Skoda Kamiq review

Small SUVs are becoming more and more like chocolate bars. The basic recipe – in this case, a bit more space or ruffty-tuffty styling – means that, on the one hand, they're all very similar. Yet there’s usually some distinguishing 'ingredient' that helps you to differentiate between them. 

So, why might you choose the Skoda Kamiq over a Seat Arona or Volkswagen T-Cross – two models that use the same basic underpinnings? Well, sticking with the choccie bar analogy for a moment longer, the Kamiq has a different wrapper and a squidgier filling, but it’s also what you might describe as ‘King Size’ – it's big by small SUV standards.

The Kamiq also has some neat design touches. Okay, Skoda hasn’t been as adventurous overall as Nissan was with its Juke, but the Kamiq isn’t simply a Karoq (Skoda’s larger, family SUV) shoved into a photocopier that's set to 95%. It features a split headlight design, with LED daytime running lights along the top, and it's available with fancy dynamic indicators, front and rear. Those are the type that you might have noticed when following an Audi or a Jaguar, which use LEDs that light up in sequence – from the inside of the car to the outside – effectively pointing to the direction that the car's going to turn. Kudos to Skoda for offering it at such a low price point.

Then there are its nifty practical features. Fed up with squeezing out of your car in a tight supermarket carpark , trying to avoid clumping the edge of the door into the car parked alongside? Well, the Kamiq has hidden plastic strips that automatically pop out as you open the doors to protect the door edges. And the usual Skoda accoutrements, including an umbrella in the door and an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, are all present and correct. Most versions even have a removable, rechargeable torch that lives in the boot.

But aside from all those clever touches, is the Skoda Kamiq a fundamentally good small SUV? Does it stack up financially and, crucially, should you consider buying one instead of other great small SUVs, including the Arona, T-Cross, Juke or Ford Puma? Read on to find out.

And if you’re in the market for any small SUV, head over to our New Car Buying pages for a hassle-free deal at a great price.