Skoda Kamiq vs Skoda Karoq:
The market for compact or baby SUVs is booming, both in sales and across showrooms. With the introduction of the newest addition to Skoda’s SUV range, the Kamiq offers buyers yet another tantalizing choice. The Skoda Kamiq is the smallest member in the SUV range, sitting in under its larger sibling the mid-sized Skoda Karoq, and billed as a successor for the quirky yet much loved Skoda Yeti.
Skoda Kamiq |
Skoda Karoq |
| Engine | |
| 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo petrol | 1.4 litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power and Torque | |
| 85kW/200Nm | 140kW/250Nm |
| Fuel Consumption | |
| 5.1L/100km | 5.4L/100km |
| Transmission | |
| Seven-speed dual-clutch auto | 8 seven-speed auto |
| Drive Type | |
| Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | |
| 1211kg | 1353kg |
| Boot space | |
| 400L, 1395L with rear seats down | 588L, 1810L with rear seats down |
Luxurious and capable, in this ultimate Skoda Kamiq review we will take a slightly different view and examine the SUV in a skoda kamiq vs Skoda karoq comparison.
The Skoda Kamiq has been designed to be compact on the outside and generously spacious on the inside. With Simply Clever features that just make sense and the latest tech, and a drive that keeps every road feeling smooth, this compact crossover is clever with space.
On the other hand we have the larger Skoda Karoq, a SUV that can grow and change with the needs of a small family. And the Karoq Sportline is a 4×4 all-wheel drive with a striking and sporty design and a powerful engine that allows you to take your adventures off-road.
Newcomer With Some New Looks
While keeping in general the same styling and design concept as its bigger siblings the Karoq and Kodiaq, the Skoda Kamiq does come with some distinctive features of its own, including a more upright grille and optional narrow LED running lights. These running lights are positioned above the main headlight units and feature animated ‘dynamic’ indicators.
Quality and Design
Though not sporting the most exciting interior cabin design the Kamiq is neat, clever and functional inside. With a good application of materials throughout the cabin, such as soft touch surfaces and leather trim, the Skoda Kamiq manages to feel more refined and expensive than some of its rivals, even though the affordable price tag does not reflect this.
The Skoda Karoq shares much of the same styling influences as the other SUV and big brother in the Skoda range, the Kodiaq. Metallic-effects and piano-black trim used around the sleek dashboard provide a touch of class. Nothing feels cheap, with a solid finish and construction.
One point of difference here is that the infotainment touchscreen on the Skoda Kamiq looks like a separate unit mounted onto the top portion of the dashboard, whereas in the Karoq the screen is embedded into the Centre console of the dashboard itself, lending to a more seamless and integrated look and feel.
Space and Practicality
There should be no complaints from anyone in either the front or rear of the Skoda Kamiq, with a good amount of head and leg space for all. And like with the rest of the Skoda range, it comes with many Simply Clever features such as an in-built umbrella holder and electric boot operation, smartphone connectivity, and wireless charging. Boot space starts at 400L, enough for a couple of large suitcases with a couple of school bags thrown in. This expands to just over 3 times in capacity at 1395L when you fold all the seats down.
Head and legroom is also good in the Karoq, although the optional panoramic sunroof does eat into the head room a little, especially if you’re seated in the rear. The Simply Clever features are the same as those found in the Kamiq and more. A couple of differences include a huge center console bin, and the ability to open the boot handsfree too. However, the boot space is where the Karoq outshines the Kamiq. Starting at 588L, it is almost one and half times bigger, and the Varioflex seating system allows customizability of space not found in the Kamiq. You get a maximum of a massive 1810L of space in the back if you remove all the rear seats. That’s big enough to fit around 67 yoga mats (we think).
Dimensions of the Skoda Kamiq and Skoda Karoq:
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kamiq | 4,241 | 1,793 | 1,531 | 2,651 |
| Skoda Karoq | 4,382 | 1,841 | 1,605 | 2,638 |
Driving Position and Visibility
Kamiq’s driving position is very good in overall terms, with plenty of adjustment available, including for the steering wheel position, seat height and having lumbar support.
In terms of height, the Kamiq is a little disappointing as it really isn’t too much higher off the ground than a regular hatchback. But the view and visibility in all directions is very good considering you aren’t seated especially high up.
In contrast, getting yourself comfortable in a Skoda Karoq is easy for just about anyone. The driving position is appreciably higher than that of its smaller sibling, offering a more commanding view of the road, allowing easier to get in and out of the car. The driver’s field of vision is one of the best for a family SUV.
Driving Performance and Handling
Under the hood of the regular Skoda Kamiq you will find a peppy 1.0-litre 85kW engine turbo petrol engine. Don’t be fooled by the size of the engine, as the acceleration is sufficiently quick, and it is capable at highway speeds and for the occasional overtaking. A slightly light steering touch and tighter turning circle make maneuvering around tight city streets and parking easy and effortless. The ride in a Kamiq is firm but not jarring, with speed bumps and rougher surfaces not posing much of a problem.
A more powerful 1.5-litre 110kW engine can be found in the Limited Edition and Monte Carlo trims of the Kamiq.
As you would expect for a larger vehicle the Karoq, you will find a larger engine. The 1.4 litre 110kW turbocharged engine is surprisingly efficient, with an acceleration slightly faster than the Kamiq. Riding in a Karoq is comfortable as they come, with the suspension able to smooth out bumps effortlessly. Accurate steering and good road grip gives you a sense of confidence as you make your way around the city.
The 4×4 Karoq Sportline houses a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 140kW of power, giving you that extra get up and go for more strenuous or some offroad activity.
So which one do we choose?
Having touched on some different aspects of the Skoda Kamiq and Karoq, we can see that they have been designed to cater for slightly different needs. The compact crossover Skoda Kamiq ideal for a couple starting out or anyone who value no fuss city driving, while the more versatile mid-sized Skoda Karoq makes a good fit for the growing family. Whatever your lifestyle requires, there is a Skoda SUV for you.
