Skoda Kamiq review

Is the Skoda Kamiq a good car?

Skoda has an ever-growing family of SUV options, including a full-size seven-seater (the Skoda Kodiaq) and two fully electric models in the shape of the Skoda Enyaq and the more compact Skoda Elroq. 

The Kamiq sits at the most modest end of the group, in terms of both its size and its price. Base models start from less than £25,000, and from 2025 onwards, a revised trim structure has improved the levels of standard kit throughout the range. LED headlights, a rear-view camera and satellite navigation are standard on every model.

Under the skin, the Kamiq sits on an enlarged version of the MQB-A0 platform that underpins superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and the brand's own Skoda Fabia and Skoda Scala hatchbacks. 

How much does the Skoda Kamiq cost?

The introduction of Edition versions to the Skoda Kamiq line-up means that it now starts from just under £25,000 for the SE Edition. This variant is powered by a 94bhp version of the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo petrol, while an extra £1,000 gets you the more powerful 114bhp version of this engine. For an extra £1,400 you can also add a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox.

SE Edition is the only version of the Kamiq that comes with the 94bhp engine, so the starting point for Design Edition at just under £26,000 means there’s only around £200 difference over the SE Edition car with the same 114bhp engine. It’s also offered with the 148bhp 1.5 TSI four-cylinder engine, but only with a manual gearbox for around £28,000.

Used - available now

2023 Skoda

Kamiq

39,622 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000

View Kamiq

2021 Skoda

Kamiq

61,245 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,600

View Kamiq

2021 Skoda

Kamiq

41,347 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,000

View Kamiq

2023 Skoda

Kamiq

17,635 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,197

View Kamiq

The SE L Edition starts from around the same amount with the 1.0 TSI manual, with the 1.5 TSI adding around £1,300 to the price. Both can be had with an automatic gearbox for around £1,400 extra.

At the top of the range, the Monte Carlo Edition adds a sporty-looking bodykit and interior trim for a premium of around £2,100 over SE L Edition.

There’s just one body style available, a five-door small SUV, while all versions of the Kamiq are front-wheel drive - there’s no four-wheel drive option available.

27

The Skoda Kamiq is based on the VW Group’s versatile MQB platform, and as a result it’s a car that handles reasonably well and with no vices. The engine line-up is punchy, while user-friendly controls and a decent ride mean that it’s more enjoyable than many other small SUVs from behind the wheel. Read more about the Skoda Kamiq’s engines, performance and drive…

The Volkswagen Group hasn’t gone as hard on hybrid tech as some manufacturers, so the Skoda Kamiq simply relies on efficient turbocharged petrol engines instead – diesel disappeared from the line-up a few years ago. There’s quoted economy of 52mpg for the 1.0 TSI, with the more powerful version having a slightly higher figure – likely because it doesn’t have to work as hard. The 1.5 TSI does feature cylinder deactivation that helps to save fuel when the engine is under light loads. The system is imperceptible in its use. Read more about the Skoda Kamiq’s MPG, emissions and running costs…

Since it’s been around since 2019, the Skoda Kamiq benefits from having a useful number of physical buttons where many rivals are turning to touchscreens. There are rotary dials for the cabin temperature and a manual light switch control, but the digital driver’s display and central touchscreen mean there is still some modern appeal inside. Build quality is good, too, with the black plastics broken up by lighter-coloured fabrics and trim pieces. Read more about the Skoda Kamiq’s interior, design and technology…

The Kamiq is the same width as the Scala hatch and is a little bit shorter, but that means overall it’s larger than most other small SUVs on the market. This results in good interior space for passengers and luggage when compared with rivals, although it doesn’t quite have the same elevated driving position that some buyers in the class desire. Read more about the Skoda Kamiq’s boot space, comfort and practicality…

There’s a five-star Euro NCAP rating for the Kamiq, which isn’t a surprise since the VW Group’s MQB platform is kitted out with all of the latest safety systems that help the car on its way to a five-star score. Less impressive is Skoda’s recent Driver Power survey results, with owners placing the company in the lower half of the rankings in 2024 – well below the top 10 and even top-five positions of previous years. Read more about the Skoda Kamiq’s reliability and safety…

27

Skoda Kamiq alternatives

Since the Kamiq is based on the Volkswagen Group’s tried-and-tested MQB architecture, it’s obvious that its main rivals are going to be the platform-sharing Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen Taigo, plus the SEAT Arona. It’s positioned a little higher than those models on price, but it’s also slightly larger, so you’re getting more car for the money.

The small SUV market has a lot of contenders. There’s the funky and soft-riding Citroen C3 Aircross, hi-tech Nissan Juke, fun-to-drive Ford Puma and the rounded Renault Captur. These all have varying levels of hybrid assistance (as well as all-electric options). Other models offered with hybrid drive include the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Yaris Cross, while cars such as the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka have petrol, hybrid and all-electric choices.