Skoda Kamiq Review

Recent updates boost the Skoda Kamiq’s appeal against other small SUVs such as the Ford Puma and Renault Captur.

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Relatively affordable to buy and run
  • Bigger inside than many of its alternatives
  • Updates in 2024 included a smarter interior
  • Not as cheap to buy as the SEAT Arona
  • Hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross is more economical
  • Not as much fun to drive as the Ford Puma
Skoda Kamiq prices from £10,700.
Finance from £157.43 / month.

We all like a BOGOF supermarket deal but while the Skoda Kamiq isn’t two-for-one cheap, it does make your money go further. We think it's a cracking small SUV that's well worth checking out, with appeal well beyond its value-focused credentials.

How does it make your pounds work harder? For a multitude of reasons, starting with its list price. Since its arrival in 2019, the Skoda Kamiq has remained one of the more affordable small SUVs on sale. Compared with some alternatives — cars such as the Ford Puma, Toyota Yaris Cross and Volkswagen T-Cross — you’ll save more than a few quid by opting for the Skoda.

That said, its not the cheapest small SUV you can buy. For instance, the SEAT Arona, which is based on the same underpinnings as the Kamiq and T-Cross, costs even less. You might also want to consider the cut-price Dacia Duster, even though it's larger.

But the Seat Arona brings us onto another reason to think about the Skoda Kamiq — its interior. You see, while it's cheaper, the Arona doesn't feel as smart inside as the Kamiq and that’s especially true since Skoda updated it for 2024. This brought in even plusher materials that lifted the interior ambience further.

Another key plus point is space, where the Skoda Kamiq literally stretches your budget, because few rivals offer as much room inside. That’s especially true in its back seats, which allow even lanky folks to stretch out, while the boot can also lug around plenty of luggage.

If you're after a new Skoda Kamiq the range kicks off at around £24,000. If you want to save the initial depreciation hit then three-year-old examples with average miles on the clock are in the region of £15,000.

Find a used Skoda Kamiq for sale

Key facts

Prices from £24,040
Engines Petrol
MPG range 47.8 – 52.2mpg
Warranty Three years, 60,000 miles
Length/width/height (mm) 4241/1988/1559
Boot capacity 400 – 1395 litres

History

  • March 2019 Skoda unveils the Kamiq small SUV at the Geneva Motor Show
  • October 2019 Skoda Kamiq goes on sale
  • February 2020 Monte Carlo trim introduced
  • March 2020 SE Drive trim introduced
  • December 2021 SE L Executive trim replaces SE L trim
  • April 2023 SE L reintroduced for a limited period
  • August 2023 Skoda reveals revised Skoda Kamiq
  • October 2023 revised Skoda Kamiq opens for orders, with first deliveries in early 2024

Skoda Kamiq Engines

There are two engine sizes currently available for the Skoda Kamiq with 1.0- and 1.5-litre capacities, however the smaller unit comes with a choice of two power outputs. All the engines are turbocharged petrols, though, with no diesel alternative available any more. There has never been a hybrid option for the Skoda Kamiq.

If you're on a tight budget the entry-level 1.0 TSI 95PS is okay. It's not super quick but it's still a lot perkier than the entry-level Renault Captur TCe 90.

If you're mainly nipping about town the 95PS engine has got enough pep, mind you its relatively languid 0-62mph time of 11 seconds does leave it feeling lacking at motorway speeds or when trying to overtake slower-moving traffic on a country road. You can only opt for this engine with the cheapest SE trim and there's no automatic option — just a five-speed manual gearbox.

Our pick, which isn't massively more expensive, is the 1.0 TSI 116PS. Not only does it come with a six-speed manual gearbox — offering more relaxed and economical cruising — there's the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic.

Unsurprisingly, with more power, it's quicker overall — the 0-62mph benchmark is dealt with in a livelier 9.7 seconds. That makes a real difference when you’re travelling across country and its gutsier performance also helps out when the car’s crammed with people and luggage.

The most powerful option is the 1.5 TSI 150PS, which has the same choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. It's properly sprightly, evidenced by the 0-62mph dash being done and dusted in just 8.3 seconds.

Skoda Kamiq Running Costs

Oddly, the most efficient Skoda Kamiq isn't the least powerful one. Officially, the best you'll get from the entry-level 1.0 TSI 95PS is an average 51.8mpg, while the more powerful 1.0 TSI 116PS can eke-out 52.2mpg.

That's because the extra power means you spend less time with your foot hard on the accelerator, plus there's an extra gear or two, depending on your transmission choice, making for more efficient cruising.

The most powerful Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS isn’t far behind, either, officially averaging up to 49.7 mpg.

Like all official WLTP figures, expect a bit less in real-world driving. We’d suggest careful driving will deliver a realistic 45mpg average for the 1.0 TSI 116PS, which is about what you can expect from the equivalent Ford Puma.

If you want a small SUV with super-efficient tendencies, then you need a hybrid — a car that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor. Your best options here include the Renault Captur E-Tech and Toyota Yaris Cross. Those two can easily see your real-world average climb to 60mpg, thanks partly to their ability to pootle around town for short periods on electric power alone.

A hybrid will also produce less CO2 emissions, which makes them cheaper company cars because you'll pay less Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax.

Your BiK could be cut further still by opting for an electric SUV. While there's no such option for the Kamiq, late-2024 will see order books open for the similarly sized, fully electric Skoda Elroq, with deliveries commencing in 2025.

Skoda Kamiq Comfort and Practicality

Let's kick-off with comfort because with its supple suspension the Skoda Kamiq is one of the most relaxing small SUVs you can drive. Its relaxed nature means that whether you're bumbling around town or pounding faster routes, the Skoda Kamiq will ease you gently over all but the worst bumps.

