Crossovers continue to take the world by storm. The idea of driving a city car that looks like an SUV is captivating more and more buyers who dream of owning such a car—whether it’s large, medium, smaller, or even compact. Car manufacturers are keenly aware of this trend, offering crossovers in every size and style imaginable. Today, I have just such a car for a test drive—one that, in my opinion, epitomizes the parody of a true off-roader, yet has great potential to become a bestseller due to its good balance of qualities and functionality at a reasonable price. Introducing the 2024 Škoda Kamiq 2024 in the SELECTION trim, equipped with a 1.0 TSI gasoline engine, fresh off the assembly line (with just 425 km on the odometer) and still with that unmistakable new car smell. Let’s dive in.
Positioning
The Škoda Kamiq is the smallest SUV crossover in the manufacturer’s lineup. In fact, if you look closely at Škoda’s entire range, there’s only one car that’s shorter in length—the Fabia. The Kamiq is a truly compact vehicle, perfectly suited for the narrow streets of old European towns. However, in a modern city, this small car is just as handy, making it easier to find parking spots or maneuver through traffic.
I could also outline what I see as the primary audience for this car—women with small children, young people, and young families. However, as a rather large, rugged man myself, I didn’t experience any significant discomfort while driving the Kamiq, so perhaps my initial assessment is subjective and based on stereotypes. Like any modern car, the Kamiq is quite versatile, with a unisex design. I can easily picture someone of any gender or age behind the wheel. My observations of similar cars on the streets of Kyiv only reinforce this view.
Exterior
As usual, let’s start by taking a look at the exterior of the car and go over all the key elements found on the outside of the body.
Read also: Škoda Octavia A8 Review: When You Get More Than You Expect
Design
I’m getting tired of repeating the same phrases about the similar features of Škoda’s modern design, but I’ll have to do it once again. Yes, the overall style is maintained here as well, with the familiar car profile, the distinctive-shaped grille, the sloping rear tailgate under the glass, and the triangular rear lights.
However, the Kamiq does feature some unique design elements. The front lighting unit stands out with its original layout. It has a three-tier structure: at the top, there’s a slim slit with an LED strip for the position lights and daytime running lights. Below that, you’ll find the relatively compact main headlights for high and low beams. Further down in the bumper are the fog lights and auxiliary lamps. Overall, this design choice gives the Kamiq a slightly fresher and more modern appearance compared to, say, the Karoq.
Headlight
Škoda Kamiq headlights – fully LED – running lights, main beam, low beam, fog and auxiliary lights.
As in other cars, it uses matrix cutout technology to avoid blinding oncoming and passing cars on the road. The function is provided by an intelligent camera installed under the windshield in the mirror area.
Additionally, the headlights turn with the steering wheel to better illuminate the area when cornering. All of this operates seamlessly in fully automatic mode—turning on, off, and switching between modes as needed. During the entire test, I never had to touch the controls for the exterior lights.
Side mirrors
In fact, these are the same mirrors found on the Octavia or Karoq. I have no complaints about them. They are of medium size, convenient, with European standard mirror elements that offer wide viewing angles.
The mirrors come with several features: full electric adjustment, auto-dimming, automatic and manual folding, and heating. They also have built-in LED turn signal indicators.
Door handles and locks
The 2024 Škoda Kamiq features handles with keyless entry, but this applies only to the front doors. To open the car, you simply need to have the key in your pocket and pull the handle. To lock it, you also need to have the key outside the vehicle and touch a designated area marked with a depression.
Wheels
The Škoda Kamiq can be equipped with either 16-inch steel wheels with decorative plastic hubcaps or branded alloy wheels in 16, 17, and even 18 inches, depending on the buyer’s preference.
Our test vehicle is equipped with the smallest 16″ Orion alloy wheels and KUMHO Ecsta tires with a 205/60R16 92V specification, which means a high-profile, softer wheel option. If you prefer improved handling and a more striking appearance, you should consider opting for larger wheels with lower-profile tires when ordering.
Rear lights
Another typical feature of Škoda’s modern lineup is the fully LED rear lights, which share a similar design across all models.
They feature a stylish red line for the position and brake lights and are equipped with dynamic turn signal indicators. These indicators also include a greeting and farewell function when locking and unlocking the central locking system.
