Our Kamiq is hands down the best mini suv that we have owned. Surprisingly well equipped and the build quality is light years ahead of our 21 Polo. Great informative review.
Have a Kamiq Signature now for 1 year and 36,000 kms driven. Recommend it if you want a little more fancy version of this. 1.5L in the Signature is an excellent engine and faster than it needs to be. Still have 6 years warranty left...pretty happy with that. If anyone is looking at this variant, would loo for some dealer demo's, there seem to be some good bargains out there closer to 30k than 40k
Once you drive/own a Skoda, you will be happy. But the servicing at the dealerships leads a lot to be desired. Have owned a Karoq for four years. Never been happy with the yearly service though.
Interested to hear more of your experience. I'm now into year 4 with our 2019 Karoq and we've had excellent service from the dealer (who we didn't actually buy the car from but are considerably more convenient).
@@chasingcars 1st year service had money stolen from ashtray. 2nd year service onwards reported blinker light sensor? In drivers side mirror sometimes doesn’t work ( intermittent problem which I understand is hard to diagnose if it doesn’t present itself) The temporary fix is to turn engine off and turn back on again. Still problematic at times. 4th Service I requested a car wash and was told it was done. I then took the service manager out to the car and showed him the cobwebs still on the vehicle ( it wasn’t done). 4th service, rear brake rotor parts had to be replaced and they didn’t have parts in stock. Needed to courier them in. Expensive. Maybe its location specific (Warwick Farm Sydney) Maybe it’s not. Don’t know.
I drive a Karoq Sportline. Skoda cars are not well known in Australia, although plenty have been sold. They’re owned by and based on VW platforms, but in my humble opinion offer far more for your money than equivalent VW’s. Build quality is superb. The driving experience in modern Skoda’s is as close to perfect as I’ve ever driven, comfort, safety and drivability are fabulous. The Kamiq is a great car, but I like my larger Karoq, which is joy to drive and own.
Maybe I got some sort of lemon but I wouldn't say build quality is superb. Squeaks and rattles everywhere in the dash. Depends on temperature what ones I get it seems.
Also, if your car has a squeaky dashboard, take it to the dealer under warranty. We have two Karoq’s, a Launch Edition bought new in 2018, absolutely squeak free and drives perfectly and just like new, and the new SportLine which is beautifully built and drives superbly and smoothly.
I've ordered the Signature variant (wanted leather seats and the larger screen). It's a seriously nice car to drive, handling is really satisfying, and it feels like it has enough punchiness to make it enjoyable to drive around the city (granted, the signature has a bit more grunt than the Style). This will be our family's second car, replacing a 2017 Audi S3, and I'm happy enough with the driving experience to make the switch. Our other car is a Tiguan.
@@MrRiffbear1 I ordered in feb for a pickup in May. There is plenty of stock though so depending on colour and option packs that you want you might get one immediately. I’m used to filling up with 98 so it’s not really a concern for me, keep in mind that the fuel consumption is quite good for the Kamiq.
I bought what I believe is the first of few 1.5TSI Kamiq's with a manual transmission that came into the country in late 2021 and absolutely love it! The power and torque are very impressive, and the manual - although not the best manual gearbox I've driven (that goes to a series 2 Honda Euro back in the day) - makes it so enjoyable to drive! I've even dabbled with a cold air intake, with a throttle controller on the way! I feel like this car achieves so much, and my only regret is knowing my family will one day outgrow it. Sadly the days of manual transmissions are nearing an end and if this is the last I own, then I'm happy knowing I made a great choice!
I’ve got one of these on loan at the moment. Nice little car, with a huge boot for the class. Very quiet on the road and suspension is great. I do find it underpowered though and there is a lot of hesitation with the DCT. It really does take a while to get going.
