Review of Skoda Kodiaq 85TSI Style finds top performer … at a price

Skoda’s compact European base model makes a comeback after supply delays stalled sales … but there’s now a price premium

Buying a car has never been so weighted to the seller.

Covid, followed by semiconductor and transport logistical nightmares have conspired against anyone chasing a new, or used, car.

Those issues are beginning to ease, yet the economy in Europe remains challenging … and pundits here are predicting that is good news for our market. The flow-on effect is forecast to mean more European models will be headed our direction.

The Skoda Kamiq has been a victim of the current industry battles. Once starting from about $30,000 drive-away, limited numbers have seen the asking price climb by about 25 per cent.

Currently there are a few Style models which start from $38,000 once on-roads are settled.

Inside the Skoda Kamiq Style, which includes an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and push button start.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: From the outset it looks refined without being too expensive.

GRANT: Skoda has always been the more affordable option compared to its company sibling, Volkswagen. The Kamiq was News Corp’s Car of the Year a couple of years back, but they have been in limited numbers since.

KEL: We’ve had the larger Kodiaq previously for an extended loan and quickly became a fan of the brand. I loved the darts and small inclusions, like umbrellas hidden in the front doors.

GRANT: Rolls-Royce does the same thing (only with gigantic golf style versions). The Kamiq was a bargain buy for about $30k, but the price hike delivers a new perspective.

KEL: Cloth trim and a nice but basic cabin, I would have estimated less than the price it’s now commanding.

GRANT: The features list includes 18-inch alloys, eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start along with the crisp digital display for the driver and electric boot. It’s certainly not short of equipment although those who got in a couple of years ago would feel like they got a bargain.

KEL: I like the exterior design, it possesses the European persona.

GRANT: Buyers chasing a vibrant version have to pay an extra $1100 for red or orange colour schemes, while metallic grey, white, silver, blue or black are an additional $550.

The base model Skoda Kamiq Style.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Apart from the umbrellas, which are always a talking point with friends, it’s an easy and well designed cabin.

GRANT: The leather flat-bottom steering wheel felt sporty, and the dual zone aircon controls are quickly accessed via circular knobs rather than having to go through the main screen – like we’ve seen in some Volkswagen models.

KEL: Given the dimensions I was expecting it to be too tight for a family.

GRANT: We didn’t have any issues with the two growing boys in the back but it was confined for three adults across the back seat on a longer road trip.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: While it has some nice piano black and silver finishes, there are some hard plastics through the console.

GRANT: That’s indicative of the price point, but in Skoda’s defence most of the areas you touch most have the better finishes.

KEL: There were no front parking sensors.

GRANT: That’s among the missing items, and while they are standard on the rear it costs

$1250 for rear traffic alert and blind spot warning.

The hidden umbrella in the Skoda Kamiq.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Once under way the experience was fine, although I found it sluggish on occasions at low speed.

GRANT: That’s partly attributed to the dual-clutch automatic and the turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It can take a couple of seconds to fire if you call for rapid acceleration and the 0-100km time is a relaxed 10 seconds.

KEL: Well mannered, I actually liked the drive and found the Kamiq to be balanced and easy in all conditions.

GRANT: It’s one of the best drives in terms of steering control and poise in the segment. The more powerful 110kW versions with a 1.5-litre turbo would be the pick for those wanting greater acceleration prowess in the Monte Carlo and Signature editions.

Boot space in the Skoda Kamiq is a reasonable 400L.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Great internal space and European style, I’d be tempted as it really suited out family needs. The price hike would make me second-guess, although just about everything seems expensive at the moment.

GRANT: A brilliant compact SUV, this base model was unavailable for a time due to supply issues. I’d be keen to invest an extra $4k to get additional power and features missing on this model.