Trunk lid, luggage compartment, fuel filler flap
Unfortunately, the trunk lid of our test vehicle does not have an electric lift mechanism. However, for the Škoda Kamiq, you can order this option, as well as the “virtual button” function—just make a kicking motion under the bumper to open or close the hatch, which is very convenient when your hands are full. In our case, you need to press the button in the recess above the license plate and lift the lid manually. To close the hatch, there’s a rubber handle on the inside of the trunk lid. The trunk is covered by a rigid, removable shelf that moves up and down with the hatch.
The trunk space is somewhat limited, in my opinion. However, the area is well-organized with features such as hooks for nets, compartments with removable dividers, and straps for securing accessories. The interior of the trunk is fully lined with soft felt. Additionally, the test vehicle is equipped with extra cargo dividers that attach to the upholstery’s pile, holding a small branded suitcase with a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Of course, the trunk volume can be expanded by folding down the rear seatbacks into the cabin.
Кришка полу підіймається, під нею розміщене запасне колесо та пінопластовий органайзер з домкратом та балонним ключем.
Read also: Škoda Karoq Review: Compact City SUV Focused on Comfort and Safety
Under the hood – 1.0 TSI engine (85 kW 115 hp)
I won’t delve into the technical details of the powertrain, as that’s not the focus of my review. I’ll just highlight the key maintenance aspects from the perspective of an average owner. Under the hood, the layout is typical for Škoda. All fluid reservoirs are easy to locate and access. The oil dipstick is positioned conveniently and is easily visible thanks to its yellow plastic handle. The washer fluid reservoir has a built-in soft blue funnel. The battery is also placed in an easily accessible area.
Škoda Kamiq 2024 interior
Overall, the interior gives a modest yet stylish and practical impression. The materials used are primarily budget-friendly: vinyl, various plastics, chrome-plastic accents, and fabric. However, there are some touches of genuine leather on the steering wheel, gear lever, and handbrake. The dashboard and seats feature light-gray inserts made of a material similar to suede. The quality of execution and assembly is satisfactory, considering the relatively modest budget. In fact, Škoda has somewhat surprised me with this interior, exceeding my expectations once again.
Дверні карти, ручки дверей
The interior door panels feature a design and construction typical of the brand’s other models, with variations in details and materials. In the Škoda Kamiq, the setup is rather minimalist, combining different types of plastic and fabric, with chrome door handles and a silver horizontal trim. Each door is equipped with a window lift button, with the driver’s panel controlling all doors. It also includes a window lock, mirror adjustment controls, and options for folding and heating the mirrors. Additionally, speakers for the audio system are integrated into the lower part of each door.
The pockets in this case are made of plastic and lack felt lining inside. Notably, the driver’s door includes an additional feature: a small trash basket. Also, in a dedicated compartment, there’s a pleasant bonus—a branded umbrella.
Front seats
The seats are comfortable with side support, though it’s somewhat less pronounced compared to the Karoq. The primary material is fabric, which seems durable and resistant to wear. The sides feature inserts that resemble suede leather, likely made from synthetic materials. The driver’s seat comes with full electric adjustments via three joystick buttons, including a circular button for lumbar support, though it lacks vertical adjustment for the seat cushion. There’s no easy entry feature where the seat slides back automatically. The front passenger seat lacks electric adjustments and requires manual settings, but it does include a separate handle for adjusting the lumbar support.
Interesting feature: behind the driver’s seat headrest, there is a useful accessory for rear passengers—a holder for a smartphone or tablet. The holder can be removed and moved to the other side.
Rear seats
The rear seats are fixed and non-adjustable. They match the front seats in design and materials but lack the pronounced side support. The seats are equipped with two sets of anchors for installing two child seats. In the middle, there is a third seat with a headrest and seatbelt. If not used by a passenger, it can be replaced with a folding armrest with cup holders.
Dashboard and storage compartment
In the Škoda Kamiq, the dashboard features a “layered” design similar to the Octavia: it starts with a soft vinyl at the top, followed by a thin chrome strip, then grey artificial suede, and finally a black hard plastic at the bottom. The main storage compartment in front of the passenger seat is illuminated.
Steering wheel and steering column
Here again, the design and construction of the steering wheel are identical across all modern Škoda models. At least in the three internal combustion engine vehicles and one electric car that I’ve tested, it has been the same. It’s a round steering wheel covered in genuine leather. The design is classic, with two spokes that house controls for the audio system, steering wheel heating, and voice assistant activation on the left, and controls for the instrument panel settings and driving assistant menu on the right.
I don’t want to delve into the steering wheel design, as that’s a matter of personal taste. It might seem boring to some, but I personally really appreciate its convenience. Firstly, the shape features thickened areas and cutouts for a proper grip and finger rests. Secondly, the button placement is comfortable; they are easy to locate by touch since they are horizontally separated by rotary controls with pressing functions and vertically by distinct protrusions. This way, you have four buttons on each side that you don’t need to look at to find, which improves focus on the road.
Instrument panel
The Kamiq’s instrument panel is essentially a small 8″ LCD screen with high brightness and contrast. The panel supports various interface options for the instrument display, settings for showing different vehicle status information, and output from the built-in navigation and multimedia systems..
To the left and right of the screen, there are areas for traditional LED indicators—showing the engine coolant temperature and the fuel level in the tank.
Multimedia display and entertainment system
The central display is small, with a diagonal of 8.25”. But in general, it is enough for basic tasks. The panel has touch control with gesture support, as well as a set of touch buttons for the main menu items of the built-in infotainment system. There are also 2 scroll buttons below the screen. The left one controls the sound volume or completely mutes the sound by pressing it. The right one duplicates the navigation functions of the main interface. Thus, this spinner can completely replace the touch control if you don’t like the fingerprint screen or simply find mechanical control more reliable and understandable.
The main menu provides access to all functions of the multimedia and information system. Here, you can turn on the radio, connect your phone or other media devices, activate the built-in navigation, manage sound and lighting settings, view vehicle information, and control driving assistants. The menu also allows you to add users for storing individual driver profiles and settings.
Connecting a smartphone and USB
The on-board system supports wireless connections to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The first connection is as simple as possible. Just go to the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone, then in the car menu, find your smartphone in the list of available ones and click on it. After that, almost all the functions of the built-in system become unnecessary, in my opinion. You just get in the car and then the connection is automatic, you are greeted by the familiar interface with your smartphone applications.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth for hands-free calls or to play music from your mobile device through the car’s speakers.
The vehicle is equipped with two storage compartments for smartphones—one in front of the gear shift and another at the rear, centrally located. Each compartment features two USB-C 45W ports. Unfortunately, wireless charging for gadgets is not available in the test Kamiq but can be ordered as an option. The front ports, in addition to charging, support media connectivity and data transfer.
Audio system
In short: we have 2 speakers in the front pillars, 2 main speakers in the front doors, 4 speakers in the rear doors, that is, 8 speakers in total. There is no subwoofer or high-quality amplifier. Therefore, low frequencies are simply absent, no matter how you play with the equalizer. Accordingly, the sound quality of music is mediocre, although this is quite typical for the budget segment.
Comfort control panel
Here, it’s straightforward—there are mechanical temperature controls with push-button functionality and buttons for accessing the menu and quick actions (such as seat heating, front and rear window defoggers, and fan intensity) made from matte plastic on a glossy panel. The climate control system is dual-zone.
Gear shift lever
The classic gear lever for the automatic transmission is covered in genuine leather. It is unlocked with a button at the front and moves forwards and backwards. Behind the lever is a block with buttons for selecting driving modes, turning off the start-stop system, and deactivating the parking sensors.
The parking brake in the Škoda Kamiq is activated using a traditional mechanical lever with a release button at the end.
Center console
Here, we see several compartments with cup holders and a removable organizer, an additional ashtray with a sealed lid, a 12V socket with a cigarette lighter, and a small storage compartment under the central armrest that flips backward.
Center mirror, upper console, interior lighting
Here, everything is standard. The central mirror with automatic dimming is manually adjustable. There’s a block of LED lighting for the driver and front passenger, as well as a sunglasses holder. Additional lights under the sun visors are activated by opening the mirror cover. For rear passengers, there are also light blocks with control buttons..
“Ambient light” – interior lighting
Despite being a budget-friendly vehicle, the Škoda Kamiq features additional interior lighting in the footwells for the driver and all passengers, as well as a light strip running along the dashboard under the chrome trim.