The standard set-up is so good that you don’t even need the fancy electronically adjustable suspension that comes on the top-of-the-range Monte Carlo trim.

Only the Volkswagen T-Cross is (fractionally) better at smoothing out potholes, while rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma ride much more firmly. On the plus side, the Puma's sportier settings do make it more fun to drive but even on that score, the Skoda Kamiq is good enough. It's certainly easy to control and has plenty of grip.

Sticking with the comfort theme, the Skoda Kamiq has a fine driving position with a supportive driver's seat with a variable lumbar support and a steering wheel that can be adjusted for distance and angle. This means no matter what your size and shape, you shouldn't suffer with driving-induced aches and pains on longer journeys.

We also applaud Skoda for leaving some physical controls for the climate settings, which are easier to operate than touchscreen icons while you’re on the move. The interior looks smart — especially since the 2024 facelift — with an attractive mix of materials backed up by good build quality for the money.

We say 'for the money' because only the more expensive Audi Q2 and Lexus LBX feel more premium.

There is one issue, though. If you’re picking a small SUV expecting a higher driving position, the Skoda Kamiq feels barely any higher off the ground than Skoda Scala hatchback it's based on. The VW T-Roc is better from that point of view.

Moving to practicality, the Skoda Kamiq offers as much interior space as some larger SUVs. There's loads of space in the front and more than enough cubby space, but it's in the rear that this car really shines. Compared with all its chief alternatives it offers rear-seat passengers more head and legroom — more than enough for anyone over six-feet tall.

And 400 litres, it has a big boot, too. That'ss on par with the Ford Puma and will easily swallow a pushchair or a couple of suitcases. The Puma's boot is more flexible, though, with a large storage well under its floor. You also have to pay extra for a height-adjustable boot floor in the Skoda Kamiq, which helps provide a more convenient, flatter load space when you drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. It’s a relatively cheap option so worth having.

Skoda Kamiq Technology

All versions get rear parking sensors as standard and if you add the optional Convenience Package you get front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and keyless entry as well. On the cheaper trims it's jolly pricey, mind.

Entry-level SE trim has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C connectors and a high-definition 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The menus are easy to navigate but the software can be laggy at times. There's also an 8.0-inch digital driver’s display instead of conventional physical instruments.

Move up to SE L trim and the infotainment screen grows to 9.2-inches with more features, including in-built navigation, internet radio and voice control. You also get a configurable, 10.25-inch version of the digital driver's display.

The optional Charging Package comes with wireless phone charging and an extra USB-C in the rear-view mirror, ideal for powering a dash cam.

Skoda Kamiq Trims

Your trim options for the Skoda Kamiq since the 2024 facelift are SE, SE L and Monte Carlo, which is for those of you who fancy a sportier look inside and out.

The entry-level Skoda Kamiq SE trim with the 1.0 TSI 95PS engine kicks-off the range at £24,040. If you want the engine we recommend — the pokier 1.0 TSI 116PS — it's £24,970, while the 1.5 TSI 150PS version costs from £26,315.

Standard equipment includes:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights and tail lights
  • roof rails
  • leather-trimmed steering wheel
  • front-seat adjustable lumbar support
  • 80-inch driver’s display
  • 8.25-inch infotainment screen
  • wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • four USB-C ports
  • dual-zone climate control
  • cruise control
  • rear parking sensors
  • traffic sign recognition
  • automatic emergency braking
  • lane assistance
  • leyless start

The cheapest Skoda Kamiq SE L is the 1.0 TSI 116PS priced at £27,185, while the 1.5 TSI 150PS starts at £28,580.

Standard equipment (over and above SE) includes:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • dynamic rear indicators
  • chrome exterior trim
  • Darkened rear window privacy glass
  • partial-mircosuede (faux suede) seat trim
  • ambient interior lighting
  • rear seat centre armrest
  • automatic lights and wipers
  • power-folding door mirrors
  • 10.25-inch driver’s display
  • 9.2-inch infotainment screen
  • voice control
  • navigation
  • internet radio

Least expensive of the Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo models is the 1.0 TSI 116PS at £29,285, but that figure stretches to £32,080 if you opt for the 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG automatic.

Standard equipment (over and above SE L) includes:

  • sports styling with contrasting black roof, mirrors and front grille
  • sports seats
  • interior carbon-look trim
  • leyless entry
  • LED matrix headlights
  • panoramic sunroof
  • rear-view camera
  • switchable driving modes
  • adaptive dampers

Skoda Kamiq FAQs

How big is the Skoda Kamiq?

At 4,241mm long, the Skoda Kamiq is one of the longest small SUVs on sale. Still, it's all relative because the Renault Captur, at 4,239mm, isn't far behind.

Is the Skoda Kamiq the best small SUV?

One of the best, for sure. Certainly if you're looking for a great all-rounder that does plenty of things well and nothing badly. It's bigger inside and more comfortable than most of its competitors, handles tidily enough and has a nice interior. Plus, you get all that for a great price. It's only beaten on specifics, for instance the Ford Puma is more fun to drive along twisting roads, the Renault Captur E-Tech and Toyota Yaris Cross are more fuel efficient, while for something even more competitively priced there’s the SEAT Arona.

How expensive is the Skoda Kamiq?

The cheapest Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI 95PS is £24,040, which makes it cheaper than the entry-level Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Cross, although the Puma does get more standard kit. We'd spend a little more on the more powerful 1.0 TSI 116PS SE if you can, which is £24,970.