The award-winning Kamiq turbocharged three-cylinder is back on sale with specs and smart packaging. But does an $8,000 raise still make the little Skoda cost money?
EVALUATE
A lot has happened since the Skoda Kamiq won our 2020 Car of the Year award.
Back then, you could look for a manual for $27,990 or $29,990 with the car. Today? Entrance to the Kamiq Club costs $37,990 on the road, provided with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Value was a big component of its appeal, so the $8,000 increase tests the relationship. But with Kamiq’s limited supply, inflated waiting lists, and emerging raw transportation costs and curtains, Skoda can be said to have just hit the market, as have all car brands.
Pleasantly, this entry-level 85TSI taste offers 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, forced rear door, virtual dashboard, 8-inch touchscreen, cordless phone charging, leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate. There is even an umbrella. At the door.
White is the only loose color; The others charge $550 or $1100. A five-year/60,000 km service package costs more of $1,500, while the warranty is unlimited five/kilometer.
COMFORT
The Kamiq stores platforms with the tiny Polo hatchback, but has more cabin area and a superior driving position.
The seat upholstery and cabin plastics are sleek but not sophisticated, and can have any interior color as long as it’s black. The external design is also conservative, but the build quality and driving position are excellent, while the head and legroom in the rear is very clever for a small SUV.
It has a larger-than-average trunk of 400 liters with a myriad of nets and a glossy rubber mat, as well as a spacious and ingenious garage in the cabin. Well, apart from the too small cup holders in the center console.
The rear can accommodate older children, who take advantage of the rear air vents and two of the car’s 4 USB-C ports.
The generation impresses, especially the 10. 25-inch virtual powertrain display. The central display works temporarily and clearly, while Apple CarPlay Wireless (only Android Auto with cable) means that we can forget about the lack of satellite navigation.
SAFETY
The Kamiq earned five stars in independent crash tests in 2019, achieving an adult occupant coverage score of 96%, one of those seen in a small SUV.
Seven airbags, front and rear automatic emergency brakes, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise are standard, but there is no blind spot monitor or rear cross traffic alert are key omissions.
Two Isofix issues and three more sensitive strap anchors in the rear seats make it a viable car for young children.
CONDUCT
Other Kamiqs (the Monte Carlo costs $41,990 and the Signature $42,990 in the car) use a bolder 110kW four-cylinder petrol, but the Style’s three-cylinder has no charm.
The turbo provides enough thrust to traverse the urban jungle, but you have to work harder when you hit the roads or rush downhill, especially with family on board.
Its dual-clutch gearbox allows for quick shifts when up to par, however, in the city and in traffic (typical Kamiq terrain) things can become slow and choppy. Attempts at fast three-point corners show this more.
Otherwise, it is a very good urban SUV, which gets rid of potholes with a minimum of hustle and bustle and eliminates city noises. The noise is more dazzling at road speeds as the three-cylinder breathes with difficulty, but belies its small length with a comfortable ride. .
Show him a corner and he’s a fun and serene driver with a strong, confident grip. The paddles on the steering wheel would be smart to give more now that Skoda has gotten rid of the manual gearbox option.
We have noticed a fuel consumption of 7 l/100 km compared to the official 5. 4 l/100 km, and this requires more petrol of 95 RON.
REVIEW OPINION 3. 5/5
An impressive small SUV, recent price hikes make it less convincing.
ALTERNATIVES
Kia Seltos Sport with Protection Package, $33,790 Drive-in
Good price for money, stylish, well stocked and manageable. Thirstier but bigger inside.
Mazda CX-30 Pure with Vision Tech, $35,755 in cars
Beautiful and out, it behaves delicately, but smaller and thirsty.
Hyundai Kona Elite 2WD, $35,675 drive
Excellent in every respect with leather seats and improved safety, but the cabin and engine are exciting.
STYLE SKODA KAMIQ 85TSI
PRICE $37,990 via car
ENGINE Turbo petrol three-cylinder 1. 0 litres, kW/200 Nm
WARRANTY/MAINTENANCE Unlimited seven years/mile, $1,500 per year
SAFETY Seven airbags, automatic and rear emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist
THIRTY 5. 4L/100km
LOAD liters
Space saving
Originally as the call review of the new car Skoda Kamiq 85TSI Style 2022