Skoda Kamiq - Reliability and safety
Skoda needs to pull its finger out to reinstate its reputation with owners
Skoda finished a relatively mediocre 23rd out of 32 brands in the best car manufacturer rankings of our 2024 Driver Power survey, which is disappointing, given that owners used to be so keen on their cars that the firm regularly placed within the top five only a few years ago.
The Kamiq was awarded a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP in its crash tests, with a stellar 96 per cent score for adult occupant safety. It scored 85, 80 and 76 per cent in the Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist categories, respectively. The closely related Volkswagen T-Cross recorded higher safety scores, beating the Kamiq by a few per cent in each category. It’s a shame that Skoda charges extra for a driver’s knee airbag and rear side airbags, though, and they’re part of a pack, too, costing around £700.
| Key standard safety features | Euro NCAP safety rating |
|
|
Warranty
All Skoda models are covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty and AA roadside assistance for the same period. The warranty can be extended up to five years and 100,000 miles at extra cost. Prices range from £250 to increase it to four years/80,000 miles, £280 for a four-year/100,000-mile extension, or a little over £500 for a five-year/100,000-mile policy.
Servicing
Skoda offers a two-year service plan for the Kamiq, which costs just over £500. This can be broken down into more manageable payments of around £22 per month spread over the full 24-month term.
What do owners think?
Here’s what owners in the 2024 Driver Power survey thought of the Skoda Kamiq.
| What they like | What they don't like |
| “Impressive passenger and boot space. There’s usually two of us, but it can cope with five, which is amazing.” | “I knew the boot was smaller than my Octavia’s, but it really is small. I can’t even fit in two full-size cases.” |
| “Some of the interior could be plusher, but everything fits well and works easily, including the key buttons.” | “The stereo and nav should be controlled through the screen, but the heating and ventilation shouldn’t.” |
| “It fits into my 1980s garage, unlike just about every other car in this market segment, because they’re too wide.” | “I’ve had problems that should have been dealt with quickly, but 18 months later they’re still unresolved.” |
| “It’s hard to distinguish the interior quality and ride comfort from more expensive vehicles.” | “The engine has an intermittent knocking sound that’s getting worse. The dealer says it’s normal.” |
| “I don’t think there is anything to improve with the car. It’s great and we are very pleased with it.” | “The hi-fi’s sound quality is good, but it’s incompatible with my iPod Touch, so I’ve had to buy a USB stick.” |
| “It costs me £150 each month to drive a nice-looking, safe, comfy and reliable car. Top banana!” | |
| “The ride quality is a little bit fidgety over bumpy roads, but my Kamiq glides along the rest of the time. I owned a succession of Jaguars and the ride quality of those wasn’t usually much better than my Skoda’s!” | |
| “I’ve had the car for three years and the inside still feels as nice as on the first drive. The seats are comfy, as is the driving position. The quality doesn’t feel like much of a step down from my previous BMW.” | |
| “There is exceptional interior space relative to the car’s dimensions. I’ve had people in the back seats who are six feet tall, and they were comfortable with no complaints. There’s also a good-sized boot that’s nice and square, complete with a flat floor.” |
Tell us what you think of your car! Take the Driver Power survey…
