Louth Motors: Why the Skoda Kamiq Shines
With 10mm, Bicycles, Eggcups and a Magic Platform this is as sound a car that's around
MQB A0? The what? Exactly. It’s the name VW gave to the platform on which they built the Kamiq, their smallest subcompact crossover - or SUV as everybody calls them because they have a higher seating position.
For instance, the Skoda Scala is built on the same platform and its seat height is 579mm whereas the Kamiq’s seat height is 589mm. Mathematics geniuses amongst you will show that that’s a difference of 10mm. Is that enough of a difference to tempt you to buy the SUV varian? It certainly wouldn't sway me.
Optically, they look higher but the reality is a lot less than you think. A great website to compare seat heights is ridc.org.uk to make sure you are getting what you think you are getting in terms of higher seating. They also do a lot more measurements and are a great independent resource.
Now, the reason I drew your attention to this platform is because the Seat Arona also uses this platform and I adored that car. It is also used by the Seat Ibiza, a wonderful, practical little car that's not so little. But the Skoda Kamiq eclipsed both of these. It just shows that because they are made from the same components it doesn't mean they are the same cars. Skoda has made the Kamiq feel more refined and more comfortable.
A major contributor to this is the wheelbase which Skoda has made as long as possible. It felt more supple than the Arona and felt a much more comfortable car despite the Arona, with its sportier setup, not being in any way an uncomfortable car.
That makes the Arona a more spirited and sporty drive whereas the Kamiq leans more towards comfort. Where I am currently in my life-driving journey means I am more attracted to comfort for everyday use.
If I was simply out for a spin I love a car with a sportier set up. Driving modes help but if it is designed to be either or from the start, the modes don't really cut the mustard to deliver both.
I was smitten from the first drive in the Kamiq. It is as complete a car as I and most of you would need. It’s spacious and an all-round sensible car. It is well equipped and rather than say good looking I’d say not bad looking.
The styling for 2026 includes sharper headlights that you can now get as full LED Matrix lights, revised grille and bumpers, all digital cockpit, larger infotainment screen, more recycled materials, a virtual kick-operated electric tailgate and sees a welcome reversal to physical knobs and buttons for climate control. My battle continues but it’s nice to see that some car companies are listening to reviewer and driver feedback. Up with this kind of thing.
Because of that longer wheelbase the Kamiq feels much more planted on the road. There’s less pitching and reduced bounce. You also don't have to constantly adjust the steering wheel making for a more relaxed trip. Sudden road surface changes are handled brilliantly to retain passenger comfort.
Those passengers in the back have a lot of legroom too and the space above their heads for even the tallest passengers is fine. Noise levels are low and Skoda have done a great job of creating an environment that’s very conducive to comfort and relaxed travel. It passed my bicycle loading test taking a bike in full with just the rear seats dropped demonstrating the practicality of the car. There's also a large and usable glovebox (why do we still call it that?) that's increasingly rare. Car companies will do all sorts of fancy tricks to open it only to reveal the carry capacity of two eggcups.
The car is powered by a 1.0 litre TSI engine, which has two power outputs: 95hp or 115hp. I had the 115hp version coupled to a - speed manual gearbox. Yes, a manual gearbox that was an utter delight to drive and perfectly weighted. Again, up with this kind of thing. That engine delivers good performance and won't have you wondering if it is underpowered at all. I managed an average return of 6.4l/100km with the long term trip meter showing 5.7l/100km which may be more reflective.
A platform may not be the first thing you think of when buying a car but Skoda has shown that by applying engineering ingenuity and challenging themselves further they have made a better car with the same ingredients - and they continually do that. The only fly in the Kamiq ointment that I see is the price. The entry price is €29,270, make no mistake, is very good against the competitors.
But, the entry price for the Skoda Scala is €26,775. The question is, for that extra 10mm in height are you prepared to pay €2,495?
The Scala gets a larger boot at 467 litres v the 400 litres in the Kamiq, the same engine with matching performance and fuel economy. If those extra millimetres are your goal the Kamiq is for you. If you do a bit of homework and test-driving then you may opt for the Scala. Either way you’ll be in as sound a car that's around.