I really like Skodas, they are terrific. This little gem seems the perfect runaround vehicle for people who don’t need a big car. Excellent review, thankyou
Bought it may 24 $33k drive away, based on reviews and test drive, in practice great to drive (and 6ft 4in if me easily tits through the doors which was impossible in modern sedans & hatches) Hints 1. it is in economy D1,2,3 etc on screen, until you pull the T bar in D back and release, then you are in S1,2,3 etc better engine and gearbox performance, pull T back again to revert to D. 2. I prefer the stop start off, so less lag when, pulling into traffic from stopped
You don’t get any of that as standard the wireless charging pad, auto tailgate, you only get 3 years warrantee that’s in the UK might be different where you are still bought one today very excited!
Here's another pro: accordign to Euro NCAP, this car is even SAFER than Volvo XC40!!! (in overall rating) Please feel free to correct me in anything. I'm very new to learning about cars and I'd love to avoid the Dunning-Kruger effect.
It was a huge bargain when it first launched. Probably even underpriced at $28K driveaway with power tailgate, LEDs, keyless access etc. Like so many cars the price pressure has been heaped on since COVID. Even at $38K it deserves a look-in, though, as it's quite a bit more practical and considerably more premium than several SUVs in the class above…
I have just bought one after lots of research and test driving. For me, the extra $s was worth it given the the overall build, drive, comfort, and inclusions.
PS great review I got a 2022 model missed out on the elctrical assisted boot and it is heavy, but wow . not driven for 11 years and took me half an hour to get use to automatic but again wow. i got a black one and again it look great in black and look like your driving a lot of car especially when freshly machined washed. This car design suits black driven from london to manchester and back over this year and last. all, wearthers and again wow. Air con hardly affect petrol system really efficent. On really trouble free motorway driving i am sure it doing better than the specs. wimp out on the 1.5 ltre to save petrol and was advise by skoda that the 1 ltre auto was the best all round model and after driving it for a year(motability scheme). i got to agree. I got an SE L trim automatic 1 litre dual tubo with 7 speed automatic gearbox and even with 4 big ruby players in the car (i Had to give it more gass pedal) it still handle the extra weight ) and they fitted in bit off a squeeze in the back but we talking large fellows. I saw the reviews best in class. i did find it took a few months to get use to space awarness as in driving through gabs , parking and general feel for the size of the motor and really getting to grip with knowing the motor but know i have it like the car feels apart of me. humm skoda and the art of zen hehehe love this car it a real pleasure driving it even in traffic as it so easy to drive slowly or whip it up when needed , it really smooth and responsive. recommend but not not for boy racers or hard core petrol heads . as there nothing to tweek and it design to keep you safe not land you in Jail.. PS great review
How mank km to a full tank and does the boot store a pram. Keen to see reviews with pram space and baby seat. 5.5 l km combined seems way to low man. Is it extra urban or combined or just urban
That fuel figure is for a combined road loop that included country and urban roads. You'll want to look at a larger vehicle if you need to store a pram, but depending on the size of it, you could certainly head down to the dealership and try it out.
I've had my 1.5L Kamiq for 2 years and 15,000km now. My long term average is currently sitting on 6.4L/100km in mainly suburban driving with some freeway trips about once a month. On extended highway runs it's normal to see it drop to 4.8L/100km or even less when conditions are right ie. flat roads, minimal traffic.
The steering wheel really isn't that good to hold. No doubts it's synthetic (I own one) as it feels almost like plastic. Upside of that is I don't think it will go shiny if cared for like the better feeling mazda one has.
Haven’t driven a CX-30 but I’ve sat in one. The Kamiq feels a lot more airy and spacious inside Alan’s the thing that really lets the Mazda down is the lack of touch screen. Trying to operate CarPlay without a touch screen is like pulling teeth.
@@Himmelblausyd some people like the joystick more though as far as ease of use goes. I havent used one yet, but i'd also prefer a touch screen, but not like the ones in Tesla which absord every single button and knob in the car. That said i kinda cant believe that Kamiq drives better, it is just raised Scala. More comfortable maybe.
