Review: Skoda Kamiq gets a technology boost in this stylish mid-life update

What is it:

This is the first major update to the Skoda Kamiq city SUV in five years.

It introduces a simpler, streamlined range with two levels of luxury: Select and Monte Carlo.

It comes with a mildly tweaked front and rear appearance, and gains new technology inside.

Price:

The starting price is $1000 more than before – but the vehicles are much better equipped.

And there’s a national drive-away offer from launch.

Here’s a quick rundown.

• Skoda Kamiq Select: $33,990 drive-away
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Sensor key entry and push-button start
• Rain sensing wipers
• Dual-zone air-conditioning
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and tail-lights
• Front fog lights
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 8-inch digital instrument display
• 8.25-inch infotainment screen
• Four USB-C ports
• Power folding mirrors
• Height-adjustable front seats
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cycling detection
• Lane Keeping Assistance
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Cruise Control (but not adaptive)
• Six airbags

• Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo: $44,990 drive-away
• Adds or replaces the following equipment)
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black roof rails
• Sports seats
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• 9.2-inch infotainment digital display screen
• Embedded satellite navigation
• 10-speaker premium audio
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam
• Carbon-look cabin highlights
• Adaptive suspension (‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes)

ANCAP safety rating:

The current generation Skoda Kamiq has a five-star safety rating from 2019.

Here is a link to the detailed crash test report.

Engine:

Under the bonnet is a choice of two perky yet efficient turbocharged petrol engines.

The Select is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (85kW/200Nm) and the Monte Carlo is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (110kW/250Nm).

Both engines require 95-octane premium unleaded.

Transmission:

Both engines are paired to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

Good points:

This is a beautiful car to drive. Even the base model oozes quality inside and out.

The fabrics feel hard wearing and of high quality.

There is ample storage and lots of clever pockets and hooks to keep shopping bags and other cargo from sliding around.

The boot space is huge and the back seats fold flat to create an even bigger cargo hold.

The steering is light, easy and precise.

The brake pedal has a reassuring feel and the road-holding feels secure.

The suspension is comfortable over bumps. This feels like a luxury car. The quietness and refinement are excellent.

Both engines are perky and easily keep up with the traffic – despite their relatively small capacities – and the turbocharger delivers plenty of oomph up hills on country roads.

On the media preview drive across Melbourne and the outer metropolitan areas, the fuel economy achieved on city and suburban roads (with some sections of freeway in the mix) was astoundingly good, dipping into the high 5.0L/100km to low 6.0L/100km bracket in both cars.

While a spare saver spare tyre is not ideal (a full-size spare would be better), at least this is a better option than a tyre inflator kit.

Finally, Skoda’s seven-year warranty is well above average for most new cars these days – and certainly above average for a European car.

Bad points:

There is no radar cruise control on the base model, and no speed-sign recognition on either model.

What the haters say:

Why would you pay that much for a Skoda?

What the haters don’t understand:

This is the roomier and better equipped version of Volkswagen’s city SUV – but with a Skoda badge and bodywork, made in Skoda’s Czech factory.

Plus the Skoda Kamiq comes with a longer warranty than its Volkswagen equivalent.

Should you buy one?

The Skoda Kamiq bridges the price gap between Japanese and Korean city SUVs and those from German luxury brands.

It’s a genuinely beautiful car to drive and offers more space and equipment for the same or less money than a Volkswagen.

Also consider:

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek.