Skoda Kamiq Run-Out 2024 Review
With an updated Kamiq due later this year, Skoda has sharpened the value pitch and reintroduced the three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as a tempter for the compact SUVThe 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out is a value-focused last hurrah for the current version of the small SUV before an updated model arrives around mid-2024. The Kamiq Run-Out steps back to a three-cylinder engine and loses some equipment to achieve its sharp $32,990 drive-away price. But it maintains the excellent driving manners and deceptively spacious body the Kamiq is well-known for, making it a tempting proposition for those looking for a practical compact SUV.
How much does the Skoda Kamiq Run-Out cost?
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out is priced from $32,990 drive-away, making it the most affordable variant in the Czech brand’s small SUV family.
While it does without the digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charger of other Kamiq models, there’s enough kit to ensure it doesn’t feel like it’s been pared back.
Standard gear includes smart key entry, a powered tailgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8.0-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, there’s the trademark umbrella concealed in one of the doors.
Instead of 18-inch wheels on other Kamiq models, there are 17s on the Run-Out. Solid white is the only standard colour, with the other five – including metallic white – adding $550.
The Run-Out is powered by the recently-reintroduced 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine to the Kamiq line-up. It’s not very powerful, with just 85kW, but there’s a hearty 200Nm of torque driving through a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.
Average fuel use is claimed at 5.6 litres per 100km.
As with all new Skodas, the Kamiq is covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
A seven-year service pack covering up to 105,000km of driving can be added for $2900.
What’s good about the Skoda Kamiq Run-Out?
Skoda likes to remind people of its European history, something that at least helps it stand out in a market segment dominated by Asian rivals. But those European roots also set the foundation for a car that’s good to drive.
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out has among the best driving dynamics of any small SUV. The steering is light and easy around town but surefooted and engaging on the open road.
Throw in crisp responses to driver inputs and a solid cornering stance and it’s the sort of car that adds confidence but also delivers on engagement for those who like to drive.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine doesn’t always have the enthusiasm to match the cornering talents. But it has ample torque in the middle engine revs to keep things motoring without the need to thrash it.
The slick-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch automatic helps make the most of what the engine has to offer, too.
And while the Kamiq is a small SUV, it manages to pack plenty of space in with some clever packaging.
Up front there’s generous space in all directions, to the point where taller drivers will appreciate the adjustment in the seat. Those in the rear also get acres of headroom, although kneeroom isn’t as forthcoming.
Still, it’ll easily cater for a couple of adults in the rear or three kids.
Families may need more boot space, though; the Kamiq’s 400-litre luggage area is fine for a few bags but would be challenged with prams and toddler paraphernalia.
What’s not so good about the Skoda Kamiq Run-Out?
Anyone cross-shopping the 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out with fresher rivals may miss some of the trinkets and tech.
There’s no digital instrument cluster, for example, as part of the efforts to keep the price sharp.
And fancy touch pads or a button-operated park brake have been shelved in favour of tradition.
All of which works absolutely fine from a functionality perspective – arguably better in some instances – but doesn’t have the modernity some may yearn for.
And the cabin generally has a formal and occasionally dreary appearance courtesy of swathes of dark hues. Sure, there’s some orange and white stitching to break things up, but there’s also no shortage of grey.
And while the driving experience is mostly terrific, the twin-clutch automatic isn’t always as seamless as a regular auto in its initial engagement. Get too eager on the throttle, for example, and the engine quickly builds revs to automatically engage the clutch, at which point it can be jerky as it takes off.
Adjustments to the way you drive can help, but there are also times when it’s not as consistent in the way it behaves.
Should I buy a Skoda Kamiq Run-Out?
It’s refreshing that a car-maker doesn’t try to hide a vehicle’s position in the product lifecycle. Yep, the 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out will be short-lived as there’s a freshen-up coming in few months’ time.
But the sharp price makes the Run-Out a tempting proposition against newer rivals.
It’s among the best to drive in its class – although the transmission can take the gloss off in stop-start traffic – and it’s impressively accommodating by small SUV standards.
What it misses in showroom glitz it makes up for with solid foundations.
All of which means it should at least be on your consideration set if you’re in the market for an entry-level SUV.
2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out at a glance:
Price: $32,990 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/200Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 127g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)
- Spacious body is bigger than most small SUVs, especially in the rear where headroom is terrific
- Torquey three-cylinder turbo engine has character and respectable pulling power
- Excellent driving dynamics make the Kamiq Run-Out engaging and surefooted
- Grey on grey cabin looks a tad dour
- Twin-clutch automatic can be inconsistent when taking off
- Missing some of the tech and trinkets of other Kamiq models
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