Skoda Kamiq: carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender

The Skoda Kamiq is the Czech car-maker’s all-new small SUV, the baby of the brand’s now-three-strong SUV line-up, joining the Skoda Karoq and Skoda Kodiaq.

The once little-known brand has been gathering momentum since its 2007 launch in Australia, with sales steadily improving and more recently the Skoda Fabia and Skoda Kodiaq racking up wins in the carsales ‘Best Car’ awards.

Part of the Volkswagen Group family for more than 25 years, Skoda is fast becoming a brand with benefits – the Skoda Kamiq an example of a sophisticated, value-for-money offering.

The Skoda Kamiq has aspiring Euro-badge buyers with a sharpened pencil in its sights with a three-variant line-up headlined by a strong value proposition and sophisticated styling.

The front-wheel drive Kamiq will accommodate five occupants and their gear, thanks to a 400-litre boot while three ISOFIX anchor points welcome a full family-load of child seats.

Conversely, roof rails and a 1250kg towing capacity begs weekend adventure comprising a tent and jet ski – gleefully sans kids, perhaps.

Crisp styling and clever storage solutions are a typically-Skoda given.

The range starts at $26,990 plus on-road costs for the Skoda Kamiq 85TSI manual, with automatic transmission adding $1000. The range tops out at $34,190 plus ORCs for the auto-only Skoda Kamiq 110TSI Monte Carlo. There was also a 110TSI Limited Edition variant at launch, priced from $35,490.

The 85TSI denotes a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (85kW/200Nm) paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 110TSI uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol (110kW/250Nm) paired exclusively to a seven-speed DSG.

All model grades feature adaptive cruise control, a Virtual Cockpit-style digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, keyless entry and push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charging, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo brings updates inside and out such as sports seats and pedals, a panoramic glass roof and black roof lining, adaptive LED headlights with cornering function, fog lights, dynamic front indicators, sports suspension, drive select mode and black-effect styling cues.

All Kamiq variants have a five-star ANCAP rating and include features such as lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), seven airbags, fatigue detection, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and rear brake assist.

New car buyers will be hard at work in a spec-for-spec comparison with the Kamiq’s similarly priced rivals.

Driving the Kamiq for carsales at the international launch, Matt Robinson declared: “This compact SUV will seamlessly fit into your life and be quietly, brilliantly competent while it’s at it.”

On local soil, Alexandra Lawrence added: “It’s a little bit saucier than most!”

Nevertheless, in an SUV-heavy contender list, the Skoda Kamiq will have to fight for the title of carsales Car of the Year for 2020, proudly presented by Bingle.

Skoda Kamiq 110TSI Monte Carlo at a glance:
Price: From $34,190
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 128g/km (ADR Combined)