@@khelgarironfist3301 I’ll have an Audi S3 with CarPlay but no touch screen (just the dial in the centre console, it makes it really hard to navigate, so I’m talking from experience. There are some benefits to a dial, the BMW system is great for example, but Mazda should just have both a dial and a touch screen. It’s just strange that in 2023 a car wouldn’t have a touch screen.
I've driven both and think you would need your head examined if you pick a Kamiq over a CX-30. The only people who buy Kamiq's here in the UK are old people who want something easy to get in and out of!
I have a 2022 signature variant of this. Def feels like an SUV. Ride height a little more and comparabke ground clearance to a rav 4 suv (0.8cm less), and the rear roof line is suv rather than hatch. Heaps of back seats headroom too compared to a hatch . Drives in-between a hatch and a small suv which is nice. I had a Scala hatchback for a week, that definitely felt like a hatch.
Those cars with massive black cladding such as the Kona and CX30 actually have less ground clearance than the Kamiq. I’m glad Skoda didn’t decide to give it black cladding. Makes it look so much cleaner and it’s not going to look grey and faded after a couple of years.
I recently rented a Kamiq here in the UK where Skodas are quite popular if not as popular as VW. One of the blandest and most underwhelming vehicles I can recall driving. The ride was poor on the 18" rims as was the road noise. The DSG box was jerky and causes the car to roll when you select reverse on a hill. The 3 pot engine is grumbly and annoying too. What really baffled me about the Kamiq is the fact it sits little higher than the likes of a VW Golf so doesn't feel anything like a SUV - which is what it's sold as. So what's the point. It doesn't even look like an SUV, just a jacked up (and very boring) Skoda Scala which is what it really is. Then there is the rubbish VW group reliability these days and equally rubbish dealer service. Surprised at this gushing Australian review of the Kamiq. Maybe bland Euro boxes like the Kamiq have more of a novelty factor down under....
That doesn't paint a full picture. It's also a question of torque (200Nm from 2000-3500rpm) that makes it feel surprisingly swift. Compare to the HR-V: 1250kg, 89kW, but only 145Nm at a higher 4300rpm.
Agree. Golf vs Kamiq is not like for like comparison in my view. I’ve driven both cars and love both for different reasons. Golf was great with no kids or city driving but Kamiq is more flexible and provides much more room. You have to drive it and forget about the 85kw. I was pleasantly surprised!!
Overpriced and not the proven reliable vehicle you get from Japanese and Korean manufacturers. Can pick up a base model Kia sportage auto for the same coin and that is a far more comfortable ride, as well as being 2 sizes larger. Can’t make a case for Skoda in 2023
MQB and MQB-A0 aren't new platforms, nor is the EA211 engine. Plus, the seven-year warranty is more than decent peace of mind. As for the Sportage, the base 2.0L isn't worth considering. The engine/gearbox combination is sluggish, with poor refinement, and thirsty fuel consumption. So then you're talking about optioning one of that car's acceptable engines, and you're spending a lot more than $36K.
I’ve had a 2.0 atmo petrol sportage rental for 4 weeks of mainly urban driving and I’m seeing 7.3 l/100 km on the trip computer. I was never considering a Kia as my next suv purchase but the low speed smoothness of the conventional auto coupled with an absolutely supreme ride comfort has impressed me. Like a lot of non car reviewers, I’m not driving suvs like race cars so don’t have a problem with the power train. I get that the Volkswagen group vehicles are favourites with car reviewers but are not a value proposition for real world buyers.
@@markscott2215 I test drove the base Sportage when it came out. No thanks. Struggled on slight hills and was very noisy when pushed. Interior was also low rent and full of hard grey plastics. GT-Line only drove slightly better. Servicing costs for the Sportage is also higher at around $500 a year.
