Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

I've been handed the keys to Skoda's baby SUV for a few months. Here's what I think of it so far!
Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

As a dad, video producer, and what often feels like a carer to my best colleague Alex, I’m on the road a lot (well, until recently), on dad duties and video shoots.

For these reasons, I need a car that I can depend on, and because we at CT have a massive soft spot for all things Skoda, I’ll be looking after this Kamiq for a few months, giving me plenty of time to tell you about it.

Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

To kick things off, what exactly is the Kamiq? It’s the smallest SUV in the Skoda range, sharing its underpinnings with the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross.

For that reason, you get the option of dinky engines, which is why we opted for the 1.0 TSI with 115hp. That’s mated to a seven-speed DSG, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 119mph. But the numbers are irrelevant here; economy, comfort, space and ease are the things I look for in cars, and judging by early impressions, the Kamiq almost nails my criteria…

Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

I say almost because it’s the size of the Kamiq that I’m struggling with a little. With a baby, boot space is king, and while we can get Charlie’s buggy in and out of my wife’s 14-year-old Honda Jazz easily (can you tell we’re not petrolheads?), the Kamiq’s smaller boot means we have to take the wheels off the buggy to squeeze it in.

Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

The cabin is great, however, and it looks and feels upmarket. What’s more, this car comes with heated seats (although these only have 2 settings - too damn hot or simply mild), heated steering wheel, cruise control and a rear parking camera.

In terms of driving, the 1.0-litre engine is punchy enough to easily mistake it for a 1.4, and it’s proven to be economical, too; in fact, I squeezed in four video shoots before having to fill up, averaging a very respectable 42mpg.

Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

My only real driving gripe is the lane assist that occasionally senses the white lines incorrectly, jolting the steering if you’re not indicating.

Apart from the boot size and my issue with the lane assist, I’m enjoying getting to know this mini SUV. The raised ride height is great, I’m a fan of the way the Kamiq looks, and I love how easy it is to park and live with.

Say Hello To 'My' New Baby SUV: The Skoda Kamiq 1.0

For now, the Kamiq is currently getting around three weeks to the gallon, so when we’re all allowed out again, I look forward to more miles behind the wheel.

Until then, let me know what you think of the Kamiq and feel free to ask any questions about it.

Ethan Smale: Head of Production

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Comments

Anonymous

1.0 litre on that behemoth… My God :Q

04/13/2020 - 09:23 |
18 | 4
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

It actually isnt that big its sizewise something between a Fiesta and a Focus

04/13/2020 - 09:57 |
10 | 4
Ali_34

Kamiq is a good SUV. At least it is good for comfort lovers same like me.
That 1.0 made me interested though.

04/13/2020 - 09:39 |
6 | 2
Anonymous

I mean I would probably rather eat my shoes, but each to his own.

04/13/2020 - 11:54 |
6 | 0
DG65425

Would’ve been much better off with a Fabia estate or a Scala

04/13/2020 - 12:03 |
10 | 2
Danny S

The thing I can’t get over is that engine… 1L in anything bigger/heavier than a kei car is quite frankly ridiculous. That little engine is going to be under so much stress; I can’t imagine it’ll last particularly long.

04/13/2020 - 12:22 |
14 | 6
Ben Anderson 1

In reply to by Danny S

Not really. It’s a modern 1.0L Turbo, after all. It’ll handle itself rather well given the car is actually quite small.

FYI, Kei cars are 660cc / 0.6L

04/13/2020 - 15:23 |
6 | 4

Just got a Karoq with the same engine and had an extensive test drive in the Suzuki vitara with a 1.0 turbo ( lovely drive) The Karoq is bigger than both and the engine handles it easily. Very impressive.

04/13/2020 - 16:35 |
2 | 2
Leandro Lien

In reply to by Danny S

Here in Brazil where cars are every expansive most of the cars sold are actually 1.0L and has been in that way for a very long time, most cars were sub 80hp, only now with small turbo engines, we are starting to get a bit more powerful cars. They can really hold up they are just not very enjoyable as you have to really push it to do anything, turning A/C off is a common practice for overtaking.

04/14/2020 - 05:24 |
0 | 0
5:19.55

Every time a fit/jazz is mentioned, I think of it’s superior body rigidity and this video from Hot Version/Best Motoring International: https://youtu.be/1DOfRL341tE

04/14/2020 - 01:28 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Had a Polo courtesy car with this exact same engine for a day when my GTI was in for servicing.
I thought it would feel gutless but I was so wrong. It’s got heaps of torque low down, and it never felt like it was working hard even at 130 on the motorway. It actually sounds good too. Definitely the best 3 pot engine I’ve ever come across.

04/14/2020 - 02:32 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I will never change my mind about buying cars with engine size of milk carton…

04/14/2020 - 08:23 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Then BMW new motorcycle has 1800cc…

04/14/2020 - 14:22 |
0 | 0