The Skoda Kamiq Wins by Simply Being the Most Useful Car in the Room
Both reviews arrive at nearly the same conclusion: this isn't the most exciting small SUV you can buy, but it's consistently the most genuinely practical, and that trade-off is exactly what its maker intended.
Practicality as the Entire Design Brief
Plenty of small SUVs chase outright desirability first. Reviewers keep noting this one deliberately doesn't, leaning instead on space, comfort and clever storage — and the formula clearly resonates, given how consistently it outsells more overtly styled rivals.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Small SUV |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.0 TSI 95 (94bhp), 1.0 TSI 116 (113bhp), 1.5 TSI Evo 150 (148bhp) |
| 0–62mph | 11.0 sec (TSI 95) to 9.7 sec (TSI 116) |
| Boot space | 400 litres (1,395 litres seats folded) |
| Shared platform with | Seat Arona, VW T-Cross |
Full Review Summary
What Car?
What Car? recommended the mid-range 113bhp engine as the sweet spot, cutting the 0-62mph time to 9.7 seconds and pulling noticeably better from low revs than the entry unit. They measured genuinely class-leading rear legroom thanks to a stretched wheelbase versus the mechanically related Arona and T-Cross, and found the Kamiq swallowed seven carry-on suitcases in testing — matching the larger VW T-Roc and beating every direct small-SUV rival they tested it against.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised Skoda's signature "Simply Clever" practical touches, including a ventilated wireless charging pad and a tablet-holder socket for rear passengers, and rated the car as knowing exactly what its audience wants without chasing unnecessary desirability. They found the driving experience competent rather than exciting, concluding the Kamiq's real strength lies in doing every practical job just well enough, in a way that will likely age better than flashier rivals' styling gimmicks.
Strengths
- Class-leading rear legroom and headroom for the segment
- Excellent boot space, matching cars a class above
- Clever, genuinely useful practical touches throughout the cabin
- Comfortable ride and light, accurate steering
Weak points
- Driving experience is competent rather than genuinely exciting
- No sliding rear seats or ski hatch, unlike some direct rivals
- Overpowered steering assistance provides limited road feel
- Top-spec 1.5-litre engine pushes pricing into a class above
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who prioritise genuine space and practicality over outright style or driving excitement. The mid-range 113bhp engine is the clear pick across both reviews — enough performance without pushing into pricier territory.