Škoda Auto is comprehensively updating its Škoda Kamiq city SUV model series. It offers a very high level of active and passive safety, courtesy of a rigid body and a now even more advanced range of assistance systems. Being based on the same MQB-A0 platform, the Kamiq features efficient, modern TSI engines from the evo2 generation, with power outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). The Kamiq’s design adjustments lend it more rugged SUV appeal. It now comes with Škoda’s TOP LED Matrix headlights as an option – a first for these models. An increased proportion of recycled and natural materials for the exterior and interior ensures greater sustainability. The restructured product range for both models now consists of three trim levels with six interior variants along with optional equipment packages. A Digital Display with an 8-inch screen diagonal and an 8.25-inch Škoda Infotainment display already come as standard in all models. New Simply Clever details round off the refresh.
With its Kamiq models, Škoda Auto has successfully won over new customers for the brand. The Czech car manufacturer entered the booming city SUV segment with the new Kamiq. This model offers the advantages of an SUV such as a better view and more comfortable entry and exit courtesy of its raised seating position, along with greater ground clearance, and combines these features with the agility and handling of a compact car. As the third model in the Czech brand’s current SUV campaign, it quickly became a bestseller. More than 351,000 Kamiqs have rolled off the production line so far, making it the best-selling Škoda SUV in both 2021 and 2022, ahead of its popular big brothers, the Kodiaq and Karoq. The Kamiq has been delivered to customers in 60 markets worldwide.
More rugged looks and further increased SUV appeal
The revised Kamiq comes with striking changes to its front and rear. Thanks to its more rugged appearance, it exudes more SUV presence. Its Škoda grille is larger and stands more upright. The double slats characteristic of Škoda SUVs are now more distinctive and form a U-shape at the lower end. Below the grille, a painted section of the new front apron and a wide air intake with a three-dimensional mesh emphasise the vehicle’s width. Large air curtains incorporate the LED fog lights, which are standard from the Selection trim level upwards. A robust silver diffuser with three openings adds typical SUV underbody protection.
Distinctive hexagonal LED modules in the optional TOP LED Matrix headlights
The Kamiq’s characteristic split headlights now have new proportions. The upper light is slimmer than before and uses four sharply drawn crystalline stones to provide the daytime running lights. In addition to the full LED base variant, the Kamiq is now also available with TOP LED Matrix headlights. These feature distinctive hexagonal Matrix modules with a protective “chin”. Below is an additional spot light for enhanced high beam functionality. The entire headlight cluster sparkles with crystalline structures and is framed with chrome elements. The TOP LED Matrix headlights enable drivers to leave the high beam on permanently, without dazzling other road users. Oncoming vehicles are detected by a camera and automatically excluded from the light cone. The Kamiq Monte Carlo features the TOP LED Matrix headlights, which also include dynamic turn signals, as standard. In the LED tail lights, the split L-shaped light signature extending into the tailgate has been revised for the top variant (TOP LED tail lights) that includes dynamic turn signals (standard on Monte Carlo). The L-shaped reflectors and the rear fog light are visually linked to the rear lights.
Powerful rear section and large wheels
The Kamiq’s new rear apron emphasises the width of the vehicle with surfaces painted in body colour and a large black area for the diffuser. Another part of the diffuser is finished in silver and emphasises the car’s SUV character. The Škoda lettering on the tailgate reflects the new, updated Škoda CI. The Kamiq’s portfolio includes the silver 17‑inch Kajam alloy wheels with black aero inserts, the 18-inch Fornax wheels in silver and the 18-inch Ursa silver alloy wheels with black aero inserts. The Kamiq is available in two solid colours and seven metallic paint finishes and can also be ordered in the eye-catching Phoenix Orange metallic shade. Another option on offer for the Kamiq is the Colour Concept finish, with the roof, A‑pillar and exterior mirrors in contrasting black.
Top variant Kamiq Monte Carlo
Škoda is offering a sporty Monte Carlo lifestyle variant for the Kamiq, too. In this version, the frame of the Škoda grille, the exterior mirror caps, the side skirts, the roof rails and the lettering are traditionally finished in glossy black. This model also has an all-black diffuser. The front wings feature Monte Carlo badges. Standard equipment includes TOP LED Matrix headlights, LED fog lights with cornering light function, the panoramic roof and black tinting on the rear side windows and rear window (Sunset). The Kamiq Monte Carlo comes equipped with standard 17-inch Kajam wheels, boasting a brushed black finish with black aero inserts. Alternatively, the optional Monte Carlo version of the 18-inch Ursa wheels is finished in brushed black, without aero inserts.
Interior: Design variants and sustainable materials
Škoda has combined its update of the Kamiq with a restructuring of its product range. The new trim levels Essence, Selection and Monte Carlo offer a total of six interior variants. Using perfectly coordinated colours and materials, the Design Selections take their cues from modern living environments. The Design Selection “Studio” in the new Essence entry-level model comes with black fabric upholstery. The trim level Selection offers a choice of four different Design Selections. In the Design Selection “Loft”, for example, grey fabric is used for the seats and a decorative pad on the instrument panel, while the Design Selection “Lodge” comes with Suedia microfibre, again in grey. “Lodge” also features copper-coloured Hot-stamping and LED ambient lighting able to switch from white to red as standard. The multifunction steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever are covered in leather.
