiq Review