If you're going to compare it with a Kia, you'd be looking more at a Seltos. I've driven both, and while the Kia is a decent car with a nice interior, I much preferred the drive of the Kamiq. The Seltos felt a lot more like driving a large SUV, if that's your thing, then the Seltos may be a better choice.
Our Kamiq is hands down the best mini suv that we have owned. Surprisingly well equipped and the build quality is light years ahead of our 21 Polo. Great informative review.
Have a Kamiq Signature now for 1 year and 36,000 kms driven. Recommend it if you want a little more fancy version of this. 1.5L in the Signature is an excellent engine and faster than it needs to be. Still have 6 years warranty left...pretty happy with that.
If anyone is looking at this variant, would loo for some dealer demo's, there seem to be some good bargains out there closer to 30k than 40k
Good to hear.
Once you drive/own a Skoda, you will be happy. But the servicing at the dealerships leads a lot to be desired. Have owned a Karoq for four years. Never been happy with the yearly service though.
Leaves
As in the customer service element or the workmanship? Give us more info.
Interested to hear more of your experience. I'm now into year 4 with our 2019 Karoq and we've had excellent service from the dealer (who we didn't actually buy the car from but are considerably more convenient).
Really? Had excellent service with my Octavia RS wagon.
@@chasingcars 1st year service had money stolen from ashtray.
2nd year service onwards reported blinker light sensor? In drivers side mirror sometimes doesn’t work ( intermittent problem which I understand is hard to diagnose if it doesn’t present itself) The temporary fix is to turn engine off and turn back on again. Still problematic at times.
4th Service I requested a car wash and was told it was done. I then took the service manager out to the car and showed him the cobwebs still on the vehicle ( it wasn’t done).
4th service, rear brake rotor parts had to be replaced and they didn’t have parts in stock. Needed to courier them in. Expensive. Maybe its location specific (Warwick Farm Sydney) Maybe it’s not. Don’t know.
I drive a Karoq Sportline. Skoda cars are not well known in Australia, although plenty have been sold. They’re owned by and based on VW platforms, but in my humble opinion offer far more for your money than equivalent VW’s. Build quality is superb. The driving experience in modern Skoda’s is as close to perfect as I’ve ever driven, comfort, safety and drivability are fabulous. The Kamiq is a great car, but I like my larger Karoq, which is joy to drive and own.
Maybe I got some sort of lemon but I wouldn't say build quality is superb. Squeaks and rattles everywhere in the dash. Depends on temperature what ones I get it seems.
Not mine.
Also, if your car has a squeaky dashboard, take it to the dealer under warranty. We have two Karoq’s, a Launch Edition bought new in 2018, absolutely squeak free and drives perfectly and just like new, and the new SportLine which is beautifully built and drives superbly and smoothly.
I've ordered the Signature variant (wanted leather seats and the larger screen). It's a seriously nice car to drive, handling is really satisfying, and it feels like it has enough punchiness to make it enjoyable to drive around the city (granted, the signature has a bit more grunt than the Style). This will be our family's second car, replacing a 2017 Audi S3, and I'm happy enough with the driving experience to make the switch. Our other car is a Tiguan.
How long is the wait? I wonder being 95 fuel if that is going to be expensive in the long run.
@@MrRiffbear1 I ordered in feb for a pickup in May. There is plenty of stock though so depending on colour and option packs that you want you might get one immediately.
I’m used to filling up with 98 so it’s not really a concern for me, keep in mind that the fuel consumption is quite good for the Kamiq.
I bought what I believe is the first of few 1.5TSI Kamiq's with a manual transmission that came into the country in late 2021 and absolutely love it! The power and torque are very impressive, and the manual - although not the best manual gearbox I've driven (that goes to a series 2 Honda Euro back in the day) - makes it so enjoyable to drive! I've even dabbled with a cold air intake, with a throttle controller on the way! I feel like this car achieves so much, and my only regret is knowing my family will one day outgrow it. Sadly the days of manual transmissions are nearing an end and if this is the last I own, then I'm happy knowing I made a great choice!
