This Small SUV Is Exceptionally Impressive (Skoda Kamiq Style 2023 Review)

I recently rented a Kamiq here in the UK where Skodas are quite popular if not as popular as VW. One of the blandest and most underwhelming vehicles I can recall driving. The ride was poor on the 18" rims as was the road noise. The DSG box was jerky and causes the car to roll when you select reverse on a hill. The 3 pot engine is grumbly and annoying too. What really baffled me about the Kamiq is the fact it sits little higher than the likes of a VW Golf so doesn't feel anything like a SUV - which is what it's sold as. So what's the point. It doesn't even look like an SUV, just a jacked up (and very boring) Skoda Scala which is what it really is. Then there is the rubbish VW group reliability these days and equally rubbish dealer service. Surprised at this gushing Australian review of the Kamiq. Maybe bland Euro boxes like the Kamiq have more of a novelty factor down under....

Felicidades, buen trabajo.¿Durante la prueba has notado algún crujido o ruido extraño del salpicadero o el habitaculo? Gracias

PS great review
I got a 2022 model missed out on the elctrical assisted boot and it is heavy, but wow . not driven for 11 years and took me half an hour to get use to automatic but again wow.
i got a black one and again it look great in black and look like your driving a lot of car especially when freshly machined washed. This car design suits black
driven from london to manchester and back over this year and last. all, wearthers and again wow.
Air con hardly affect petrol system really efficent. On really trouble free motorway driving i am sure it doing better than the specs.
wimp out on the 1.5 ltre to save petrol and was advise by skoda that the 1 ltre auto was the best all round model and after driving it for a year(motability scheme). i got to agree. I got an SE L trim automatic 1 litre dual tubo with 7 speed automatic gearbox and even with 4 big ruby players in the car (i Had to give it more gass pedal) it still handle the extra weight ) and they fitted in bit off a squeeze in the back but we talking large fellows.
I saw the reviews best in class. i did find it took a few months to get use to space awarness as in driving through gabs , parking and general feel for the size of the motor and really getting to grip with knowing the motor but know i have it like the car feels apart of me.
humm skoda and the art of zen hehehe love this car it a real pleasure driving it even in traffic as it so easy to drive slowly or whip it up when needed , it really smooth and responsive.
recommend but not not for boy racers or hard core petrol heads . as there nothing to tweek and it design to keep you safe not land you in Jail..
PS great review

I got excited by this review then test drove one today and the car is slow off the line with weird grindy vibrations. I assume that's the DSG/DCT??

Why do they turn off at idle then start up again ?

I can’t deal with the engine shutting off at a stop then starting as you take off

I really like Skodas, they are terrific. This little gem seems the perfect runaround vehicle for people who don’t need a big car. Excellent review, thankyou

Ate there problems with the dsg? (Automatic gearbox)

what are the main different to 2021 Kamiq

You didnt mention its premium unleaded only - a significant expense

I’ve got one of these on loan at the moment. Nice little car, with a huge boot for the class. Very quiet on the road and suspension is great. I do find it underpowered though and there is a lot of hesitation with the DCT. It really does take a while to get going.

I don't believe Kamiq drives better than CX-30? Hard to consider Kamiq when there is that Mazda for similar price, all things considered.

I took delivery of a Kamiq Style 2022 (Jun) demo in Feb 2023 in race blue for A$36K drive away (full one year rego). Have had it for 2 months. I had researched online; the reviews were overwhelmingly positive so was afraid we might be disappointed once I owned it.
Likes:
1. Drive/handling: very good/quiet, very enjoyable to drive. It is not underpowered, unless you carry a car full but every car will be underpowered if you do this. I also generally disagree with the negative reviews of dual clutch systems, or they have improved a lot since. It's true, though, that you should avoid crawling as much as possible (to avoid long term damage to the gear train) but general driving is no problem at all. Only dislike here is the reverse gear can be glitchy sometimes.
2. Build quality is really good and screams high end for an entry level car.
3. More features than other similarly priced competitors: electric tailgate, auto wing mirrors, large virtual cockpit, keyless entry, rear air con vents, full spare wheel, auto lights, wiper. Would be nice if it also had a front parking camera.
4. Apple CarPlay (esp Maps) is very good even though this entry level is wired. I used my own USB-C to lightning cable, works perfectly. Just remember to install/enable CarPlay on your phone.
5. Fuel consumption is low but turned out to be 6.5L rather than the 5.4L claimed. But every manufacturer exaggerates.
6. Insurance (comprehensive) is not expensive as the car is not high power (despite the turbo) so can be driven by anyone.
Dislikes:
1. The price has gone up since two years ago so it's no longer a steal but is still decent value, especially if you get a demo like I did (8% discount for less than 50km driven).
2. The air-con fan speed is digital (ie on the 8" centre infotainment screen) but other air-con controls are analogue below the centre air vents. I agree it is more convenient if it was all analogue. But you can press the analogue Menu button or add the digital control to the quick swipe-down menu in the infotainment screen. Importantly, the air con is adequately cool in the Adelaide summer.
3. No digital radio, but Apple CarPlay means you can play what's on your phone on the infotainment screen. And the speaker system is very good.
All in, I wasn't disappointed with the Kamiq. Bought the 7 year service pack and will update you after my first service later in the year.

