Used Skoda Kamiq 2019-present review

The words 'small' and 'SUV' might sound like an oxymoron, but the idea of a car with small dimensions and a high driving position has proven to be incredibly popular over the years. In fact, the Skoda Kamiq is a prime example of how popular a small SUV can be, and its launch in 2019 marked a bit of a turning point for this class of vehicle.

Early players, such as the Seat Arona, were good to drive, and the Hyundai Kona was well-equipped, but the majority were saddled with interiors filled with cheap-feeling hard plastics and cramped back seats. The Kamiq was the first car to properly change this, because it offers a classy and very spacious interior.

Engines: Being an SUV released post-Dieselgate, the engine range is mostly powered by petrol. The 1.0-litre turbo comes in two different power outputs: the entry-level 94bhp version is perky enough, but the 113bhp version has a bit more overtaking power along with a six-speed gearbox for more refined motorway cruising. There's also a 148bhp 1.5 that has clever fuel-saving technology that makes it almost as economical as the smaller engines. People who desire maximum fuel economy can opt for the 113bhp 1.6 diesel.

Trims and equipment: There are four trim levels to choose from although every Kamiq gets automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assistance as standard. S spec examples have 16in alloys, LED headlights, air-con and a DAB radio with Bluetooth, but step up to SE for 17in alloys, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and an upgraded 8in infotainment system and sound system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SE L adds 18in alloys, blindspot monitoring, a 9.2in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and a 10.25in digital instrument cluster. Monte Carlo is more of a sportier interior and exterior styling package, but it does include a panoramic glass roof.

Ride and handling: To drive the Kamiq feels composed and relaxing, rather than engaging and sporty like the Ford Puma. You'll also experience a touch more wind and road noise in a Kamiq, although it is superior to a Renault Captur. None can quite match the suppleness of the suspension used in this Skoda, which manages to soak up all but the worst bumps whatever the road conditions or speed.

This extra give does mean you'll experience more body lean in corners, though. The steering is much lighter when you initially turn the wheel compared with a Puma, but you can still trust that the Kamiq will go where you point it since grip levels are high and it doesn't lose its composure when you hit a bump mid-corner.

Interior and practicality: Interior space is class-leading in the Kamiq since no rival is quite so accommodating for rear passengers. Both head and leg room are more of a match to SUVs from the class above, and the boot is large.

True, a Puma is slightly bigger in this area since it has its clever hidden underfloor storage box, the Kamiq is still great for shopping trips or oversized pushchairs.

There's plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel for a driver to find a comfortable position, and if you go for an SE Kamiq, there's adjustable lumbar support for a bit of extra comfort.

If you're interested in finding a used Kamiq, or any of the other small SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Prices for a used Skoda Kamiq at the time of writing start at £10,000 for a 2019 version with higher miles. Spend between £12,000 and £15,000 on lower mileage 2019 and 2020 cars and upwards of £15,000 on 2021 and 2022 models. Spend upwards of £17,000 on 2023 models.

To keep up to date with used Kamiq prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Skoda Kamiq with What Car? Valuations

MPG

It's probably a testament to the advancement in petrol engine technology that all the options not only have decent economy numbers, but there's not a lot of difference between them. The most efficient according to the WLTP regime is the 94bhp 1.0-litre with a combined figure of 44.8mpg, with the more powerful 113bhp using a little more at 42.8mpg. Active cylinder technology on the 148bhp 1.5 makes it almost as economical as the 1.0 at 42.2mpg.

The sole diesel option is the best for those who cover big distances with an economy rating of 51.4mpg.

Road tax (VED)

All Kamiqs will have to pay the current flat rate fee for car tax, and will not be subject to the additional luxury car tax since no version cost more than £40,000 when new. The current VED flat rate is £180 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

No Kamiq is quite old enough yet to take advantage of fixed price servicing that applies to examples between the ages of three and 10 years old. You can purchase a service plan for examples under a year old that covers the next two services for £16.50 per month over 24 months, or an upfront fee of £396.

Reliability

Our annual What Car? Reliability Survey reveals a mixed record for the Skoda Kamiq, especially for diesel models. Diesel owners report repeated issues with the exhaust system and diesel particulate filter (DPF), with warning lights that persist even after repairs, causing ongoing frustration.

Both petrol and diesel models also have occasional electronic glitches, including infotainment problems and, for some, faulty parking sensors. Although Skoda dealerships received praise for customer service, some readers were disappointed by slow repair times and limited parts availability.

Visit our dedicated used Skoda Kamiq reliability page to find out more.

Engine

Most needs will be covered by the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre, but if you can upgrade to the more powerful 113bhp version, then do so since it gains an extra gear ratio for superior long-distance driving. The 1.6 diesel only makes sense if you do lots of miles since it is rarer and more expensive than an equivalent petrol, while the 1.5 petrol would be worthwhile if you can find one for similar money to a 1.0-litre.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available on the 113bhp 1.0-litre, 1.5 and 1.6 diesel, but the manual is the superior choice unless you really have to have a self-shifter.

Specification

Of the four trim levels, SE provides all the useful equipment you'll need bar sat-nav. But, at least it gets full smartphone connectivity so you can use a navigation app from your phone instead.

Our favourite Skoda Kamiq: 1.0 113bhp SE

If the Skoda Kamiq is a little too soft for your tastes and you want something sportier, try a Seat Arona. It isn't quite so spacious for rear seat passengers and the interior has none of the soft-touch plastics you'll find in the Skoda, but the boot is still one of the largest in this class, plus it comes with similarly peppy performance because it uses the same range of engines.

One of the criticisms of the Kamiq is that its rear seats don't slide or recline to improve interior flexibility, which is something that owners of the Renault Captur have enjoyed ever since it arrived back in 2013. You'll need to go for a facelifted 2017 example to get the improved dashboard, and the engines aren't as refined as the ones fitted to the Kamiq, but you will at least have the high driving position small SUV buyers are looking for.

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