This small crossover has no outstanding characteristics, does not stand out from the crowd, and shyly hides behind its nondescript features. But in fact, it has a lot of useful and convenient features that you notice only after a long acquaintance.
Skoda has a rich history and Czech cars are known all over the world, but our drivers consider it one of their favorite brands. Partly because some of them are assembled in Ukraine at the plant in the village of Solomonovo, Uzhhorod district, Zakarpattia region. And it’s not that they are fully assembled, but rather that it is a large-scale assembly. This logistics allows us to deliver cars faster and to have a large stock of spare parts, which speeds up the repair process.
All this makes Skoda representatives more desirable for our customers. Moreover, with Made in Ukraine you get European quality and reliability. We all know that the Czech brand is part of one of the largest conglomerates in the automotive industry, VAG. Only the Czechs have their own style and principles that they integrate into their cars.
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Updates to the Skoda Kamiq 2024
The Skoda Kamiq is a fairly recent model that appeared on the market in 2019. The crossover is actually on the same level as the Nissan Juke and is a derivative of a group of other VW Group representatives, such as the Volkswagen T-Cross and Seat Arona. Built on the MQB A0 platform from the VW Group, the Kamiq largely carries the same links of common DNA. And this year, the Czech manufacturer has offered us an updated version, which has received fresh details in the exterior and made the most popular technologies more accessible.
Among the changes in the exterior are new headlights, which have changed their shape slightly and are now offered with matrix lighting, new bumpers at the front and rear, and a subtle change in the grille. At the rear, there are also new bumpers and lights that have sharper edges.
We are offered two configurations: Essence and Selection, which do not differ much from each other. In general, the Kamiq will already have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.25-inch touchscreen monitor of the Skoda Infotainment multimedia system, and an 8-inch digital instrument panel with LED optics. However, 16-inch alloy wheels will be offered only in the top trim, while the starting model will have conventional steel wheels with hubcaps.
There are nine body colors on offer and the option to order a two-tone color scheme with a black roof, which makes the Kamiq a little more original in appearance. There are also many different designs of wheels from 16 to 18 radius to choose from, but for an extra charge. The default will be the simplest ones, as in our test car.
Fresh details in the interior of Skoda Kamiq 2024
Modesty is only a good thing in the case of German styling, which can be seen in many details: from laconic architecture to graphics. Only in Skoda is everything a little diluted with added pleasant elements and space organizers. Among the new things: the climate panel has been changed, and more recycled materials have been used in the trim. That seems to be all the innovations.
Why touch something that already looks decent, harmonious and offers convenience and comfort? Indeed, Kamiq has enough additional niches and pockets. For example, in the back, passengers are offered a convenient stand for small items and an adjustable cupholder in addition to a lowering armrest. But then the third passenger will not be able to sit down.
There is a branded umbrella that is hidden in the driver’s door and will always be at hand when needed. There is a separate bin for rear passengers that can be placed in the door pocket.
Technologies in Skoda Kamiq
In general, cars that are not top-of-the-line are rarely given for test drives. In our case, we have a modest version of the maximum configuration, but without nice extras like optional security systems, a central monitor enlarged to 10 inches, and original large wheels. There is no wireless charging, remote trunk opening, and so on. But this is exactly what allows you to fully appreciate the car without any embellishments or unnecessary makeup.
Skoda offers many options that everyone can choose as many as they can afford, but the cost of the car will increase accordingly. And the main advantage in cost will be lost. Only those who have not tried them will feel good without some modern systems. For example, there is only the usual cruise control with a speed limiter that is activated by the turn signal lever. There are also parking sensors and only a rearview camera, and I really wanted to get a 360-degree view, which is now found almost everywhere, but it’s a separate option.
Wireless connections work quite smoothly, which is where the German intervention is felt, as well as in the simple color design of multimedia. Everything is clear, understandable, and calculated. No unnecessary tabs and no unnecessary information.
