Why Lease The Kamiq?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Skoda Kamiq Review 2021
Following in the tyre tracks of the Karoq and Kodiaq as part of Skoda's SUV range, the Skoda Kamiq is a compact crossover with enough space and practicality for all the family.
Despite its dinky dimensions, the Kamiq is a credible alternative to more conventional hatchbacks like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, offering buyers the style of an SUV, with the traits of a Skoda, including practicality and value for money.
Our Skoda Kamiq review covers:
Skoda Kamiq Key Features
- Classy exterior style with two-piece headlights
- Comfortable interior cabin with nifty practical features
- 400-litre boot with 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Three petrol engines to choose from 94bhp to 148bhp
- Five trim levels including S, SE, SE Drive, SE L and Monte Carlo
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
On the outside, the Skoda Kamiq may not be as adventurously styled as the Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Cross, or Renault Captur, but don't let it put you off. Neatly styled, the Kamiq looks the part with its classy two-piece headlights, high ground clearance and rugged SUV style, boasting an off-road look that appeals to many drivers today.
Thanks to its relatively boxy shape, the Kamiq is surprisingly spacious inside, especially in the back. Legroom is generous – noticeably more than the Ford Puma, SEAT Arona and VW T-Cross - and there's a good amount of headroom, even with the optional panoramic sunroof fitted.
As expected from a Skoda, there's plenty of nifty practical features inside, including a small drawer under each front seat with the optional Simply Clever Pack, which also includes hidden door protectors that automatically pop out as you open the doors to protect their edges.
All versions get five seats and feature 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard. Shame then that Kamiq's 400-litre boot isn't as impressive as rivals like the Renault Captur or Nissan Juke. Don't worry, though, as there's still enough room to carry the weekly family shop, a small child buggy or up to seven carry-on cases in the boot. Space also expands to 1,395 litres with rear seats folded flat, and an optional variable boot floor is available.
Interior and Trims
Inside, the Kamiq's cabin isn't quite as smart as the Renault Captur or as plush as MINI Countryman. Still, the overall build quality is high, and some posh-feeling plastics and metal-effect trims make for a generally pleasant place to sit.
The dashboard layout is easy to understand, and the infotainment system stands out as a highlight. Available from SE L trim upwards, the system looks slick and is pretty easy to use. You can also opt for digital instruments instead of analogue dials, like in an Audi, BMW or Mercedes.
There are five trim levels, including S, SE, SE Drive, SE L, and Monte Carlo trims.
Entry cars S cars come well-equipped with a 6.5-inch infotainment system, DAB radio manual air-conditioning, LED headlights and 16-inch alloys.
The mid-spec SE is the most popular version and comes with a larger eight-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, cruise control and rear parking sensors. SE Drive models add a 9.2-inch infotainment display with sat-nav, rear privacy glass and manual height adjustment for both front seats.
Top-spec SE L cars are around £1,000 more expensive than the SE Drive but include fancier exterior lights, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital display, two-zone climate control and 18-inch alloys.
The range-topping Monte Carlo model gains full LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, sports seats, flashes of red trim, and a sports steering wheel.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Kamiq offers four petrol engines to choose from, starting with a 1.0-litre with 94 and 109bhp mated to a five-speed and six-speed manual gearbox, respectively.
The 109bhp version is the pick of the bunch, offering plenty of punch around town and decent refinement at motorway speeds. Above this sits the flagship 1.5-litre petrol engine with 148bhp and clever cylinder-deactivation tech to save fuel.
Out on the road, the Kamiq's light controls make it easy to drive. Despite being taller than the Scala, it handles neatly through corners, doesn't sway around as much as the T-Roc or T-Cross, and is refined even at motorway speeds.
While it's not quite as fun to drive as the SEAT Arona or Ford Puma, the Kamiq provides a good balance between handling and comfort. It also has a tighter turning circle than most rivals, making negotiating narrow streets or tight parking spaces a breeze.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Skoda Kamiq start from £21,905.00 OTR* or to lease from £237.92 per month.
Interested in the new Kamiq? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has lease offers on Skoda range, with road tax, breakdown cover, the full manufacturer's warranty and free mainland GB delivery included in the price.
Car leasing offers many benefits over buying with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, no depreciation worries and the option to change your vehicle every two, three or four years. Find out more about Leasing vs Buying to see if car leasing is right for you.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
