This little SUV is one of the best on sale in Australia with plenty of hi-tech features and a sweet drive experience. But is it worth your hard earned?
The Skoda Kamiq was named the 2020 News Corp Car of the Year, but it has since been hit with big price rises. We find out if it’s still worth your hard earned.
VALUE
The price of entry for the Kamiq range has risen more than 25 per cent in the past two years.
Skoda has been hit hard by the global shortage in semiconductors and its entry-level model with a three-litre engine hasn’t been sighted in Australia for some time.
Instead the range consists of three models powered by a larger turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The base price for a Skoda kaiq has risen a lot recently.
Prices start at $35,990 drive-away for the Ambition and rise to $41,990 for the top-spec Signature tested here.
Handsome styling is complemented by chrome highlights, LED head and tail lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
There is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch display compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that is combined with a wireless device charging pad. An umbrella hidden in the driver’s door is a handy feature.
All Skodas are covered by a five year/unlimited km warranty. Five years of servicing will cost $1500 if you prepay at time of purchase.
The top-spec Signature is priced at more than $40,000.
COMFORT
Passengers are treated to supportive leather appointed seats, which are heated in the front and rear window positions. The electronically adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find the right driving position for all shapes and sizes.
A chunky leather wrapped steering wheel comes with a heating function and the flat bottomed shape and paddle shifters add a sporty touch.
The Kamiq feels well built and there are plenty of soft touch materials and premium materials used throughout.
The cabin presents well and has lots of tech features.
Despite the Kamiq’s compact exterior dimensions it feels roomy inside. There is plenty of head and leg room for drivers and the back seat can accommodate two adults fairly comfortably on longer drives. Rear passengers also treated to two USB charging points and aircon vents.
A 400-litre boot is one of the biggest in the class, while the tailgate automatically opens and closes at the press of a button.
Suspension is on the firmer side for a small SUV, meaning you’ll feel more bumps and small corrugations on the road.
Tyre roar and engine noise is kept to a minimum, making for a quiet commute.
The Kamiq is one of the sweetest driving little SUVs on sale.
SAFETY
The semiconductor shortage has led to changes to the Kamiq’s safety equipment.
If you order one today you’ll miss out on rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot detection.
The Kamiq will still brake automatically if it detects a potential collision and will sound a warning and tug on the steering wheel if you wander from your lane.
DRIVING
The Kamiq is one of the best driving small SUVs in the segment.
Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine makes 110kW and 250Nm and provides willing acceleration thanks to ample grunt delivered low in the rev range.
The firmer suspension makes for a busier ride around town but it comes to the fore on twisting back roads, where the Kamiq displays impressive body control and poise through corners.
The Kamiq’s turbo petrol engine is powerful and efficient.
Light, direct steering and grippy tyres provide additional confidence.
The Kamiq is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that works seamlessly on the freeway and at higher speeds but can feel jerky in bumper to bumper traffic.
Skoda claims a fuel use of 5.6L/100km and you’ll get pretty close to that on a mix of driving conditions. It does, however, require more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
VERDICT 3.5/5
Handsome, capable and spacious small SUV, but steep price rises in the past two years take off some of the shine.
ALTERNATIVES
Kia Seltos Sport Plus DCT, $39,790 drive-away
Bigger, packed with equipment and backed by a seven-year warranty. Not as good to drive.
Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring, from about $40,500 drive-away
Quality interior and exterior styling. Thirsty non-turbo engine.
Toyota Yaris Cross Urban AWD Hybrid, from about $42,000
All-wheel drive with efficient hybrid power, but smaller and less premium.
SKODA KAMIQ SIGNATURE VITALS
Price: $41,990 drive-away
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW and 250Nm
Warranty/servicing: Five years/unlimited km, $1500 over 5 years (prepaid)
Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver fatigue detection
Thirst: 5.6L/100km
Spare: Space saver
Luggage: 400 litres
Keyword: 2022 Skoda Kamiq Signature review