In an era of shifting automotive priorities, the Skoda Kamiq serves as a reminder of the charm that traditional petrol-powered vehicles still hold. With talks about reinstating the 2030 ban on new internal-combustion-engined cars, vehicles like the Kamiq, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine devoid of hybrid assistance, feel like relics of a bygone era—but they’re still worthy of attention.
Front view of the Skoda Kamiq 2025 showing its bold design
The Kamiq is Skoda’s smallest SUV, positioned below the Karoq, Kodiaq, and electric Enyaq, catering to smaller families in the ever-competitive B-SUV market. Launched in 2019 and refreshed last year, it combines practicality with modern design, though its distinctive styling divided opinions. Its shape might remind you of a bold Stormtrooper aesthetic, but that boldness resonates well in a sea of cookie-cutter SUVs.
Priced competitively from £24,040, the Kamiq has found great success in the UK, with sales figures rivalling the well-established Octavia. Our focus here is on the Monte Carlo trim—the top-tier version packed with features.
Skoda Kamiq 2025 cabin image showcasing Monte Carlo sporty seats and digital infotainment
Despite its Monte Carlo badge implying sportiness, this variant focuses on style and comfort rather than outright performance. It boasts sporty bucket seats, a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The seats provide ample support for long journeys, while the driver-centric cockpit emphasizes practicality with physical buttons for key controls—a refreshing break from over-reliance on touchscreens.
The Kamiq comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a striking addition to its overall look. However, underneath all this sophistication lies its utilitarian DNA. Manual seat adjustments and hard plastics dominate the cabin, reminding you that this car is grounded, functional, and budget-conscious.
Rear view of the Skoda Kamiq with the boot open, highlighting practicality
It’s not all about just looks and features. The Kamiq is a delightful car to drive. The six-speed manual gearbox deserves praise—it’s smooth and engaging, with the clutch providing enough feedback to make daily driving enjoyable. However, the closely gated shifter might take some getting used to. Compared to rivals like the Kia Stonic, gear changes may occasionally land in the wrong position—a minor inconvenience for manual diehards in an increasingly automatic world.
On the road, the Kamiq proves its mettle. The combination of Skoda’s engineering and the Volkswagen MQB platform makes it a sturdy all-around performer. The 148bhp, 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine exhibits commendable refinement, a smooth power delivery, and competitive fuel efficiency. Skoda claims an average of 47.8mpg, but real-life testing often exceeds that, reaching numbers closer to 52mpg, rivaling hybrid models like the Honda HR-V.
The Kamiq’s compact dimensions—4241mm long, 1793mm wide, and 1562mm tall—belie its practicality. It boasts 400 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up, plenty for family outings or even housing sporting equipment. Convenience elements like hooks, deep storage bins, and Skoda’s signature bin bag holder further amplify its practicality. The cabin offers spacious rear seats, enough legroom for taller passengers, and thoughtful family-oriented touches like a phone holder on the front seatbacks and an umbrella tucked into the driver’s door.
Skoda Kamiq in a car park against the urban backdrop
Another unexpected highlight is its low seating position, which gives the vehicle a hatchback-like driving feel. While some might miss the commanding view typical of crossovers, this layout promotes a more engaging connection with the road. We also appreciated its easy maneuverability in tight spaces—perfect for urban driving.
More surprises include thoughtful additions like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the struggle with cables. A roller switch on the steering wheel for audio control enhances usability, something Skoda seems to have mastered with simple yet effective features that cater directly to drivers’ needs.
This is not a car trying to be something it isn’t. Despite its Monte Carlo bravado, it doesn’t try to outshine genuinely “sporty” cars. Instead, it focuses on balancing affordability, practicality, and thoughtful features. While rivals like the Volkswagen T-Cross and Taigo share the same underpinnings, the Kamiq indisputably delivers better value for the money.
Skoda Kamiq boot space showing thoughtful storage features and luggage hooks
Yes, it has flaws. The touchscreen infotainment system can feel outdated and lacks the responsiveness we expect in 2025. The gear gating could also improve. And while the exterior may not win any beauty contests, the sensible pricing, practical features, and trustworthy powertrain ensure its rightful place in this segment.
The Kamiq is an understated champion in a crowded market of over-glorified crossovers. While it may not replace the thrill of hybrid innovation or the promise of EVs, it quietly holds its own ground.
Quick Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol |
| Power | 148bhp at 5,500rpm |
| Torque | 184lb-ft at 2,000rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, FWD |
| Fuel Economy | Avg 52mpg (claimed 47.8mpg) |
| Boot Capacity | 400L |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4241mm x 1793mm x 1562mm |
| Price Starting | £24,040 |
| Tested Price | £31,580 |
Skoda Kamiq parked amidst scenic surroundings
The Kamiq represents Skoda’s philosophy of making clever, people-centric cars. If you’re looking for solid value, practicality, and engaging driving—and are willing to look past its quirkiness—the Kamiq deserves a spot in your driveway.