Impressions of operating and driving the Škoda Kamiq 2024
Dynamics
To be honest, the main point to note is that the Škoda Kamiq gets moving and drives. The combination of the 115-horsepower engine with the dry DSG automated gearbox doesn’t encourage aggressive driving at all. In fact, it quickly calms any eager driver. It seems to me that the weak point of the car is not the engine, but the gearbox. I tried accelerating from a standstill with full throttle a few times, felt an unusual vibration, and realized that the car struggles to pick up speed quickly. Therefore, you need to start moving in the Kamiq smoothly and slowly, gradually picking up speed. I don’t understand the purpose of the sport mode here. However, once the car reaches speeds of 30-50 km/h, it handles overtaking maneuvers quite well. The main thing to understand is that the Škoda Kamiq with this powertrain is a vehicle for leisurely travel from point A to point B, as well as for carrying passengers and a bit of cargo. And that’s sufficient for this type of vehicle. After all, that’s probably why people buy it. I didn’t even check the top speed because I don’t see the point, sorry.
Handling and stability on the road
The suspension and handling are all in order here, very similar to other small Škoda models. The ride isn’t as firm as in the Karoq, but overall, it feels very much like a hatchback or a small wagon, rather than a high crossover. So, I have no complaints about the Kamiq in this regard; the car corners well and doesn’t sway over uneven surfaces. Moreover, considering the previous point about its performance, you won’t be tempted to push the car to its limits in extreme conditions. At a steady pace, the vehicle behaves quite predictably.
Fuel consumption
It’s quite expected that a small, low-powered engine will directly impact fuel consumption. And here, the Kamiq can indeed please economical owners. In the dense traffic of Kyiv, real-world fuel consumption doesn’t exceed 8 L/100 km, provided you drive calmly. For the sake of experimentation, when I was still getting a feel for the car, I tried driving more aggressively and ended up around 10 L/100 km. This is probably the upper limit of fuel consumption for this vehicle.
On the highway, if you maintain a constant speed, this figure can drop to 5-6 L/100 km. So, if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient gasoline vehicle, the Škoda Kamiq will definitely meet your needs.
Comfort and safety
In the Kamiq, all comfort-related systems operate automatically. You only need to set them up once or simply activate the automatic mode. For example, the headlights—I’ve never had to turn them on or switch them manually, except for the turn signals. The fully automatic mode works flawlessly. The same goes for the wipers, air conditioning, music, and interior lighting.
In terms of safety, the Kamiq comes equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, and seat belts with tensioners. Additionally, all the driver assistance features found in the higher models are available for this vehicle. For example, it includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert.
However, most of the assistance features need to be ordered as separate options. For instance, the test vehicle was only equipped with lane-keeping assistance and a front collision prevention system with automatic braking.
MyŠkoda mobile application
For remote control and monitoring of the vehicle, you can use the MyŠkoda app. You’ll need to create a user account and connect the car to your virtual garage by entering the VIN and security code or scanning the QR code on the car’s infotainment screen.
The main functions of the app include remote locking and unlocking of the central locking system, locating the car on a map and activating the horn, flashing the hazard lights, monitoring key indicators and parameters, and viewing detailed usage statistics over any time period (including odometer readings, fuel consumption, and refueling costs). It also provides service reminders and allows you to schedule maintenance or repairs. Additionally, the app offers descriptions of the car’s main systems and video tutorials explaining how to use various features. You can download the app from the official stores for the respective platforms.
Android:
iOS:
Conclusions
To be honest, Škoda Kamiq somewhat challenged my preconceived notions about SUV crossovers: a large, powerful vehicle with a spacious interior, big wheels, high ground clearance, and ideally all-wheel drive. And here I am looking at a car that lacks all of these features… Is it really okay to do that?
At the same time, after a week of driving the car, I realize that this type of small pseudo-crossover does have a place in the market. To be objective, I actually liked the car overall. It has an attractive, modern look, solid build quality, a practical interior, and is equipped with all the necessary systems for comfort and safety. Plus, it comes at a relatively low price when considering offerings in this class.
Likes:
- Headlights and taillights
- Keyless entry
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Instrument panel and multimedia system
- 4 USB-C ports – 2 front and 2 rear
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Automation of all systems in general
- Suspension, chassis: handling and stability on the road
- Mobile app support with remote monitoring and control
Cons:
- Mediocre dynamics
- Weak audio system
- Insufficient illumination of the luggage compartment
Would I buy this car for myself? No, because of the list of requirements I mentioned earlier. However, for my wife, if she needed a separate vehicle, I would definitely consider it as an option. Also, if you don’t share my subjective view on crossovers (which you’re completely entitled to), I can recommend this versatile car to you and anyone else. The Kamiq is genuinely worth considering.