Comfortable or sporty with the design variants “Suite”, “Dynamic” and “Monte Carlo”
The comfort-oriented Design Selection “Suite” comes with leather-upholstered seats that can be heated and electrically adjusted as standard. The Hot-stamping has a chrome look. The Design Selection “Dynamic” is focused more strongly on sportiness. The sports seats with integrated headrests are partly upholstered with black Suedia, which is also used for the pad on the instrument panel, as in the Design Selection “Suite”. The roof lining is again black. Red Hot-stamping adds visual highlights. The pedals have an aluminium look. The sporty top model Monte Carlo offers even more visual highlights with the Design Selection also called “Monte Carlo”. Here the sports seats are upholstered in man-made Carbon leather, as are the decorative pad on the instrument panel and the door trim panels. The multifunction sports steering wheel has black stitching on the leather finish and bears a Monte Carlo badge. Adjustable LED ambient lighting is standard for the “Monte Carlo” variant as well.
Sustainable materials
In order to further reduce its vehicles’ CO2 footprint in production, Škoda Auto uses even more sustainable materials for the Kamiq than before – recycled materials for the upholstery, flooring and foot mats are complemented by natural, renewable raw materials. The door trim panels, for example, are partly made of fibres from hemp and kenaf, a type of hibiscus. The headliner also contains a proportion of these fibres for added strength.
Equipment packages and individual options
The restructured product range for the Kamiq offers popular optional equipment intelligently combined into packages in several categories. The Climatronic system, for example, which has been given a new, more intuitive control panel, can be ordered as part of the Technology package. The Assisted Drive package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Adaptive Lane Assist and Hands-on Detection, while Assisted Drive plus also offers Side Assist. The Winter package includes heating functions for the steering wheel and windscreen, while the various Convenience packages come with a reversing camera, Kessy keyless entry and an electric tailgate complete with Virtual Pedal. Individual options include an alarm system, a trailer tow hitch, heated rear seats, electric seat adjustment and a sound system.
Safety: A wealth of assistance systems and up to nine airbags
The Škoda Kamiq protects its occupants with numerous active and passive safety systems that contribute to preventing an accident or reducing the severity of its consequences. The SUV has very torsionally rigid bodies that include a high proportion of high-strength or specially hardened steel. This increases safety and also makes for improved handling and exceptional durability. In the event of an accident, up to nine airbags protect the occupants. Standard equipment for vehicles in the European Union includes airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as head airbags and side airbags at the front. A safety package with a driver’s knee airbag, rear side airbags and Crew Protect is available as an option. Crew Protect automatically closes open windows and tightens the front seat belts in the event of an imminent collision.
Wide range of assistance systems
Škoda offers a comprehensive range of assistance systems for the Kamiq, some of which are more commonly associated with higher vehicle categories. In the European Union, both models’ standard equipment includes Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. Manoeuvre Assist uses the rear parking sensors to detect potential obstacles when manoeuvring and automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if a collision is imminent. Hands-on Detection checks at regular intervals whether the driver has their hands on the steering wheel and is still in control of the vehicle. Side Assist, available as an option, warns of approaching vehicles from behind, up to a distance of 70 metres. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Adaptive Lane Assist are also available as options for the Kamiq. The latter system also recognises non-permanent lane markings, for example due to roadworks, and where appropriate performs active steering interventions to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
Connectivity: Touchscreens in two sizes and Wireless SmartLink
All variants of the Škoda Kamiq are always online. The Digital Display with a screen diagonal of eight inches is now standard; the optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit offers various layouts and can be configured to suit individual preferences. The Škoda Infotainment system has a free-standing central touchscreen display with a screen diagonal of 8.25 inches and two rotary buttons; the front is glazed. The system offers digital radio reception (DAB) as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and transferring audio signals from a smartphone. Two USB-C ports with 15 watts of power and four speakers are standard.
Navigation package and technology packages available as options
The infotainment system can be optionally expanded with additional packages. The navigation package includes a 9.2-inch Škoda Navigation display and the ability to control the system via the digital voice assistant Laura. The package also includes Wireless SmartLink, web radio and four additional speakers. The navigation maps are updated over the air. The Essence models can be upgraded with a technology package equipping them with four USB‑C ports that then also enable fast charging of mobile devices or even laptops at up to 45 watts. The Selection variants add an automatic anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror. The Technology Plus package also offers a further USB-C port on the interior mirror – ideal for connecting a dashcam, for example – as well as the Phone Box for inductive charging of compatible smartphones. Music lovers can choose the optional Škoda Sound System complete with a subwoofer in the spare wheel well.
Simply Clever: First Virtual Pedal in the A0 segment
Škoda’s signature Simply Clever ideas are small features that make everyday use of the vehicle easier. These include, for example, the umbrella in the driver’s door, the parking ticket holder on the A-pillar and the ice scraper with tyre tread depth gauge in the fuel filler flap. The refresh of the Kamiq has now added some Simply Clever features that were previously available for other models made by the Czech car manufacturer. The Virtual Pedal, for instance, is now for the first time available on a Škoda in the A0 segment. It enables drivers to use a foot movement to open the optional electric tailgate – ideal for when you’re carrying shopping, for example, and don’t have a hand free.
Transfer of ideas from other Škoda models and new packages
In addition to the Virtual Pedal, Simply Clever features previously available for other Škoda models are now being introduced to the revised Kamiq. These include smartphone storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, familiar from the Enyaq and the fourth-generation Octavia and Fabia. Another Fabia feature is the self-affixing and easily removable box on the central tunnel, which allows rear passengers to store small items and also includes a flexible cupholder. Two optional Simply Clever packages are part of the restructured product range. The basic version includes cargo elements, a 12 V socket, a net package and top tether hooks in the boot as well as a net under the rear shelf. The Plus package includes a removable compartment between the rear seats, storage compartments under the front seats, several brackets designed to hold multimedia devices and the clever, automatically unfolding door edge protector.
