Skoda Kamiq Review 2024

Skoda Kamiq At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Easy to drive, spacious and generously equipped, the Skoda Kamiq is a comprehensive small SUV that provides excellent comfort and value. Economical petrol engines mean fuel costs should be low too, which makes the Kamiq one of the best models of its type for all-round appeal.

+Spacious and versatile. High level of standard equipment. Easy to drive. Excellent 1.0 TSI engine.

-A mid-spec model with a few options will easily exceed £25,000. Ford Puma is more fun to drive. Rivals offer more boot space.

On average it achieves 100% of the official MPG figure

Skoda has a proven record when it comes to compact but capable SUVs. The Yeti was a big success, before it was replaced by the larger Karoq in 2018, but the gap in the range was plugged with the impressive Kamiq. Admittedly, it’s not as plush as the Peugeot 2008 or as good to drive as the Ford Puma, but the Czech model is still one of the best small SUVs going and we’ll reveal why in our Skoda Kamiq review. 

Skoda is a major player in the family car market, thanks to its ability to build cars that are easy to drive, well-equipped, comfortable and supremely practical. Few models demonstrate this process better than the Kamiq. In our view, it's one of the best all-round small SUVs on sale today.

The Skoda Kamiq shares its engines, tech and mechanical platform with the Volkswagen T-Cross and SEAT Arona, but has a slightly longer wheelbase that provides more space for passengers in the rear and a 400-litre boot – the same as the Arona – increasing to 1395 litres once you fold the rear seats.

The Renault Captur and Nissan Juke beat the Kamiq for outright boot space, but the Skoda redeems itself on refinement and comfort. Wind and road noise levels are suppressed and the ride quality is generally good – even on 18-inch alloy wheels.

That focus on comfort and refinement does have a negative impact on handling, with the Kamiq’s overpowered steering and soft pedals providing vague levels of feedback. Skoda offers an optional sport chassis control system to lower the car by 15mm and add adjustable shock absorbers to sharpen the handling, but this is a car that’s clearly designed for drivers who value comfort over performance. 

Most buyers will opt for the excellent 1.0 TSI petrol engine, which officially returns up to 52mpg, while those seeking more power can opt for the 1.5 TSI petrol with 150PS. Up until 2021, the Kamiq was also offered with a 1.6 TDI diesel with 115PS. Most engines get a positive shifting six-speed manual gearbox as standard while a seven-speed DSG is available as an optional extra.  

All versions are generously equipped as standard. This means base models get alloy wheels, LED headlights and touchscreen infotainment. A mid-spec version adds a range of Simply Clever features, which include an umbrella in the driver's door and a removable LED torch in the boot. There's also an optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit in place of conventional dials behind the steering wheel, while ambient lighting in copper, red or white gives the Kamiq's cabin a more upmarket feel for a relatively cheap SUV

The only criticism that we can fairly level at the Kamiq is in its styling, which is derivative inside and out. However, while the Kamiq is somewhat anonymous to look at, we think it provides a classy and refined experience that few of its rivals can match.

Ask Honest John

Is there a better alternative than a Skoda Kamiq out there?

"I have a Skoda Kamiq (an excellent motor) but am ready for a change. I don't know whether to wait for the new updated 2024 Kamiq, or to go for something completely different. If I was to change, can you recommend a smallish SUV as good as the Kamiq?"
Take a look at the Toyota Yaris Cross. It's one of our favourite small SUVs at the moment - it's comfortable and easy to drive, while its hybrid system means it's be cheap to run. We'd recommend the Honda HR-V and Ford Puma, too.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What do you suggest as a replacement for my Citroen C3 Picasso?

"I need to replace my 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso, I especially like the high driving position and straight up and down hatch which is great for my dog. What do you recommend?"
A Honda Jazz could be a good choice - it's a very versatile little car, similar in size to your C3 Picasso. Alternatively, consider a small SUV such as a Skoda Kamiq or Toyota Yaris Cross.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the most reliable small SUV that can cope with snow?

"My daughter has just started as district nurse in the wonderful but very hilly area of the Pennines, West Yorkshire. She needs a reliable automatic, probably with a petrol engine as much of the use is stop start. It's likely she will only cover 10,000 miles a year. In her role she will be expected to visit in winter. Are winter tyres or 4x4 better. She accepts new may be out of reach, but if a new option is there we'd be interested to hear."
We'd recommend a Toyota Yaris Cross. It's an excellent small SUV that's likely to be a very reliable and dependable choice, while its hybrid engine means it'll be cheap to run. Your daughter might need to stretch her budget to find one with four-wheel drive, although a two-wheel-drive model with a set of winter tyres ought to be surprisingly capable. A petrol Skoda Kamiq would be a good alternative.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What small SUV do you suggest to replace my Nissan Juke?

"I’m a 75 year old lady who wants a new small suv to replace my 10 year old Nissan Juke. I'm after something similar in size, preferably petrol, comfortable and not to sporty."
Would you consider a hybrid model? The Toyota Yaris Cross is one of our favourite small SUVs at the moment. It's very comfortable, reliable and will be cheap to run. If you'd prefer a conventional petrol, take a look at the Skoda Kamiq or Volkswagen T-Cross.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Skoda Kamiq cost?