2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-out new car review

A well known brand has wound the clock back on the price of its standout small SUV making it more affordable for everyday Aussies to get into a new ride.

Skoda has slashed the entry price of its Kamiq compact SUV to $32,990 drive-away.

The new model, badged simpy as the Run-out, has less equipment and a smaller, recently reintroduced 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine.

The asking price is still $3000 more than when the car launched in 2020, but Skoda believes the effects of inflation and an extra two years of warranty (seven in total) make the Run-out better value.

The Skoda Kamiq Run-out has a sharp drive-away price.

As the name suggests, the cheapest SUV in the Skoda range will be a limited-run variant ahead of a mildly updated model that will continue with the smaller engine.

Skoda Australia managing director Michael Irmer says the sharpening of the pencil is partly about responding to cost of living pressures.

“With the economic pressures we have seen on the back of the rate rises and the Australian population clearly struggling from that … we’re going to be responding to this,” says Irmer.

“We have started introducing entry models. They might be entry models to our range but they’re not necessarily your typical entry models.”

It has plenty of safety equipment.

The Kamiq Run-out comes with 17-inch alloys (an inch smaller than other models), smart key entry, a leather steering wheel, ambient lighting and the trademark Skoda umbrella tucked into one of the doors. There’s also a quartet of USB-C ports and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Existing Skoda owners can also get a further $2200 off as part of a loyalty program.

The Run-out also has blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert as part of its active safety systems, but adaptive cruise control is missing. Other omissions, available on pricier Kamiqs, include a digital driver display, wireless phone charger and powered tailgate.

It comes with a small three-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine makes a modest 85kW, but a turbocharger gives it meaty mid-range response and 200Nm of torque to play with for everyday driving.

It’s plenty for zipping around the suburbs and even holds its own the open road.

The seven-speed twin-clutch auto helps with crisp shifts and a sensible spread of ratios that plays to the engine’s mid-rev strengths.

Dial up Sport mode and it’ll more assertively shift down a gear or two in preparation for accelerating.

It can be jerky when taking off, though. The twin-clutch transmission needs to build revs before unleashing, so apply too much throttle and there’s a moment’s pause before things get going.

The interior lacks some hi-tech features of pricier variants.

At any speed, though, there’s the characterful aural accompaniment of three cylinders working hard. At the very least it’s a welcome change from generic four-cylinders.

The Kamiq’s real talent is the way it manages a big car feel on the road.

From the classy leather-wrapped steering wheel to the planted stance through bends, the Kamiq delivers on its European dynamics.

It’s not the most comfortable ride among small SUVs, but rewards with cornering crispness and a nicely controlled body.

It's a car that’s not only enjoyable on the right road but confident and reassuring in all situations.

The Kamiq is bigger than many competitors.

And while the Kamiq is officially a small SUV it’s bigger than many rivals.

Legroom in the back won’t allow you to stretch out, but headroom will accommodate adults and there’s ample space for a couple of larger frames or a trio of little ones.

There are air vents to the rear, too, as well as two USB-C ports to complement those up front. Those in the back even have map lights overhead.

There’s belt tightening elsewhere, though.

Whereas most cars have a button-operated park brake, the Kamiq continues with an old school manual handbrake.

And while the digital instrument cluster of other Kamiqs lifts the dark and formal interior it’s a small price to pay given the tempting price of entry.

Ultimately that’s the appeal of the Kamiq Run-out. It’s a car not trying to hide its position in life.

And with the basics done well it makes for a tempting counterpunch to fresher rivals.

VERDICT 4/5

Limited-run, budget-priced addition to small SUV model trades some of the glitzy trinkets for sharper value while still delivering on space and driving nous.

SKODA KAMIQ RUN-OUT

Price: From $32,990 drive-away

Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, 85kW/200Nm

Warranty/servicing: 7 yrs/unlimited km, $2900 for 7 yrs/105,000km

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert

Thirst: 5.6L/100km

Spare: Space-saver

Boot: 400L

Originally published as 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-out new car review