Introduction
What Car? says...
Small SUVs like the Skoda Kamiq are becoming more and more like chocolate bars. The basic recipe is often the same – a bit of rufty-tufty styling and perhaps more interior space – but generally they end up quite similar.
So, why might you choose the Kamiq over two other models that use the same basic underpinnings, the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross? Well, sticking with the choccie bar analogy, the Kamiq has a different wrapper, a squidgier filling and is also what you might describe as ‘King Size’ – big by small SUV standards.
Aside from all those clever touches, is the Skoda Kamiq as good as the best small SUVs? Does it stack up financially and, crucially, should you consider buying one?
We'll tell you over the next few pages of this review, where we'll rate against its rivals in all the crucial areas, including performance, interior quality and boot space, and tell you which engine and trim we recommend.
Once you've decided which make and model is right for you, check out our free What Car? New Car Buying service to find the best prices on hundreds of new cars without any hassle. It features lots of excellent Skoda Kamiq deals.
FAQs
Yes. In our 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Kamiq was rated above average in the small SUV class, with a good score of 97.4%. Skoda’s three-year, 60,000-mile warranty is nothing special, though, especially compared with the seven-year cover you get with the Kia Stonic. Read more here
No. The Kamiq is available exclusively with turbocharged petrol engines, although you can choose between 94bhp and 108bhp 1.0-litre units and a 148bhp 1.5-litre. The more powerful 1.0 and the 1.5 are available with the option of an automatic gearbox, while the entry-level engine is manual only. Read more here
We’d go for the 94bhp 1.0-litre (badged 1.0 TSI 95), because it’s temptingly priced and combines adequate performance with good real-world fuel economy. We’d go for the comparatively cheap SE trim, because you still get a long list of standard equipment, including cruise control, rear parking sensors and an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Read more here
Upgrading from SE to the more expensive SE L Executive trim adds dual-zone climate control (instead of conventional air-con), heated front seats, digital instruments and a larger, 9.2in infotainment touchscreen with built-in sat-nav. Read more here
No matter which size screen you go for, the Kamiq’s infotainment is pretty user-friendly, with intuitive menus and sharp graphics, although the software can be a little sluggish at times. Among small SUVs, only the Mini Countryman is significantly better in this area. Read more here
The Kamiq’s boot looks comparatively big on paper, with a 400-litre capacity. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases beneath the luggage cover, which is more than you’ll get in the Nissan Juke and Volkswagen T-Cross. The Ford Puma has a more useful underfloor storage area, though. Read more here
| RRP price range | £21,805 - £28,615 |
|---|---|
| Number of trims (see all) | 4 |
| Number of engines (see all) | 3 |
| Available fuel types (which is best for you?) | petrol |
| MPG range across all versions | 46.1 - 53.2 |
| Available doors options | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £1,207 / £1,756 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £2,415 / £3,513 |
| Available colours |
