New 2023 Skoda Kamiq UK prices and specs revealed

Skoda has announced UK prices and specifications for the updated version of its smallest SUV, the Kamiq. Available in three trims, with three engines and two transmission options, the compact SUV will continue to lead on value, complemented by updated tech and design introduced in this mid-life update. 

The range is split into three trim levels. The entry-level SE opens the books at £24,030 for the lowest-powered 94bhp 1.0-litre model fitted with a manual transmission. Even at this price point, the Kamiq comes with lots of key features including air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system and 8-inch driver’s display. SE models are also available with the uprated 114bhp three-cylinder and 148bhp four-cylinder options, both with an optional DSG automatic transmission. 

SE L and Monte Carlo share the same powertrain options and start at £27,175 and £29,275 respectfully, and add in higher-end kit, such as larger 9.2-inch and 10.25-inch screens, larger wheel sizes and new LED lighting.

Skoda Kamiq design

As is the norm with a mid-life facelift, the Skoda Kamiq doesn’t get any major changes to its sheet metal. But there’s still a distinctive fresh look to the front end, courtesy of a more upright, larger grille and slimmer headlights. Revised front and rear bumpers, with a wider intake at the front and a new diffuser at the back, complete a sensible overhaul of a model that has always been one of the more conservative but practical offerings in the class.

Skoda says the tweaks are designed to give the Kamiq a more “rugged SUV appeal” – though it remains unashamedly urban focused. The biggest change at the front, in fact, could well be the new matrix-LED headlights, available as an option on the Kamiq for the first time. But even as standard, the split lamp treatment has a different ratio than before, with an even slimmer upper element and a chunkier lower one.

For many, the most noticeable change at the rear may be the updated branding, with the Skoda name spelt out across the tailgate. This modest evolution is perhaps to be expected, given that the Kamiq has actually outsold Skoda’s other two regular SUVs, the Karoq and Kodiaq, over the past two years.Under the skin, the refreshed model sticks with the A0 version of the VW Group’s proven MQB platform – as shared with the Scala and the current Fabia. The engine line-up will look familiar as a result, as Skoda eschews any electrification in a bid to keep the Kamiq competitive on price.

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Engines

At the core of the range is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI unit with either 94bhp (five-speed manual) or 114bhp (six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic). Then for upper-end editions there’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 148bhp and cylinder deactivation designed to improve fuel economy; again, this is available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto.

The Kamiq’s dynamics should remain largely unchanged, although it is being offered with the option of Sports Chassis Control, which lowers the ride height by 10mm and offers a couple of damper settings.

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Interior and tech

Inside, all versions of the Kamiq now get an eight-inch digital instrument panel as standard, with a larger 10.25-inch set-up standard on the SE L and Monte Carlo. The central touchscreen, meanwhile, is an 8.25-inch panel by default on the SE, but buyers can upgrade to a 9.2-inch configuration, complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, if they order an optional navigation package or go for one of the upper two trims.

The cabin gets two USB-C ports as standard, but this can be upgraded to four ports with faster charging potential via a technology pack, and an additional port in the rear-view mirror – ideal for hooking up dash cams – is a further option. The cabin trims and materials will be governed by ‘Design Selections’, curated combinations of colours and finishes, as seen on the Enyaq.Other features new to the Kamiq include foot-gesture control for versions equipped with the optional powered tailgate, smartphone storage pockets in the front-seat backs, and a removable box on the central tunnel that also incorporates a cupholder.

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