A divisive quirk is the seating position: compared with similarly sized rivals, you sit low to the floor, giving it more of a hatchback feel on the move. I really like that, but my partner, who drives a crossover, isn’t a fan. You can pump up the seat, but the layout doesn’t suit it.
One positive is that it promotes quite an enjoyable driving experience, especially from what I’ve found so far on back roads. This is aided by the light, smooth steering and enhanced by its short (2651mm) wheelbase. An added bonus is incredibly easy manoeuvrability in tight car parks.
Add in that the 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo engine is already returning close to 50mpg and this is starting to look like a bona fide bargain.
It will be interesting to see if anything begins to grate once our honeymoon period fades away and whether it will be the Kamiq’s practicality or its economical powerplant that becomes the star of the show.
Road trips are already planned, including a cross-continent expedition, and I can’t wait.
Second Opinion
By the time the Kamiq arrived, crossover fatigue had fully set in, so I never really appreciated its strengths. But with decent space and a compact footprint, there’s a lot to recommend it. It’s also a reminder that manual gearboxes should have a future in more than just performance cars.
James Attwood
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Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS Monte Carlo specification
Specs: Price New £30,580 Price as tested £31,580 Options Moon White metallic paint £660, towbar preparation £240
Test Data: Engine 3 cyls inline, 1498cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 148bhp at 5000rpm Torque 184lb ft at 1500rpm Kerb weight 1227kg Top speed mph 0-62mph 8.3sec Fuel economy 47.8mpg CO2 132g/km Faults None Expenses None