The steering wheel really isn't that good to hold. No doubts it's synthetic (I own one) as it feels almost like plastic. Upside of that is I don't think it will go shiny if cared for like the better feeling mazda one has.

Our Kamiq is hands down the best mini suv that we have owned. Surprisingly well equipped and the build quality is light years ahead of our 21 Polo. Great informative review.

too bad its the ugliest car out of the lot you can buy today god!

I've ordered the Signature variant (wanted leather seats and the larger screen). It's a seriously nice car to drive, handling is really satisfying, and it feels like it has enough punchiness to make it enjoyable to drive around the city (granted, the signature has a bit more grunt than the Style). This will be our family's second car, replacing a 2017 Audi S3, and I'm happy enough with the driving experience to make the switch. Our other car is a Tiguan.

I drive a Karoq Sportline. Skoda cars are not well known in Australia, although plenty have been sold. They’re owned by and based on VW platforms, but in my humble opinion offer far more for your money than equivalent VW’s. Build quality is superb. The driving experience in modern Skoda’s is as close to perfect as I’ve ever driven, comfort, safety and drivability are fabulous. The Kamiq is a great car, but I like my larger Karoq, which is joy to drive and own.

2023 and a premium price with no speed sign recognition and no rear cross-traffic alert. I think Skoda need to lift their game

is it not a t cross with different badge ?

How mank km to a full tank and does the boot store a pram. Keen to see reviews with pram space and baby seat. 5.5 l km combined seems way to low man. Is it extra urban or combined or just urban

Kamiq is a much improved Spaceback (larger, better materials and higher ground clearance)...



If you look at this, get the octavia. It’s literally better in any way, including space

I bought what I believe is the first of few 1.5TSI Kamiq's with a manual transmission that came into the country in late 2021 and absolutely love it! The power and torque are very impressive, and the manual - although not the best manual gearbox I've driven (that goes to a series 2 Honda Euro back in the day) - makes it so enjoyable to drive! I've even dabbled with a cold air intake, with a throttle controller on the way! I feel like this car achieves so much, and my only regret is knowing my family will one day outgrow it. Sadly the days of manual transmissions are nearing an end and if this is the last I own, then I'm happy knowing I made a great choice!

"Really Really" mate.

Does the Monte Carlo version of this have firmer suspension?

85kW and 1300kg? No thanks, especially at $38k (ish). Better off with a used 1.4 Golf.

got a 2022 skoda fabia monte carlo but love to upgraded to a i30 sedan n premium

Overpriced and not the proven reliable vehicle you get from Japanese and Korean manufacturers. Can pick up a base model Kia sportage auto for the same coin and that is a far more comfortable ride, as well as being 2 sizes larger. Can’t make a case for Skoda in 2023

Ugly

Have a Kamiq Signature now for 1 year and 36,000 kms driven. Recommend it if you want a little more fancy version of this. 1.5L in the Signature is an excellent engine and faster than it needs to be. Still have 6 years warranty left...pretty happy with that.


If anyone is looking at this variant, would loo for some dealer demo's, there seem to be some good bargains out there closer to 30k than 40k

Once you drive/own a Skoda, you will be happy. But the servicing at the dealerships leads a lot to be desired. Have owned a Karoq for four years. Never been happy with the yearly service though.

Kia Toyota Hyundai
💩 all over this Skoda that Aussies don’t buy !!

This launched at <30k. 😳

Rip off

What about this is an SUV? Looks like a hatchback to me. More so than cars like the Kona which at least have the infamous black cladding.