In hindsight, the Kamiq is the model to watch though, as a small crossover it’s in a very popular segment, on the back of a very strong demand for SUVs in 2020, and is one of the least expensive Continental cars of this type. 

Like the Scala, the Kamiq runs on the VW MQB-A0 platform but isn’t a tiny, compact SUV. At 4,241mm long, 1,793mm wide, and 1,559mm tall, with a 2,651mm wheelbase, it’s a step down in size compared to mainstream small SUVs like the Honda HR-V, but larger than a ‘true’ compact SUV like the Kia Stonic. Much like the closely-related VW T-Cross, you can see the Kamiq as either a small, small SUV or a one of the largest compact crossovers.

As a result, Skoda claims the car has the longest wheelbase in the ‘city SUV segment’ (aka compact SUV).

Its closest direct rivals here would be the Seat Arona and Renault Captur. As a small, funky SUV you can see Skoda’s concessions to style with the separate daytime running light section, small split-headlights, a front and rear bash plate, and relatively upright stance with large windows and tall seating position.

The Kamiq is the smallest SUV of the Skoda range to date, slotting in under the seven-seat Kodiaq and the Karoq

The Kamiq is specced very similar to the Scala, having the same engines, platform, and trim levels – there’s a sole 1.5-litre engine option, and three trim variants: Ambition, Style, and Monte Carlo. 

150hp and 250Nm equals identical acceleration, 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, but a top speed of 211km/h.. It scores slightly worse –  5.6L/100km – in fuel consumption, with CO2 emissions of 128g/km meaning it’s also eligible for VES B (neutral).

While the Kamiq is an SUV, it actually has a smaller boot than the Scala – 400-litres, expandable to 1,395-litres, but that’s a good capacity of a car of this size.

The entry-level Ambition variant at S$119,900 with COE, comes with 17-inch wheels, LED lights (front, rear, DRL, though fog lamps and indicators are halogens), an LCD panel with conventional instruments, and steering wheel controls. It doesn’t miss out on contemporary tech either – while it has the most basic 6.5-inch ‘Swing’ touchscreen infotainment, the system does have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, and there’s a wireless device charger too. 

The Style variant brings more equipment to the table for S$125,900 with COE.  Visual upgrades include 18-inch wheels, LED lights that have dynamic LED indicators, there are front fog lights with a cornering light feature, silver roof rails, and you’ll also see a powered tailgate.

Inside, there’s powered driver’s seat, ambient lighting, paddle shifters, and a fully digital driver’s instrument panel (Virtual Cockpit), while the car also adds lane keeping/assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control to its active safety set. 

And just like the Scala, the Kamiq’s Monte Carlo is the most expensive model of the range and packs all the same sporty details, though it looks like a relative bargain at only S$2k over the Kamiq Style, at S$127,900 with COE.

It includes special 18-inch wheels, Monte Carlo badging, a new rear diffuser in gloss black, and the grille, mirrors, bumper additions, Skoda lettering, all in gloss black as well, plus a panoramic sunroof. Inside there’s a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and a carbon trim piece. 

At that price though, you can step up a size to the base Karoq Style SUV with more space, but less equipment.

Stay tuned to CarBuyer for our review of both cars very soon!

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