A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.7
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a small SUV that offers big car comfort without the hefty price tag? The Skoda Kamiq could be exactly what you need. This compact crossover brings Skoda’s trademark practicality and value to the increasingly popular small SUV segment. It’s designed for drivers who want the higher driving position and versatility of an SUV without sacrificing fuel economy or ease of parking.
From the outside, the Kamiq looks confident and modern with clean lines and a distinctive front grille. It strikes a perfect balance between being substantial enough to feel like a proper SUV while remaining compact for city driving. Inside, you’ll find Skoda’s signature clever touches and spacious cabin that feels much bigger than the car’s footprint suggests. Rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage offer similar appeal, but the Kamiq stands out with its combination of value and space.
The real appeal of the Kamiq lies in its no-nonsense approach to small SUV ownership. It delivers excellent build quality, impressive interior space, and running costs that won’t break the bank. While it may not be the most exciting drive, it excels at being a dependable, comfortable, and practical family car. For buyers seeking a sensible SUV that does the basics exceptionally well, the Kamiq represents outstanding value in today’s market.
What's the Skoda Kamiq Like to Drive?
The Skoda Kamiq focuses on comfort and efficiency rather than sporty driving thrills. The engine lineup consists of turbocharged petrol units, starting with the 1.0 TSI producing 110 horsepower. This three-cylinder engine is surprisingly smooth and provides adequate performance for most driving situations. For those wanting more power, the 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower offers noticeably stronger acceleration and feels more relaxed on motorways.
Where the Kamiq excels is in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise, making town driving effortless and parking stress-free. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sportiness, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. This compact SUV feels stable and composed at motorway speeds, with minimal wind and road noise entering the cabin. While it won’t set your pulse racing like some rivals, the Kamiq delivers a calm and confidence-inspiring drive that suits its practical character perfectly.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder TSI / 1.5L 4-cylinder TSI
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Power Output
110 - 150 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.1 - 8.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
44 - 52 mpg
- Boot Space
- 400 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Skoda Kamiq: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Kamiq and you’ll immediately notice how spacious and well-designed everything feels. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, featuring high-quality materials that feel built to last. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making smartphone integration seamless. Skoda’s attention to detail shines through with practical touches like door pockets that actually hold bottles properly and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good adjustment range for drivers of different heights. What really impresses is the rear seat space, which is genuinely generous for a compact SUV. Adults can sit comfortably in the back without feeling cramped. The cabin remains remarkably quiet at all speeds, creating a premium feel that rivals cars costing thousands more. Build quality is excellent throughout, with solid-feeling switches and controls that inspire confidence in long-term durability.
The Skoda Kamiq succeeds brilliantly at being a sensible, well-rounded compact SUV. It delivers exceptional value for money, combining impressive interior space with running costs that won’t stretch your budget. The build quality feels solid and dependable, while the refined driving experience makes every journey comfortable and stress-free.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Skoda Kamiq?
The Kamiq delivers impressive running costs that make it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers. Real-world fuel economy regularly achieves 45-50 MPG, depending on your driving style and conditions. The efficient engines help keep fuel bills manageable, while insurance groups are reasonable for the class. Road tax is affordable, and the Kamiq’s strong residual values mean depreciation won’t hit your wallet too hard.
Purchase prices are competitive, especially when you consider the generous equipment levels across the range. Even entry-level models come well-equipped with safety features and modern technology. Skoda’s reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills, though regular servicing at approved dealers will help maintain that dependability. With flexible car finance options available, the Kamiq becomes even more accessible for buyers looking to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Skoda Kamiq
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Nissan Qashqai
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VW Tiguan
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £24,500 | £28,000 | £32,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L TSI 110hp | 1.3L DIG-T 140hp | 1.5L TSI 130hp |
| Power | 110 bhp | 140 bhp | 130 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.1 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 50 mpg | 47 mpg | 46 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 400 litres | 430 litres | 615 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Excellent value, Spacious interior, Clever storage | Strong brand reputation, Stylish design, Advanced safety | Premium feel, Larger boot, All-wheel drive option |
Skoda Kamiq Practicality & Boot Space
The Kamiq punches well above its weight when it comes to practical everyday use. The 400-litre boot is generous for a compact SUV, easily accommodating a family’s weekly shopping or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold down to create an impressively flat loading floor, extending cargo capacity for larger items. Clever touches include bag hooks and a moveable boot floor that helps organize your belongings effectively.
Interior space is one of the Kamiq’s strongest selling points. Despite its compact external dimensions, there’s plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably. The high seating position gives excellent visibility, making it easy to navigate traffic and park confidently. For families considering used Skoda cars, the Kamiq offers a perfect blend of manageability and space. Its compact size makes it ideal for urban driving while still providing the versatility that modern families need for weekend adventures.
We’ve had our Kamiq for two years now and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The space inside is amazing for such a compact car and it’s so easy to drive around town. The fuel economy is excellent and nothing has gone wrong. Perfect family car.
The Skoda Kamiq stands out in the competitive compact SUV market by offering exceptional value and practicality. It combines Skoda’s reputation for build quality and clever design with modern technology and impressive space efficiency. While it may not win awards for driving excitement, it excels in the areas that matter most to real-world buyers: comfort, reliability, and running costs.
You choose the Kamiq because you want a sensible SUV that doesn’t compromise on quality or space. Its refined ride, generous interior, and efficient engines make it ideal for both city commuting and family adventures. For buyers seeking excellent value in the category when looking at older models, the Kamiq represents outstanding value and dependable ownership.
