Skoda Kamiq 2024 review
Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Skoda Kamiq is the smallest SUV in Skoda's UK range, sitting below the Karoq and Kodiaq as the brand's entry point into the crossover market. For 2024 it received a mid-life facelift with a larger double-slat grille, new front and rear bumpers, optional full LED Matrix headlights and a more sustainable cabin using recycled materials. It remains one of the most keenly priced small SUVs in Britain, undercutting key rivals on both list price and running costs.
UK buyers get a simple three-trim line-up: SE from £24,030, SE L from £27,175 and the sporty-looking Monte Carlo from £29,275. There is no diesel and, unlike the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, no hybrid option either — the engine range is pure petrol: a 1.0-litre TSI with either 95 PS or 115 PS, and a punchier 1.5-litre TSI with 150 PS. The 95 PS unit pairs with a five-speed manual, while both higher outputs offer a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG automatic. The 115 PS 1.0 TSI is the sweet spot, returning up to 52.3 mpg on the WLTP cycle and reaching 62 mph in 9.7 seconds.
Against the Nissan Juke, Ford Puma and Renault Captur, the Kamiq's trump card is space. The 400-litre boot expands to 1,395 litres with the seats folded, comfortably beating most rivals, and rear legroom is genuinely adult-friendly thanks to the long 2,651 mm wheelbase. Skoda's Simply Clever touches — the umbrella in the driver's door, the parking ticket holder on the A-pillar and a windscreen-washer cap that doubles as a funnel — give it a practical edge that families notice day to day. Safety is strong too: the Kamiq earned five Euro NCAP stars in 2019, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection plus lane-keeping assistance come as standard.
It is not perfect. The Kamiq drives competently rather than entertainingly, and the lack of any electrified option looks increasingly conspicuous in 2024. Some cabin materials feel hard and scratchy lower down, and the 1.0-litre three-cylinder works hard when fully loaded. But as a value-first family small SUV — spacious, frugal, safe and well equipped — the Kamiq remains one of the smartest buys in the class.
Related reviews: Skoda Elroq 2025 review · Skoda Enyaq 2024 review · Skoda Fabia 2024 review
UK price from: £24,030
Specifications
| Engine | 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (TSI) |
| Power | 115 PS (113 bhp) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 2,000-3,500 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 9.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 121 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (7-speed DSG auto optional) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (WLTP) | 50.6-52.3 mpg combined (manual) |
| CO2 emissions | 122-130 g/km (WLTP) |
| Boot space | 400 litres (1,395 litres seats folded) |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg (minimum kerbweight) |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 8.0-inch digital instrument display and dual-zone climate control as standard
- Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights on every trim
- Rear parking sensors, keyless start/stop and four USB-C fast-charging ports
- 9.2-inch navigation display and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit on SE L
- 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and chrome window surrounds on SE L
- Monte Carlo trim adds panoramic sunroof, full LED Matrix headlights, rear-view camera and Sport Chassis Control
- Skoda Simply Clever details: boot net package, 12-volt boot socket and phone pockets in the front seat backs
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £85 | Genuine Skoda pads for 1.0 TSI; approx price, fitted extra |
| Oil filter | £12.50 | Genuine VW Group 1.0 TSI cartridge filter; approx price |
| Engine air filter | £18 | Genuine panel filter for 1.0 TSI engines; approx price |
| Cabin pollen filter | £22 | Activated-carbon pollen filter; recommended yearly replacement |
| 12V battery (EFB) | £145 | EFB start-stop battery for DSG models; approx UK price |
| Front wiper blade pair | £32 | Genuine Skoda flat wiper blades; approx price |
Pros
- Best-in-class boot space: 400 litres seats up, 1,395 litres folded
- Keen pricing — £24,030 start undercuts the Peugeot 2008 and matches the VW T-Cross
- Frugal 1.0 TSI 115 returns up to 52.3 mpg WLTP with only 122 g/km CO2
- Five-star Euro NCAP safety with AEB and lane assist standard
- Roomy rear seats and clever Simply Clever practicality touches
Cons
- No hybrid or electric option, unlike the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008
- Less fun to drive than the Ford Puma — comfort over excitement
- Hard, scratchy plastics in the lower cabin areas
- 18th of 23 in What Car?'s 2024 small-SUV reliability survey
