FIRST DRIVE New tech and styling tweaks boost popular small SUV
Ellis Hyde Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk@EllisDrives
SKODA has become known to many for its SUVs in recent years, whether that be the boxy and beloved Yeti, all-electric Enyaq or seven-seat Kodiaq. But right now, its best-selling SUV globally is also its smallest; the Skoda Kamiq arrived in 2019, and remains a rival to big-hitters such as the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and VW T-Cross.
Being in one of the most hotly contested segments of the new-car market means competition is fierce, and there are fresh or facelifted models arriving on nearly a bi-monthly basis. So Skoda decided it was high time that the Kamiq was given its own mid-life spruce-up, including styling refinements and new technology.
The aim with the design updates was to give the Kamiq a more robust look. Up front, the grille is bigger and stands more upright, while the bumper has been tweaked to emphasise the car’s width and incorporate a new silver three-slot diffuser that Skoda claims provides underbody protection. It’s probably not rated for rock crawling, but it does help the car to look a little tougher.
The Kamiq’s distinctive daytime running lights still feature, but are much thinner than before. The main light units are chunkier and available for the first time with matrix-LED tech – standard on top-spec models, or as an optional extra lower down the range.
Infotainment
Every Kamiq has dual displays, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Entry-level SE cars get an eight-inch digital instrument panel and an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but our European-spec test car featured the upgraded 9.2-inch display that UK SE L models will also get. This is crisp and very quick to respond. The car also had the equally sharp 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit screen that will be fitted to SE L Kamiqs in the UK. There are various layouts to choose from, including full-screen mapping.
Also new are the USB-C charging ports that can deliver up to 45 Watts of power, which is enough juice to charge a laptop. Meanwhile, the wireless charging pad is three times more powerful (up to 15 Watts), and has a cooling function to prevent your smartphone from getting too hot.
Skoda knows it’s the little touches such as these that buyers appreciate. Plus the brand has not added fiddly touch-sensitive climate controls as part of
