Does the Skoda's small crossover stand out in a crowded market?
- 2022 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI specifications
- Test details
- Test updates
- March 14, 2023: Skoda Kamiq first impressions
2022 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI specifications
- Model 72-reg Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI 110 PS DSG
- Price From £27,405 OTR
- Price as tested (with options) £31,132.50 OTR
- Cost options fitted Graphite Grey Metallic Paint £660; Dual-zone climate control £735; Steel space saving spare wheel £170; Winter pack £485; Variable boot floor £175; Electrically operated boot £445; Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors £235; Front and rear parking sensors £405; Dog Hammock (back seat protector) £115; Boot luggage mat £80; Dog partition guard £152.50; Dog safety belt medium £70
- Engine 999cc, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
- Transmission 7-speed, DSG (automatic)
- Power output 108bhp
- Torque 200 lb ft
- Weight (DIN/EU) 1,280kg / 1,355kg
- Luggage capacity 400 / 1,395 litres (seats up / rear-seats folded)
- Top speed 122mph
- 0-62mph 10.4 sec
- Fuel consumption (WLTP combined cycle) 45.6-47.1mpg
- CO2 emissions (WLTP) 136-141g/km
- VED (road tax) £230 for first year; £165 thereafter
- BIK tax payable (2022/23) 32%; £1,736 (20%) or £3,471 (40%)
- Insurance group 14E
Test details
- Test period February – August 2023
- Starting mileage 580 miles
Test updates
- March 14, 2023 Skoda Kamiq first impressions?
March 14, 2023: Skoda Kamiq first impressions
The small SUV/ crossover market has become more crowded in the last five years than a supermarket at 7am after a fresh drop of the social influencer-inspired Prime drink (yes, I’ve had the 6am wake-up call from my kids).
Skoda’s effort in this busy category is what you see here: the Kamiq, a smaller sibling of the Karoq and Kodiaq models. Standing out in this space takes some doing, so I’ll be putting the Kamiq through a long-term test to see how well it does so, while exploring Skoda’s recent attempts to woo dog owners with Fido-friendly accessories.
Skoda has supplied me with a Kamiq in Monte Carlo specification, so it has sporty trim that has helped with positive first impressions. The 18in Vega wheels, large panoramic glass roof and stylish red-trim stitching on the interior’s seats are among the features that appeal. Such touches play homage to Skoda’s 86-year association with the prestigious Monte Carlo rally, emphasising the brand’s blend of practical and sporting prowess.
The Kamiq’s competitors are ubiquitous, starting with rivals in its Volkswagen Group stable, such as the VW T-Roc and Seat Arona. Externally, this ramps up with the likes of the Hyundai Kona, Renault Captur, Citroën C3 Aircross and Ford Puma, to name but a few. All models are available in similar sizes, options and mid-market price points, which makes the need for unique features even more important.
This is where I get a strong feeling that the Kamiq may well hold an advantage via Skoda’s famed reputation for functionality and clever thinking. It certainly hit the ground running from the week it arrived in the bitter mid-January weather, offering a handy ice scraper conveniently housed within the fuel cap (just as I remembered my de-icer was in my husband’s car, which he had taken out for the day).
It’s this type of detail that reflects a holistic approach towards drivers with busy lifestyles and I’m already warming to Skoda as a savvy player for my future car purchase decisions.
My Kamiq comes with a spectrum of dog-friendly options, including a safety lead, dog hammock (you read that correctly), boot mat and dog guard. These elements are reassuring, as keeping Jess, the family Cavapoo, safe and content on journeys of all lengths is particularly important to me.
The first month of driving the Kamiq has been a pleasant experience. It’s super smooth on acceleration and handling, with controls that feel naturally placed and intuitive. Despite the relatively small engine, it’s no slouch and has purred along local dual carriageways. I’ll explore the interior layout, specific features and technology set-up in future reviews, but the optional heated rear seats are already a crowd-pleaser with my two sons.
In the next instalment, I’ll reveal how the Kamiq performed on a recent half-term break in Devon, putting it through its paces on long motorway stretches and windy coastal routes. The trip gave us an insight into whether this model is roomy enough for the four of us (plus dog and baggage) to survive a week together rather than take our larger but older family SUV.
- Mileage this month 623 miles
- Mileage to date 623 miles
- Average economy 41.1mpg
If you want to ask Tina a question about the Kamiq, enter a comment below.
- If you’re enjoying this extended review of the 2022 Skoda Kamiq, you might like to take a look at our Skoda Enyaq iV vRS 2023 review; is it the best sporty electric SUV for families?
- Also check out Skoda’s Vision 7 S, a concept previewing one of three new electric models due by 2026
- Watch: Skoda slides into record books with 4.6-mile drift on ice
Keyword: Extended test: 2022 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI review