Škoda Kamik 2021 review

Every review you read about the new Skoda Kamiq will begin with the name meaning "perfect fit" in the Canadian Inuit language. Well, not this one, I resist the urge to just pour out a Skoda marketing stunt for them. Oh, it didn't work out very well...

Okay, I'm not sure about the name, but having driven more small SUVs than any other type of car in the last 12 months, I know exactly what makes it good.

There was a Ford Puma, a Nissan Juke, a Toyota C-HR, and these are just three competitors of the Kamiq, Skoda's newest and smallest SUV.

During the Kamiq launch in Australia, I only tested the entry-level 85 TSI, but this review covers the entire line. We will check other varieties as soon as they become available to us.  

Full disclosure: I am a Skoda owner. Our family car is the Rapid Spaceback, but I won't let that affect me. Anyway, I like the old V8 stuff that doesn't have airbags. I won't let it affect me either.

Can we start?

Skoda Kamik 2021: 85TSI
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	5l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$21,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 9/10

You get great value for money with Kamiq. The entry-level 85 TSI with manual transmission is $26,990, while the 85 TSI with dual-clutch automatic is $27,990.

For that you get 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, silver roof rails, digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, proximity. key, automatic tailgate, flat-bottomed steering wheel, eight-speaker stereo system, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.

The interior of the 85 TSI has a modern and minimalist look with silver and fabric trim, a touchscreen partly integrated into the instrument panel and a digital instrument cluster. (Image: Dean McCartney)

The 110 TSI Monte Carlo is above the entry class with a list price of $34,190. The Monte Carlo adds 18-inch alloy wheels at the rear, LED headlights, Monte Carlo sports seats and tinted mirrors, a grille, rear lettering and a rear diffuser. There's also a panoramic glass roof, sports pedals, adaptive LED headlights, multiple driving modes, and a sports suspension.

The Monte Carlo is equipped with 18-inch rear alloy wheels.

At the top of the range is the Limited Edition with a list price of $35,490. This matches all of the Kamiq's entry-level equipment, but adds Suedia leather and seats, a 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, sat-nav, heated front and rear seats, a power driver's seat, and automatic parking.

The limited edition features leather seats and Suedia seats.

At launch, Skoda offered exit prices: $27,990 for 85 TSI with manual; $29,990 for $85 TSI with car; and $36,990XNUMX for both the Monte Carlo and the Limited Edition.

Oddly, sat-nav is only standard on the Limited Edition. If you want it in any other class, you'll need to opt for it for $2700 with a larger touchscreen, but you're better off getting it as part of the $3800 "Tech Pack."

This was the lineup when Kamiq launched in October 2020 and will likely change in the future. For example, the Limited Edition is expected to be offered within six months of launch.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

This is a Skoda, there is nothing boring about it. I didn't say the Kamiq is great, but it's attractive and unusual. There's the mustache-like grille that the rest of the Skoda family wear, as well as that bulging hood, then there's those super crisp edges running down the sides, and those taillights that, along with the tailgate design, border on beauty.

New for Skoda is the design of the headlights and running lights. The headlights are lowered low, and the running lights are located above them in line with the edge of the hood. If you look closely, you can see the crystal design in the navigation light covers, a nod to the Czech origins of the Skoda brand.

Kamiq is Skoda's newest and smallest SUV. (pictured is the 85 TSI variant) (Image: Dean McCartney)

In metal, the Kamiq doesn't look like an SUV, it's more like a small station wagon with slightly more ground clearance and a high roof. I think it will appeal to Skoda buyers who seem to love station wagons.

The entry-level 85 TSI doesn't look cheap in the family thanks to 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails and privacy glass. Is it a posh looking small SUV or a small station wagon or something like that - a Swagon?

This is a Skoda, there is nothing boring about it. (pictured is the 85 TSI variant) (Image: Dean McCartney)

And it's small: 4241mm long, 1533mm high and 1988mm wide with the side mirrors deployed.

The interior of the 85 TSI has a modern and minimalist look with silver and fabric trim, a touchscreen partly integrated into the instrument panel and a digital instrument cluster. The red LED interior lighting is also an upscale touch.

Monte Carlo is sporty. The grille, alloy wheels, mirror caps, rear diffuser, door sills and even the lettering on the tailgate have all been given a black tint. Inside are sports seats, metal pedals and a large glass roof.

The limited edition is very similar on the outside to the entry-level Kamiq, except for the chrome window surrounds, but inside there are more differences: leather seats, a larger touchscreen, and white ambient lighting.  

In terms of paint colors, "Candy White" is standard on the 85 TSI and Limited Edition, while "Steel Gray" is standard on the Monte Carlo. The metallic paint is $550 and there are four colors to choose from: Moonlight White, Diamond Silver, Quartz Grey, and Racing Blue. "Black Magic" is a pearl effect that also costs $550, while "Velvet Red" is a premium color priced at $1100.  

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

Skoda's hallmark is practicality, and in this respect the Kamiq stands out from its competitors.

Yes, the Kamiq is small, but the wheelbase is quite long, which means the doors are large and open wide for easy entry and exit. This means legroom is also excellent. I am 191cm (6ft 3in) tall and can sit in my driver's seat with about four centimeters between my knees and the seatback. Headroom is also outrageously good.

The entry-level 85 TSI doesn't look cheap in the family. (pictured is the 85 TSI variant) (Image: Dean McCartney)

Interior storage is good too, with huge pockets in the front doors and smaller ones in the back, three cupholders in the front, a tall and narrow drawer on the center console, and a hidden hole in front of the switch where the wireless charger lives.

This little cave also has two USB-C ports (mini ports) and two more for rear passengers. The ones at the back also have directional vents.

Legroom is great too. I am 191cm (6ft 3in) tall and can sit in my driver's seat with about four centimeters between my knees and the seatback. (pictured is the 85 TSI variant) (Image: Dean McCartney)

The trunk holds 400 liters and has more nets than a fishing boat to keep your groceries from rolling around. There are also hooks and a flashlight.

Another Skoda party trick is an umbrella in the driver's door. Skoda owners and fans already know this, but for those new to the brand, there's an umbrella waiting in a chamber in the door frame like a torpedo. From time to time let him out for a walk and fresh air.  

And it has more nets than a fishing boat to keep your purchases from rolling around. There are also hooks and a flashlight. (pictured is the 85 TSI variant) (Image: Dean McCartney)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

The 85 TSI is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 85 kW/200 Nm. The Monte Carlo and Limited Edition have a 110 TSI engine, and yes, this is Skoda talking about a 1.5-litre engine that develops 110 kW/250 Nm.

Both engines come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the 85 TSI is also available with a six-speed manual.

All Kamiqs are front wheel drive.

I tested the 85 TSI and found the engine and transmission to be excellent. The Volkswagen Group has come a long way with its dual clutch DSG transmission over the past decade and is now doing the best I've ever experienced with smooth operation and quick changes at the right time.

The 85 TSI is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 85 kW/200 Nm. (Image: Dean McCartney)

This three-cylinder engine is also outstanding - quiet and smooth, with plenty of power to spare for its size.

I've driven a few small SUVs that let down their 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines and dual-clutch cars. To be honest, the Puma and Juke are not very smooth and easy to drive in the city.

I have yet to drive a Monte Carlo or Limited Edition, but I have tested the 110 TSI and the seven speed dual clutch on many Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles and my experience has always been positive. More grunt and refinement than a three-cylinder engine can't be a bad thing.

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What is it like to drive? 8/10

I refrained from giving the Kamiq a nine out of 10 because I have yet to drive a Monte Carlo and Limited Edition. We'll have a chance to test these other classes shortly, and we'll take a look at them one by one. At the moment I am focused on 85 TSI.