The much-lauded matrix headlights don’t actually offer beam-dimming, nor does adaptive lighting. Kamiq will only have automatic light switching and the Coming/Leaving Home function. Personally, I really missed the lane-keeping system, as well as adaptive cruise, which allows you to relax a little on the road and insures you when you are tired.
The instrument panel has three display options and the ability to customize the on-board computer information. The steering wheel is controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. Their original design is surprising against the background of the restrained overall design. The door handle — with its old-school reference but with a fresh, modern look, makes a similar impression.
Skoda Kamiq’s behavior on the road
In the case of the compact crossover, we are offered two variants of engines familiar from other models of the concern: a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with an output of 115 hp (85 kW) and a 1.5 TSI 150 hp (110 kW). Both are paired with the brand’s proprietary 7DSG robotic gearbox with two wet clutches.
We tested the version with a less powerful 115 hp engine with the DKRF code, which is also installed on the VW Golf. This engine offers economy and good dynamics for this small crossover. In my opinion, the Kamiq has enough of it. It spins up easily and picks up even at low revs, and gains additional speed well on the highway. The box works well together, shifting rapidly, but sometimes the gears jump, and the reaction may not be instantaneous. Therefore, before overtaking, it is better to switch to sport mode, use the steering paddles, or accelerate before picking up speed.
Kamiq offers several driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Normal. And the gearbox will switch to different modes. In addition, the letter of the gear display will change: S, E, D or M, if the driver starts using the steering paddles. Interesting combinations for those who like to diversify their driving style.
In general, the crossover is easy to handle and not stressful. The steering wheel is moderately heavy and transmits information from the road well. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, but this does not prevent the crossover from holding the road well and behaving predictably during sharp turns. It swallows bumps well, but breaks through sensitively in pits. The engineers did a good job here because the chassis configuration is typical for this class: the front suspension is independent, and the rear is semi-dependent with a stabilizer bar. But switch the driving mode to Sport, and the electronically adjustable shock absorbers become stiffer, and the steering wheel becomes heavier.
The Skoda Kamiq may not be as fun to drive as the Ford Puma or Nissan Juke, but it will easily satisfy the needs of most people and provides a more comfortable ride than the competition. Especially if you don’t play with the size of the wheels and stay at a comfortable 16 inches.
The Skoda Kamiq offers mediocre fuel consumption and the city average is 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers, while in combined mode it will drop to 7.4 liters of gasoline, or even 6.5 liters. If you drive in creeping mode — you can save even more, but it will be very boring.
Positioning and competitors
The Skoda Kamiq is worth adding to the list of cars worth paying attention to. It has a good combination of price and quality. When it first appeared, the crossover held the consumer’s attention for a long time and was one of the best options. It meets the requirements of its target audience well, offering practicality, a comfortable interior, and calm ease of operation.
Since then, numerous competitors have already significantly improved the performance, technology and variety of engines. The Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Kona now offer a significantly more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, while the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka all have electric versions. And this is without going beyond the Kamiq’s price range.
In general, the Kamiq has a major advantage — it’s space. And if you have a large enough family, like simplicity and conciseness, then try on the Czech representative. Kamiq is perfectly thought out in the smallest details and balances well between passenger and luggage space, has a well-made and logically planned interior with useful information and entertainment technologies.
PROS: ease of operation, interior space, storage organization.
CONS: hard plastic in the cabin, manufacturability, design.
Technical characteristics of the Skoda Kamiq Selection 1.0 TSI
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4241/1531/1793 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2651 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 188 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 400/1395 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1237 |
| Engine | 1,0 TSI |
| Power, hp. | 115 |
| Torque, Nm | 200 |
| Type of drive | front |
| Pendant | independent/semi-dependent |
| CHECKPOINT | 7DSG |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 10,1 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 192 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 5,2-5,5 |
| Cost, UAH | from 899 855 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 964 230 |
| Competitors | Toyota Yaris Cross |
| Nissan Juke | |
| Kia Stonic | |
| VW T-Cross | |
| Citroen C3 Aircross | |
| Peugeot 2008 |
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