The small SUV segment is one of the most competitive and popular in the automotive market, with many brands offering their own versions of a compact and versatile vehicle. Among them, the Skoda Kamiq stands out as a spacious and affordable option that has been updated for 2024 with sharper styling and upgraded interior tech. Here's everything you need to know about the refreshed Skoda Kamiq.
What's new for 2024?
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq has received a facelift that gives it a more rugged and dynamic appearance, inspired by its larger siblings, the Karoq and Kodiaq. The most noticeable changes are at the front, where the Kamiq now features a taller, more upright grille and a redesigned bumper. The headlights have also been revised and are now available with matrix LED technology as an option. This allows them to adjust their beam automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers on the road.
At the rear, the Skoda Kamiq has a new bumper with a prominent diffuser and a slimmer and more angular 'Skoda' lettering on the tailgate. The Kamiq also offers nine paint colors and new alloy wheel designs for both 17-inch and 18-inch sizes.
What's inside?
The interior of the 2024 Skoda Kamiq has also been updated with some subtle but welcome changes. As standard, all Kamiqs now get an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.25-inch central infotainment screen (up from 8.0-inch in the previous model). Both of these can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch display for the instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch unit for the infotainment system, which comes with satellite navigation.
The quality of the materials and the cabin's ergonomics remain high, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and useful storage spaces. The Kamiq also offers six interior variants, including some that use recycled and natural materials for the upholstery and mats. These are part of Skoda's efforts to increase its sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
One of the main strengths of the Skoda Kamiq is its practicality, which the facelift has not compromised. The Kamiq still offers plenty of room for front and rear passengers and a generous boot capacity of up to 400 liters (14 cubic feet). The rear seats can also be folded down to create up to 1,395 liters (49 cubic feet) of space for larger items.
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What's under the hood?
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq is powered by a choice of three petrol engines, all from the evo2 generation, that are more efficient and refined than before. The base engine is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 94 horsepower and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine is adequate for most journeys, but it can need help to keep up with faster traffic on highways.
The next option is a more powerful version of the same engine, with 115 horsepower and either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine offers more flexibility and responsiveness, making it a better choice for those who want more performance and convenience.
The top-of-the-line engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that delivers 150 horsepower and comes exclusively with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine is the most fun to drive, with plenty of punch and smoothness.
The Kamiq also offers an optional Sport Chassis control system that lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) and allows the driver to adjust the stiffness of the suspension between two modes: Normal and Sport. This system enhances the handling and comfort of the Kamiq, depending on the driving situation and preference.
How much does it cost?
The pricing for the updated Skoda Kamiq is yet to be announced, but it is expected to start from around $32,000 in Australia, where it will go on sale in early 2024. The Kamiq will compete with other small SUVs such as the Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Cross, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Mini Countryman, Buick Encore, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Rogue Sport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Ford Puma.
The Skoda Kamiq will likely undercut many of its rivals on pricing while offering more space and features. It is also backed by Skoda's five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty and a range of service and maintenance plans.
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Is it worth it?
The 2024 Skoda Kamiq is a smart choice for anyone looking for a small SUV that offers a lot of value for money. It has a spacious and comfortable interior, a refined and efficient engine range, a stylish and updated exterior, and a generous list of standard and optional equipment. It is also one of the most affordable options in its segment, making it a great alternative to more expensive and less practical rivals. The Skoda Kamiq is a versatile vehicle that suits different needs and lifestyles.
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