Introduction
Skoda’s SUVs are some of the best on sale. First there was the Kodiaq, a particularly practical and classy seven-seater. This was followed by the Yeti-replacing Karoq – another versatile, near class-leading crossover showcasing just how accomplished this manufacturer has become when it comes to building cars in this market.
But now we have a third model – the compact Kamiq, which is the smallest of the lot. Sitting on the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Arona, this car is small in size, but remarkably spacious when you hop inside.
While it might be the most affordable, it’s not scrimping on standard equipment and tech – particularly when it comes to safety, with lane-keep assist, front assist and autonomous emergency braking all included. It
certainly looks like Skoda is on to another winning product, but can the Kamiq deliver?
Performance
Under the bonnet of our Kamiq test car is what’s expected to be the best-seller – a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol unit producing 113bhp and 200Nm of torque. Even for a compact engine, it’s surprisingly gutsy – as it’s able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just under 10 seconds and reach a top speed of 120mph.
In this particular case it’s paired to an excellent six-speed manual gearbox, but a DSG automatic transmission can also be ordered.
If you’re looking for something a bit slower – this engine is also available with a 94bhp output. Faster? A 148bhp 1.5-litre engine will join the range later in the year. More efficient? The 1.6-litre diesel engine will fit the bill perfectly.
Ride and handling
The Kamiq is very similar to the new Scala hatchback, and at first it would be easy to presume that it can’t drive as well that car with its increased ride height.
But it’s remarkable in just how well it handles for a crossover, and it deals with its taller dimensions excellently. The ride quality is also excellent, with the Kamiq allowing for very little road noise – delivering admirable refinement for such a small model. There is more wind noise than we would expect, though.
Our car sat on the standard suspension springs, although Skoda is offering more selectable dampers as an optional extra for a sportier feel. But with the ride of the Kamiq being great in the first place, it seems a shame to spoil that with a firmer setup.
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Interior and equipment
The Kamiq offers a longer wheelbase than many of the cars in its class, which ultimately delivers superb amounts of cabin space for what remains a compact car. Even in the back there’s plenty of leg- and headroom for taller passengers, while the optional panoramic sunroof doesn’t even impact on space, either, which is a rarity. The 400-litre boot is also an impressive size, delivering 20 more litres more than the Volkswagen Golf.
Up front, the interior remains a light and airy place to be, with plenty of soft-touch plastics helping to deliver a more premium feel. There a few cheaper interior plastics, but that’s acceptable on a car in this segment.
Skoda hasn’t released the full specs for the Kamiq just yet, but standard equipment is set to include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 9.2-inch unit also being offered.
It also comes with an impressive suite of safety features out of the factory – including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking and multi-collision braking. This should make the Kamiq one of the safest cars in its class.
Interior and equipment
The Kamiq offers a longer wheelbase than many of the cars in its class, which ultimately delivers superb amounts of cabin space for what remains a compact car. Even in the back there’s plenty of leg- and headroom for taller passengers, while the optional panoramic sunroof doesn’t even impact on space, either, which is a rarity. The 400-litre boot is also an impressive size, delivering 20 more litres more than the Volkswagen Golf.
Up front, the interior remains a light and airy place to be, with plenty of soft-touch plastics helping to deliver a more premium feel. There a few cheaper interior plastics, but that’s acceptable on a car in this segment.
Skoda hasn’t released the full specs for the Kamiq just yet, but standard equipment is set to include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 9.2-inch unit also being offered.
It also comes with an impressive suite of safety features out of the factory – including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking and multi-collision braking. This should make the Kamiq one of the safest cars in its class.
Cost
Pricing is another thing we’re in the dark about on the Kamiq, with Skoda still deciding on the Kamiq specs, but word on the street suggests the model is likely to start from just under £20,000.
While this puts it at the top end of the compact crossover market, we feel it will be a price that the Kamiq will easily justify.
Verdict
Skoda first two SUVs have been instant hits, and the Kamiq only builds on that.
When it arrives in showrooms later in 2019, it will arguably be one of the most spacious and well-equipped cars in its class, while the overall driving experience is also hard to fault.
While the pricing will be the deciding factor on just how well-rounded the Kamiq is, Skoda has built another class-leading crossover that will likely only continue to see this Czech manufacturer continue to go from strength to strength.
