Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

New Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 2020 review

We drive the Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo SUV in the UK with a new, more powerful petrol engine

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,156 off RRP*
Find your Skoda Kamiq
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

The Monte Carlo takes the Kamiq’s good bits and adds extra power and equipment, even if it’s pricier than lower-powered, mid-level models. They’re still where the sweet spot of the Kamiq range lies, but this smart and swift small SUV is a nice book-end that also looks great and offers the same level of practicality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Skoda launched its Kamiq small SUV last year with what’s best described as a compact engine range, but now the Czech brand has added a more powerful (and pricier) 1.5-litre TSI petrol turbo unit.

It’s available on all but the base-spec Kamiq S, and we test it here as a top-spec Monte Carlo, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox for £26,600.

That’s quite a bit of cash – some £2,695 more than a 1.0 TSI 115 manual model in the same trim level, in fact.

Still, Monte Carlo spec contains plenty of equipment. It’s a sporty trim, and the gloss black exterior detailing looks good, along with the standard 18-inch alloy wheels. There are also LED headlights, a panoramic roof, a digital dash and some sports seats.

Otherwise, it has the same kit as SE L, so parking sensors, cruise control, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are present. There’s also autonomous braking and blind-spot detection, plus dual-zone climate control.

The new engine is sourced from the VW Group, Skoda’s parent company, so it’s a known quantity and performs just as we expected. There’s a nice, linear power delivery with good torque (250Nm) that means you don’t have to rev it out too much to get on the move, but it does respond to a bit more aggression with the accelerator, even if the motor is noisier at higher revs.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Kamiq

2021 Skoda

Kamiq

57,912 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,042
View Kamiq
Kamiq

2023 Skoda

Kamiq

25,747 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,299
View Kamiq
Kamiq

2023 Skoda

Kamiq

34,100 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,395
View Kamiq
Kamiq

2022 Skoda

Kamiq

55,075 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,800
View Kamiq

The DSG transmission is the weak point. It’s fine when you drive gently at medium and higher speeds, but at low speed the shifts are a little laboured, while the clutch engagement is jerky when pulling away, which can make manoeuvring and parking not quite as smooth as it should be.

This is the only gripe with how the Skoda drives, because the steering is light, and the Kamiq handles with a good degree of precision for a small SUV.

Despite its higher ride height there’s not too much roll, but there’s also enough compliance in the suspension that, on 18-inch wheels, the ride is comfortable.

Boot capacity still stands at 400 litres, and even with those chunkier sports seats, there’s still decent legroom in the rear. The tall, square roofline also means headroom is good, and the higher ride height will make it easier to place children in car seats than in a lower-riding family hatch.

Skoda claims that the Kamiq, when equipped with the DSG gearbox, will do between 38.2 and 43.5mpg. When you put that into context (a 1.0 TSI 115 manual model returns 42.8 and 47.1mpg) it’s not too much of a penalty for the extra performance and automatic gearbox.

Model:Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150 DSG Monte Carlo
Price:£26,600
Engine:1.5-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Power/torque:148bhp/250Nm
Transmission:Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive 
0-60mph:8.4 seconds
Top speed:131mph
Economy/CO2:38.2-43.5mpg/147g/km
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

New & used car deals

Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq

RRP £20,425Avg. savings £2,156 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,083
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025