“I love and trust your reviews. What is your opinion of the new Skoda Kamiq?” WS, Adelaide
Thanks for the vote of confidence, WS. Yes, we’re quite keen to try out the new Skoda Kamiq and VW/Skoda have promised to get us into one in late October or early November.
Here’s what we can tell you so far.
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 5.6L/100km.
On the outside, the Kamiq in whatever grade offers a range of 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 is no different from its Škoda stablemates in offering excellent interior space and storage; in addition to a treasure trove of 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 2020) 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 Škoda customers have come to expect nothing less from the discerning Czech brand, in truth such standard equipment is often the preserve of far more expensive luxury cars.
In many ways, the Kamiq impresses most with its more discreet, thoughtful inclusions; or Simply Clever Features as they are known. While the Kamiq is Škoda’s most affordable SUV, customers will no less benefit from typical Škoda fare with 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.
The Kamiq range is available to order now from Škoda Australia’s national dealer network and online, with customer orders to commence from late September.
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 ever-popular bundled Service Packs, covering three or five years, offer customers easy, hassle-free motoring and excellent value-for-money.