Škoda launches “city-sized” Kamiq SUV

IT MIGHT SOUND like an oxymoron, but Škoda’s new SUV is described as “city-sized”. But since most SUVs never go anywhere near an off-road track, it might make more sense than first appears.

Boasting a host of standard safety, convenience and infotainment technology, the latest evolution of Škoda’s brand design language, and a range of trademark Simply Clever features, the Kamiq embodies Škoda Australia’s product philosophy of offering more car your money.

The Kamiq range is offered in Australia with a choice of three model grades: the 85TSI Kamiq with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission, the sporty 110TSI Monte Carlo, or the fully-loaded 110TSI Limited Edition. Both 110TSI models are offered with a seven-speed, dual clutch DSG transmission as standard.

As the nomenclature suggests, the 85TSI Kamiq is offered with an economical, but powerful 85kW/200Nm turbocharged petrol engine in both manual and DSG guise, while the Monte Carlo and Limited Edition variants up the ante with a robust 110kW/250Nm turbocharged petrol unit. In whatever flavour, the Kamiq is suited to both urban duties around town and comfortable highway cruising, blending linear performance with frugal fuel efficiency. The 85TSI manual and DSG variants use just 5.0/5.1L/100km respectively, while the more powerful 110TSI models use 5.6litres.

Nice lines, if a little conservative

On the outside, the Kamiq in whatever grade offers stylish standard appointments like 18-inch alloy wheels and brushed aluminium roof rails; or, in the case of the sporty Monte Carlo variant, a contrasting blacked-out exterior trim. The Monte Carlo’s unique badging above the front wheel arch and black ‘ Škoda’ lettering on the tailgate complete the look.

While the new SUV is considered a small SUV, the Kamiq delivers excellent interior space and storage; in addition to the latest in convenience and infotainment technology with the standard fitment of the high-definition digital cockpit instrument display, wireless charging and the option of wireless Apple CarPlay (wireless Android Auto connectivity will be available at the end of 2021) in higher model grades and optional packages.

The Kamiq also offers an impressive assortment of standard safety equipment, which includes seven airbags, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake which includes pedestrian and cyclist protection, Lane Assist, fatigue detection, Multi Collision Brake, front and rear seatbelt reminders and rear manoeuvre braking assist.

While the Kamiq is Škoda’s most affordable SUV, customers will benefit from typical features such as a double sided mat in the luggage compartment, a rear cargo net and, of course, a range of bag hooks and storage compartments.

Like all Škodas, the Kamiq range comes standard with a five-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, Capped Price Servicing every calendar year, and a range of convenient purchasing and servicing options. Škoda’s bundled Service Packs, covering three or five years, offer customers easy, hassle-free motoring and excellent value-for-money.

This badge is still a mystery to Australian buyers

Standard specification

Kamiq 85TSI manual and DSG

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear LED lights, animated turn signal
  • Double-sided mat in luggage compartment
  • Floor mats
  • Privacy Glass
  • Window surrounds in black
  • Silver Roof rails
  • Front Assist with City Emergency Brake
  • Lane Assist
  • 7 airbags – dual front, front-side, curtain and driver’s knee
  • Fatigue detection
  • Rear view camera with rear parking sensors
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • ESC – (incl. ABS, EBD, ASR, Hill hold control)
  • Multi collision brake
  • Front & rear seat belt reminders
  • Interior ambient lighting
  • Rear manoeuvre braking assist
  • Virtual Cockpit
  • BOLERO with 8.0-inch touch display
  • SmartLink Smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • 8 speakers
  • Wireless Charging
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Dual-zone ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with humidity sensor
  • Advanced keyless entry including Smart Start with SAFE function
  • Height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar support
  • Auto Tailgate
  • Multi-function sports flat bottom leather steering wheel with phone and radio control
  • Light assist
  • Rain sensor
  • Auto dimming rear view mirror
  • Electric, heated & foldable mirrors with driver side auto dimming
  • Alarm
Back seat space is typically tight, like others in the class

Monte Carlo (where different to Kamiq 85TSI)

  • 18-inch Black alloy wheels
  • Monte Carlo sports seats
  • Black design elements – door mirror caps, grill frame, rear lettering, rear diffuser, sill cover, interior ceiling (Monte Carlo only)
  • Panoramic Roof
  • Sports pedals (Monte Carlo only)
  • Full LED Headlights with Adaptive Frontlight System, fog light and cornering light
  • Animated front turn signals
  • Sports chassis control (-15mm) including Drive Mode Select (Monte Carlo only)

Limited Edition (where different to Monte Carlo):

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Leather/Suedia seats
  • Body coloured door mirror caps, chrome grill frame and rear lettering
  • Silver roof rails
  • Full LED Headlights with Adaptive Frontlight System, fog light and cornering light
  • Animated front turn signals
  • AMUNDSEN Navigation with 9.2-inch touch display, voice control
  • Wireless Apple Carplay
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Electric driver’s seat
  • Automatic Park Assist including front and rear park sensors
Luggage space is also typical of the class
… and as usual, would be better if the seats folded to make a flat floor

Optional Packages

Driver Support Pack (85TSI only)

  • Leather/Suedia appointed seat upholstery
  • Automatic Parking Assist
  • Side Assist – Blind Spot Detection
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Electric driver’s seat
  • Rear Traffic Alert

Tech Pack (85TSI only)

  • 9.2-inch” Amundsen satellite navigation
  • Full LED Headlights with AFS
  • Front animated turn indicators
  • Škoda sound system
  • Wireless Apple Carplay
  • Voice Control

Travel Pack (110TSI Monte Carlo only)

  • Automatic Parking Assist
  • Side Assist – Blind Spot Detection
  • Škoda Sound System
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • 9.2′ Amundsen satellite navigation
  • DSG paddles on multi-function steering wheel
  • Wireless Apple Carplay
Interior ambience and design are very good

PRICING

MODEL RRP DRIVEAWAY
KAMIQ 85TSI manual $26,990 $27,990
KAMIQ 85TSI DSG $27,990 $29,990
KAMIQ 110TSI Monte Carlo DSG $34,190 $36,990
KAMIQ 110TSI Limited Edition DSG $35,490 $36,990
Engine choices are very familiar by now
Optional Service Packs:
3 Years (all variants) $800
5 Years (all variants) $1400

 

Options (RRP):
Metallic Pain $550
Pearl Effect Paint: $550
Premium Paint (Velvet red) $1100
Panoramic Roof (85TSI and Limited Edition) $1300
Factory fitted tow bar (Monte Carlo and Launch Edition): $1200

 

Optional Packages (RRP)
Driver Support Pack (85TSI only) $4100
Tech Pack (85TSI only) $3800
Travel Pack (110TSI Monte Carlo only) $4300

Once we have tested and assessed the new Škoda Kamiq, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.