What's the space like inside?
While it shares its VW Group MQB A0 platform with the VW T-Cross, it is larger inside, thanks to a longer wheelbase.
This is most noticeable in the rear which is more spacious than expected. Legroom behind my six-foot tall driving position is impressive. The rear seats are nicely cushioned for comfort and rear occupants can access two USB-C ports, map pockets, air vents and smallish storage for bottles in the doors.
Up front, the dash design is typical of VW Group – you wouldn’t call in minimalist but it’s far from fussy. It’s thoughtfully laid out, but the integrated touch screen of the T-Cross is a cleaner look than the Kamiq’s upright unit.
Skoda’s well-executed multimedia setup has modern, appealing graphics and it’s easy to navigate. The only complaint is that some air conditioning controls are housed in the touch screen, while the temperature dials are located underneath. Why can’t it all be in one place?
There’s a further two USB-C ports up front, and wireless charging. There’s ample room for large bottles in the doors, which makes up for the small central storage bin.
In the 85TSI, the seats are covered in an eye-catching cloth fabric, and while the front seats are comfortable, they could do with a little more under-thigh bolstering.
The rear windscreen is small but visibility is generally good.
The power tailgate is a welcome standard feature on an entry-level small SUV. Typical Skoda additions include a handy luggage net and extra storage nooks.
A space-saver spare tyre lives under the boot floor, making room for 400 litres of cargo space, increasing to 1395L with the rear seats folded. That’s more space than the T-Cross, CH-R and CX-3, but not as cavernous as the HR-V or Kia Seltos.
How does it drive?
The Kamiq is one of a number of light-small SUVs powered by 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines that have arrived in the past year or two. But the Skoda might be the most convincing of the lot.
Acceleration from a standing start is decent, despite the lag caused by the turbocharger and the dual-clutch transmission. The stop-start system doesn’t help, and we turned it off every time we were behind the wheel. During parking manoeuvres, the dual clutch causes the Kamiq to roll a little before it works out what gear it’s in.
The dual-clutch also produces a bit of jerkiness when accelerating at low speeds, but higher up the rev range on an open road is where the three-pot excels, offering punchy performance.
In terms of dynamics, there are few rivals that can beat the Kamiq. Weighing just 1191kg, the nimble Kamiq is a joy to punt into corners, with the light, responsive steering adding to the experience. It pulls out of corners with ease and the well-calibrated suspension setup will have you hunting for winding roads.
An 18-inch wheel and low-profile tyre combination usually makes for a harsh ride, but the Kamiq’s ride is on the comfortable side. It is, however, a little busy on uneven roads and can skip on loose surfaces.
A tight turning circle only boosts the Kamiq’s credentials as a great city car.
The cabin is generally quiet on urban streets, but noise starts to penetrate at higher speeds, regardless of the quality of the road surface.
Skoda’s quoted combined fuel consumption figure is 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. We finished the week with 7.3L/100km.