Skoda Kamiq - Engines, performance and drive
Positive controls and torquey petrol engines mean the Skoda Kamiq is a doddle to drive
Access to MQB technology has enabled Skoda to offer a range of very tried-and-tested engine options in the Kamiq, although hybrid fans will have to look elsewhere. Diesel engines were dropped from the line-up a few years back, too, so that leaves a choice of three petrol variants.
The range kicks off with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI, which offers 94bhp and 175Nm of torque, but if you can stretch to the version with 114bhp and 200Nm, we’d recommend it. Above those options sits a more potent 1.5-litre unit. This gains a cylinder and an extra 34bhp and 50Nm of torque over the mid-range 1.0 TSI, which – in a car that weighs a fairly modest 1,277-1,289kg (depending on the transmission) – delivers very strong performance.
Both engines are very accomplished. The 1.0-litre’s three-cylinder layout transmits subtle vibrations into the cabin, but its engine note always remains low-key. The 1.5 unit sounds a little more revvy and is smoother under hard acceleration, remaining refined even when it’s being worked hard.
The six-speed manual gearboxes are very light and slick to use, while the dual-clutch automatics are particularly responsive. Our one criticism of the auto is that it can be a little hesitant and jerky when moving off from rest. This makes precise, low-speed manoeuvres such as parking a little trickier than they should be.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Kamiq 1.0 TSI 95PS | 94bhp | 11.0 seconds | 113mph |
| Kamiq 1.0 TSI 116PS | 114bhp | 9.7 seconds | 121mph |
| Kamiq 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG | 114bhp | 10.2 seconds | 121mph |
| Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS | 148bhp | 8.3 seconds | 132mph |
What is the Skoda Kamiq like to drive?
It’s not a car that will set hearts racing, but the Kamiq’s on-road manners tick all of the required boxes, and the Skoda generally ranks towards the top of its class in most areas.
In town
The Kamiq’s steering is light yet precise, which combined with dimensions that aren’t much larger than a supermini’s, makes it very easy to drive around town. The brakes take a little time to acclimatise to, because they are quite sharp at the top of their travel, but they feel strong.
Used - available now
2023 Skoda
Kamiq
56,575 milesManualPetrol1.5L
Cash £11,787
2023 Skoda
Kamiq
24,595 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £13,983
2023 Skoda
Kamiq
11,499 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £14,649
2023 Skoda
Kamiq
15,456 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £15,549Ride comfort is, in general, among the best in the class. Aside from larger potholes, which can cause bigger thuds in the cabin than in rivals such as the Jeep Avenger, it remains a comfortable place to be.
On A- and B-roads
There are very few cars in the small SUV segment – Ford Puma excepted – that are actually fun to drive. But the accuracy of all the Kamiq’s major controls – plus the strong performance of its most potent petrol option – mean that it’s better than most in that regard.
The handling has a very subtle, nose-heavy bias, the grip is strong and it feels reasonably light on its feet. The suspension’s overall softness allows the driver to have a strong idea of just how much grip is available, and it’s easy to cover ground smoothly. Harsh bumps can send shocks through the cabin, but the suspension keeps the car on course even when it hits a sudden mid-corner lump.
On the motorway
The ride is at its best on the more settled surface of a motorway, where its overall softness manages to soak up longer compressions with ease. Stability is great, while road and wind noise are fairly well isolated compared with other cars in the class.
Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed
Of course, the fastest version of the Kamiq is the one powered by the 148bhp 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. A 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds means that there’s more than enough power for everyday driving and longer journeys, while the car’s top speed is 132mph. The DSG auto has the same 0-62mph time as the manual model.
The 1.0 TSI three-cylinder in 94bhp guise is capable of 0-62mph in 11 seconds, while the torque spread from low revs is useful for keeping pace with urban traffic. This model has a top speed of 113mph.
The Kamiq powered by the 114bhp version of the 1.0 TSI can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, while adding the DSG auto sees that time grow to 10.2 seconds. Both of these cars have a 121mph top speed.
