Skoda Kamiq Reviews

Skoda has trimmed back its Kamiq range for 2025, but has it changed enough in a world of new low-cost rivals?

The Skoda Kamiq Signature may look small on the outside but inside it is packed with high-end features and it produces a solid driving experience. Great for the suburbs, and even better for a family weekend getaway. But how does it stack up to its rivals?

Is the Skoda Kamiq unique enough to stand out against its fierce competition in the small-SUV segment?

The Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo might not be cheap, but it does promise plenty of premium-feeling motoring in a sensible and spacious package. Well, that's what it says on the tin, at least. So we asked our Chesto to put it to the long-term test to see how it measures up.

The words 'Monte Carlo' mean something to Skoda fans. Not only is it the name of a famous rally course, a billionaire's playground, and a very dippable Aussie bikkie; it's also Skoda's semi-hot, sportier-looking sub-brand. To date we've only seen Monte Carlo versions of the Fabia in Australia, but that's changed now thanks to the introduction of this - the 2021 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo.

We'd forgive you for not keeping up with the booming 'light SUV' segment. A whole car philosophy which barely existed five years ago, the light SUV is the smaller than 'small SUV' car which is replacing city-sized hatchbacks at an alarming pace.

At the top of the Kamiq range is the Limited Edition for a list price of $35,490. At the launch of the Kamiq in October 2020, Skoda said the Limited Edition will only be available for about six months.Coming standard are leather and 'Suedia' seats, a 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, sat nav, heated front and rear seats, a power driver’s seat, LED headlights and auto parking.On top of that the Limited Edition scores all the equipment in the entry-grade Kamiq. This includes 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, silver roof rails, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, proximity key, auto tailgate, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, eight-speaker stereo, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control.The Limited Edition has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which makes 110kW and 250Nm.The Kamiq has been given the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under 2019 rules. Coming standard on all grades are seven airbags, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, rear maneuver braking, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.The Limited Edition comes with extra advanced safety tech such as blind spot protection and rear traffic alert.  

The Monte Carlo sits above the entry-grade in the Skoda Kamiq range with a list price of $34,190.Coming standard on the Monte Carlo are 18-inch back alloys, LED headlights, Monte Carlo sports seats, and a ‘blacked-out’ treatment to the mirrors, grille, rear lettering and rear diffuser. There’s also a panoramic glass roof, sports pedals, adaptive LED headlights, multi drive modes and sports suspension.This is on top of all the equipment from the entry grade such as: privacy glass, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, proximity key, auto tailgate, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, eight-speaker stereo, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control.The Monte Carlo has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which makes 110kW and 250Nm.The Kamiq has been given the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under 2019 rules.Coming standard on all grades are seven airbags, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, rear maneuver braking, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

The 85 TSI is the entry-grade into the Skoda Kamiq range and you can have it with a manual gearbox for a list price of $26,990, or a dual-clutch automatic transmission for $27,990.Coming standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, silver roof rails, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, proximity key, auto tailgate, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, eight-speaker stereo, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control.The 85 TSI has a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine making 85kW/200Nm. Owners can choose between a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and a six-speed manual gearbox.The Kamiq scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating under 2019 testing rules.Coming standard on all grades are seven airbags, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, rear maneuver braking, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

The Kamiq is Skoda's smallest and newest SUV and we can tell you everything about it - just don't expect us to tell you what the name means...