Test Car Specifications
Model: 2024 Skoda Kamiq SE L 1.0 TSI 116PS
Price: £27,835 as tested
Engine: 1.0-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power: 116hp
Torque: 200Nm
Emissions: 126-130g/km
Economy: 49.2-50.8mpg
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Top speed: 121mph
Boot space: 400-1,395 litres
Styling
Skoda hasn't changed the Kamiq's styling too drastically, but if you look closely you'll spot a new grille and a redesigned silver rear diffuser. Otherwise, though, it's more or less the same as before, with sharp creases and a chunky stance, as well as split lights at the front. Speaking of those lights, LED Matrix headlights are now fitted to the top trim level as standard, but that's hardly the visual update of the century. Nevertheless, the Kamiq is still quite an attractive thing, and it's distinctive enough compared with other compact SUVs.
Interior
Just as the Kamiq's exterior design is largely unchanged, so too is the interior design. The eight-inch digital instrument cluster is now a standard feature, though, and Skoda has installed USB-C charging ports, as well as using more recycled fabrics inside. They're minor changes, but the Kamiq's cabin was not in need of wholesale redevelopment. It may not be the most inspiring place to sit, but the style is smart enough and it feels modern, particularly with that digital instrument display. It's comfortable, too, with a decent driving position and plenty of space, as well as good build quality.
The technology is pretty solid, too, although Skoda's recent attempts at touchscreen tech have not always been stellar. But the Kamiq's screen takes things back to basics, and while it may not be the most exciting thing to look at, it feels robust and stable, and it responds quickly to your prods at the screen. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology as standard is a plus point, too. Spectacular it isn't, then, but it does the job. As a Skoda should be, some might say...
Practicality
As with so many other Skoda models, the Kamiq is among the most practical cars in its class. Rear cabin space is particularly strong, with loads of legroom for rear-seat passengers, even if they're more than six feet tall. Headroom is perfectly adequate, too, so putting four adults in there on a long drive won't be a problem. The Kamiq will take their luggage, too, although it's clear there's been some trade-off for passenger space. At 400 litres, the boot is sizeable, but not quite as big as those of the class leaders, even though rear cabin space is up there with the best in the business. Nevertheless, 400 litres is more than you get in a VW Golf, so space is hardly at a premium.
Performance
The Kamiq engine range is not especially exciting, but there's a selection of competent and efficient powerplants that will keep Skoda's fanbase very happy indeed. The 'basic' 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine has been upgraded to make it more efficient, and it's offered in 95hp and 116hp forms, with the latter tested here. They're joined by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 150hp, which is the closest the Kamiq gets to a performance variant, but there's no all-wheel-drive option.
For most customers, the 116hp engine will be the obvious choice, proving a bit more potent than the basic 95hp engine but no less economical. With the six-speed manual gearbox fitted to our test car, it's capable of around 50mpg on the official economy test, and we found the high forties easily achievable on a long run, with 50-plus economy available for those with a light touch. And though the performance figures are a bit bland, the Kamiq is still more than capable of keeping up with traffic in this form.
Ride & Handling
Unsurprisingly, handling is not the Kamiq’s forte – this is a car designed for comfort, and it delivers reasonably well. The ride is not perfectly smooth, but its absorbent, and most of the bumps are dealt with tidily and quickly. Only a few make an impact on the cabin, although we suspect that has as much to do with the sensibly sized wheels as with the quality of the suspension.
The trade-off, though, is a bit of body roll in corners and pretty numb steering, none of which inspires you to drive with much spirit. It’s not that the Kamiq can’t cope – that roll is well controlled and the grip is sufficient – but it doesn’t engage or encourage you in any way, and it makes it very clear that it’s happier at a more sedate pace.
That said, few customers will bother about that, and the Kamiq fares better where it matters. The visibility is good, and the car is fairly manoeuvrable, while the gearbox operates smoothly and precisely, with a well weighted clutch. That means it’s quite pleasant to drive around town, even without the aid of an automatic gearbox.
Value
The new Kamiq range kicks off at £24,040, which makes the Skoda about £150 cheaper than the Peugeot 2008 with which it must compete, and it's around £50 more expensive than the basic VW T-Cross with which it shares so much. Anyway, for that money, you get the entry level SE model, which gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument display and two-zone climate control, as well as 'keyless' engine start and a touchscreen with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration tech.
If you want more, you can upgrade to the £27,185 SE L version tested here, which benefits from a bigger instrument display screen, a bigger touchscreen with satellite navigation and bigger wheels. Or you can go for the Monte Carlo, with its sportier styling, rear-view camera and panoramic glass roof, all of which is included in the £29,285 starting price.
Verdict
As before, the Kamiq is still a solid if uninspiring choice in this market, and the updates have only made it more commendable. Perhaps it won't excite, but it's one of those cars that's just really easy to live with every day, and almost regardless of the situation. There's a lot to be said for that.