Skoda Kamiq Style 2023 Review

The 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style is the most affordable variant in the Czech brand’s small SUV range, opening proceedings at $35,490 plus on-road costs (or $37,990 drive-away).

That marks a price rise of almost $10,000 since the Kamiq’s launch in 2020, when a manual transmission was available for the 85TSI engine but has since been deleted, leaving only the dual-clutch auto found here.

The vehicle on test here is an MY22 model, so equipment changes made for MY23 aren’t reflected on the car, but we’ll tell you more about that in a moment.

Before the updated MY23 range touched down, the MY22 Skoda Kamiq Style seen here was priced from $34,690 plus ORCs, with our tester’s Brilliant Silver metallic paint job ($550) boosting its as-tested price to $35,240 plus ORCs.

But the model year update and rising costs due to inflation and various other factors have pushed the Kamiq further upstream.

While prices for the 2023 Skoda Kamiq have increased for MY23, equipment levels have been affected in a rather unusual way.

Rather than gaining more for the higher-priced MY23 update, the Skoda Kamiq Style lost a few key features including an electric tailgate and LED tail-lights with dynamic function, as well as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, both of which are now options rather than standard equipment.

Features you don’t have to pay extra for include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, roof rails, tinted windows and a leather-clad steering wheel.

The Kamiq also forgoes a more modern electric park brake, instead making do with a traditional manual handbrake.

It wouldn’t be a Skoda without its signature ‘clever’ touches, including an umbrella built into the driver’s door trim, clothes hooks mounted to the B-pillars, a parking ticket display holder on the driver’s A-pillar and a host of shopping bag hooks in the boot.

Skoda covers every Kamiq with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while prepaid service packs (due annually or every 15,000km) are available for five ($1800) or seven years ($2500).

The Skoda Kamiq range achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2019 based on European testing, which it holds today.

Standard equipment includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane assist, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.

As mentioned above, only MY22-plated examples come standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. At this stage, ANCAP has not revised the safety rating now that these features are optional rather than standard-fit across the range.

The second row is equipped with three top tether child restraint anchor points and ISOFIX points on the two outboard pews.

When it comes to technology, even the entry-level 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style gets all the good stuff.

That includes an 8.0-inch touch-screen – the top-spec Kamiq Signature gets a larger 9.2-inch unit – with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and eight speakers.

A wireless phone charging pad also comes standard, along with power-folding and heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, four USB-C outlets (two up front and two for the second row) and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

We found the smartphone mirroring function to be a bit fiddly, with the unit failing to recognise a plugged-in device on several occasions, but graphics and responsiveness from the infotainment screen are otherwise great.

Likewise, the high-resolution instrument cluster brings a host of customisation options, and just like the central touch-screen it’s simple to navigate.

Only high-spec versions of the Kamiq get heated front and rear seats, however the Style at least has ergonomically shaped front seats with nice suede inserts.

It might not sound like much on paper, but the 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style delivers impressive punch from its small but mighty 85TSI powertrain.

Under the bonnet lies a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing modest outputs of 85kW and 200Nm.

As mentioned, Skoda no longer offers the Kamiq with a six-speed manual gearbox, so whether you go for the entry-level 85TSI or more powerful 110TSI four-cylinder (110kW/250Nm), every version of the small SUV comes mated to a seven-speed DSG auto that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

The 85TSI can be a little slow during take-off – a combination of DSG hesitation mixed with some turbo lag – but the thrummy little three-pot feels good around town, with plenty of thrust down low in the rev range.

The Volkswagen-sourced dual-clutch auto isn’t perfect, and it can be quite jerky during low-speed manoeuvres, as well as slow to engage drive and reverse.

The entry-level Kamiq coasts at higher speeds with ease too, even if it takes a bit more encouragement to get there.

But it’s certainly not snappy enough to take on small performance SUVs like the Volkswagen T-Roc R, taking 10 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill.

We achieved an average combined fuel consumption figure of 6.2L/100km during our time with 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style.

That’s not too far off Skoda’s official 5.4L/100km claim, which would be hard to achieve in the real world across mixed driving conditions.

The 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style is one of the more impressive small SUVs on the market in terms of driving enjoyment.

Look past its minor powertrain flaws and the most affordable Kamiq is a charming chariot, with sharp dynamics and a comfortable ride.

Its 18-inch alloys wrapped in Goodyear rubber provide plenty of cushioning on harsh roads, with minimal road noise filtering into the cabin even on coarse-chip surfaces.

The Kamiq’s steering is light and precise, and the brakes feel sturdy, even with drums on the rear-end.

There’s also plenty of ground clearance – 182mm – which provides a generous view out of the Kamiq’s glasswork.

It feels nimble and willing enough to tackle fast corners with confidence and composure, even without the top-spec Kamiq’s drive mode select and sport suspension.

Unlike some others in the small SUV segment, the interior of the 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style doesn’t immediately give away its ‘entry-level’ status.

That’s not surprising, given the Kamiq’s entry price is significantly higher than more budget-oriented brands in the same segment.

Materials throughout the cabin are a slight downgrade compared to the top-spec Kamiq, however the majority of surfaces inside the Style feel solid, hard-wearing and high-quality.

The perforated leather steering wheel feels good underhand, but we could do without the slightly scratchy cloth seats (even if they come with plush suede inserts).

The front seats require manual adjustment, and although it’s a small SUV, the Kamiq offers decent space to suit a pair of adults in the second row.

Boot space is a little less impressive, with 400 litres of cargo space and a space-saver spare tyre hidden under the boot floor.

In the bustling small SUV segment that just keeps growing, the 2023 Skoda Kamiq Style stands out with its relatively high specification, quirky design and Euro feel.

The downgrade in safety equipment brought with the MY23 update, coinciding with higher prices, is disappointing.

But it’s not enough to deter us from recommending this as a car to consider, especially if you enjoy driving and are prepared to pay a premium.

2023 Skoda Kamiq Style at a glance:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/200Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 122g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)