After some time we tested the access step to the range of Skoda Kamiq , equipped with the 1.0 TSI of 95 hp in the Ambition equipment level, this time it is the top-of-the-range variant with a petrol engine that is the subject of review.
It is still equipped with the same 1.0 TSI, but here it has another 21 hp, delivering 116 hp in total and is associated with a DSG (double clutch) gearbox with seven relations. Also the equipment level is the highest Style.
Will it be worth it to your humblest brother?
Typically Skoda
Aesthetically, the Kamiq adopts a sober look typical of Skoda models. Interestingly, this one is closer to a crossover than an SUV, courtesy of the lack of plastic shields and low ground clearance.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Inside, sobriety remains the watchword, being well complemented by solid assembly and materials that are pleasant to the touch at the main points of contact.
The quality of assembly and materials is in good shape.
As Fernando Gomes told us when testing the base version of the Kamiq, ergonomics lost a little with the abandonment of some physical controls that allow you to control the air conditioning or radio volume.
As for the habitable space and the versatility of the interior of this Kamiq, I'll echo Fernando's words as my own, as he proves to be one of the best proposals in the segment in this chapter.
With 400 liters of capacity, the Kamiq's luggage compartment is on average in the segment.
triple personality
For a start, and common to all Kamiq, we have a slightly lower driving position than you would expect in an SUV. In any case, let's go comfortable and the new steering wheel not only has a pleasant feel, as its controls “lend” a more premium aura to the Czech model.
Already underway, the Kamiq molds itself to the driver's needs (and mood) through the already common driving modes — Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual (this allows us to make an à la carte mode).
In total we have four driving modes.
In “Eco” mode, in addition to the engine's response appearing to be calmer, the DSG box gains a special aptitude for raising the ratio as quickly (and as early) as possible. The result? Fuel consumption can go down to 4.7 l/100 km on the open road and at stabilized speed, a calm character that forces you to step on the accelerator with more impetus to wake up the 116 hp and remind the fast DSG gearbox that it has to reduce its ratio.
In "Sport" mode, we have the exact opposite. The steering becomes heavier (a little too much for my taste), the gearbox “holds” the ratio longer before changing (engine makes more rotation) and the accelerator becomes more sensitive. Everything goes faster and, although the performances are not stunning (nor would it be expected that they were), the Kamiq gains a hitherto unknown at ease.
The most curious thing is that even so, consumption remains at quite acceptable levels, not going above 7 to 7.5 l/100 km, even when we use and abuse the engine's potential.
Finally, the “Normal” mode appears, as always, as a compromise solution. The steering has the most pleasant weight of “Eco” mode without the engine adopting its seeming lethargy; the box changes ratio sooner than in “Sport” mode, but it doesn't always look for the highest ratio. What about consumptions? Well, those on a mixed circuit with highway, national roads and the city walked by 5.7 l/100 km, a more than acceptable value.
Finally, in the dynamic chapter, I return to Fernando's analysis. Comfortable and stable on the highway (where soundproofing doesn't disappoint either), the Skoda Kamiq is guided, above all, by predictability.
Without being as fun on a mountain road as the Hyundai Kauai or the Ford Puma, the Kamiq has a high level of efficiency and safety, something always pleasant in a model with family pretensions. At the same time, he has always been able to maintain his composure, even when the floor is far from perfect.
Is the car right for me?
The Skoda Kamiq has in its top gasoline version a proposal that is guided by balance. To the inherent qualities of the entire range (space, robustness, sobriety or simply clever solutions) this Kamiq adds a little more “joy” to the wheel, courtesy of a 116 hp 1.0 TSI that turned out to be a good ally.
Compared to the 95 hp version, it offers better resourcefulness without passing an effective bill in the field of consumption — an advantage when we travel more often than less with the car loaded — and the only difference is the price difference compared to the variant with less engine powerhouse which, on the same level of equipment, starts at €26 832 — around €1600 more affordable.
The unit we tested, however, came with some optional equipment that made its price rise to 31,100 euros. Well, for not much more, 32,062 euros, we've already been able to access the biggest Karoq with the same engine, the same level of equipment, but manual gearbox.