Over the past 12 months, I have tested a huge number of small SUVs, many of which compete with the Kamiq in price, purpose and size, and none of them drive so well.

The engine, transmission, steering, visibility, driving position, suspension, tires, wheels, and even underfoot pedal feel and soundproofing all contribute to the overall driving experience.

In general, the impression is that the car is comfortable, light and a pleasure to drive (pictured is the 85 TSI option).

Yes… obviously, but if you get some of them wrong, the experience is not as pleasant or easy as it could be.

I think that Skoda meets each of these criteria, and in general it gives the impression that the car is comfortable, light and a pleasure to drive.

Yes, the three-cylinder engine isn't very powerful, and there is some lag in power delivery, but that lag is nowhere near as pronounced as the Ford Puma or Nissan Juke's three-cylinder engines.

You can make the engine more responsive by putting the shifter into sport mode and that will make shifting faster and keep you in the "powerband".

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission also performs impressively. In slow traffic, the shifts are smooth and jerky, but at higher speeds the gears shift decisively and fit my driving style.  

This engine is also quiet for a three-cylinder engine. It's not just interior insulation, though that's a good thing too.

The 85 TSI rolls on 18-inch wheels with fairly low profile tires but delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride.

Then there is the comfortable ride. This is unexpected because the 85 TSI rolls on 18-inch wheels with fairly low profile tires. Handling is also excellent - planted.

The Monte Carlo has a sport suspension and I can't wait to see how it performs, but the 85 TSI, even with the stock suspension, always feels calm, even on the rough roads where I live. Speed ​​bumps, potholes, cat eyes... it's all easy to deal with.

The steering is also excellent - well-weighted, precise and natural.

Finally, visibility. The windshield appears small, as does the rear window to look through, but the side windows are huge and provide excellent parking visibility.

How much fuel does it consume? 9/10

Skoda says that after a combination of open and city roads, the 85 TSI with its three-cylinder petrol engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission should consume 5.0 l/100 km (5.1 l/100 km for a manual transmission).

I drove the 85 TSI the way you could - a lot of city driving with car parks and kindergarten drop-offs, plus some decent motorway mileage, and measured 6.3L/100km at a gas station. This is excellent fuel economy.

Monte Carlo and Limited Edition with their four-cylinder 110 TSI engines and dual clutch are officially supposed to consume 5.6 l/100 km. We will be able to make sure that as soon as the vehicles arrive at our Cars Guide garage.

In addition, you will need premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95 RON.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Kamiq received the highest five-star ANCAP rating based on Euro NCAP testing in 2019.

All trims come standard with seven airbags, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, rear maneuver braking, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

The limited edition comes with blind spot protection and rear traffic alert. 

For child seats, you'll find three top cable attachment points and two ISOFIX anchorages on the second row.

There is a compact spare wheel under the boot floor.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

The Kamiq is covered by a five-year Skoda unlimited mileage warranty.

The Kamiq is covered by a five-year Skoda unlimited mileage warranty (pictured is the 85 TSI variant).

Service is recommended every 12 months/15,000 km, and if you want to pay up front, there's a $800 three-year package and a $1400 five-year plan that includes roadside assistance, map updates, and is fully portable. .

Verdict

The Skoda Kamiq stands out from its competitors for its practicality and I think the 85 TSI I tested is the best small SUV in this price range. Everything from the ride and handling to the engine and transmission is exceptionally good. I also really want to ride Monte Carlo and Limited Edition.

Value for money is also strong - proximity unlock, privacy glass, automatic tailgate, digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate and wireless charging for less than $30k in the entry class!

Safety could be better - rear side traverse should be standard. Finally, the cost of ownership isn't bad at all, but I wish Skoda would switch to a longer warranty.

The best seat in the lineup would also be the 85 TSI, which has just about everything you need other than sat-nav, but even the Monte Carlo doesn't live up to that standard.