Nice combo!
Better if it was AWD.
2023 and a premium price with no speed sign recognition and no rear cross-traffic alert. I think Skoda need to lift their game
I’ve got one of these on loan at the moment. Nice little car, with a huge boot for the class. Very quiet on the road and suspension is great. I do find it underpowered though and there is a lot of hesitation with the DCT. It really does take a while to get going.
Recommend the 1.5 turbo next time.
The dsg yeh takes some getting used to
The DSG box is cr@p on these. Very jerky and rolls back on hills.
I really like Skodas, they are terrific. This little gem seems the perfect runaround vehicle for people who don’t need a big car. Excellent review, thankyou
Bought it may 24 $33k drive away, based on reviews and test drive, in practice great to drive (and 6ft 4in if me easily tits through the doors which was impossible in modern sedans & hatches)
Hints 1. it is in economy D1,2,3 etc on screen, until you pull the T bar in D back and release, then you are in S1,2,3 etc better engine and gearbox performance, pull T back again to revert to D.
2. I prefer the stop start off, so less lag when, pulling into traffic from stopped
I got excited by this review then test drove one today and the car is slow off the line with weird grindy vibrations. I assume that's the DSG/DCT??
You don’t get any of that as standard the wireless charging pad, auto tailgate, you only get 3 years warrantee that’s in the UK might be different where you are still bought one today very excited!
Ate there problems with the dsg? (Automatic gearbox)
got a 2022 skoda fabia monte carlo but love to upgraded to a i30 sedan n premium
Very different niches!
Felicidades, buen trabajo.¿Durante la prueba has notado algún crujido o ruido extraño del salpicadero o el habitaculo? Gracias
If you look at this, get the octavia. It’s literally better in any way, including space
And Octavia is our 2022 Car of the Year. However, lots of people insist on an SUV form factor.
@@chasingcars because elderly want a high seating position and the population is aging😂
@@Zoranurai13 I am young but bought one for resale, but also hated getting towered over by Ute's, hard to cross intersections etc
Here's another pro: accordign to Euro NCAP, this car is even SAFER than Volvo XC40!!! (in overall rating)
Please feel free to correct me in anything. I'm very new to learning about cars and I'd love to avoid the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Rip off
It was a huge bargain when it first launched. Probably even underpriced at $28K driveaway with power tailgate, LEDs, keyless access etc. Like so many cars the price pressure has been heaped on since COVID. Even at $38K it deserves a look-in, though, as it's quite a bit more practical and considerably more premium than several SUVs in the class above…
I have just bought one after lots of research and test driving. For me, the extra $s was worth it given the the overall build, drive, comfort, and inclusions.
what are the main different to 2021 Kamiq
PS great review
I got a 2022 model missed out on the elctrical assisted boot and it is heavy, but wow . not driven for 11 years and took me half an hour to get use to automatic but again wow.
i got a black one and again it look great in black and look like your driving a lot of car especially when freshly machined washed. This car design suits black
driven from london to manchester and back over this year and last. all, wearthers and again wow.
Air con hardly affect petrol system really efficent. On really trouble free motorway driving i am sure it doing better than the specs.
wimp out on the 1.5 ltre to save petrol and was advise by skoda that the 1 ltre auto was the best all round model and after driving it for a year(motability scheme). i got to agree. I got an SE L trim automatic 1 litre dual tubo with 7 speed automatic gearbox and even with 4 big ruby players in the car (i Had to give it more gass pedal) it still handle the extra weight ) and they fitted in bit off a squeeze in the back but we talking large fellows.
I saw the reviews best in class. i did find it took a few months to get use to space awarness as in driving through gabs , parking and general feel for the size of the motor and really getting to grip with knowing the motor but know i have it like the car feels apart of me.
humm skoda and the art of zen hehehe love this car it a real pleasure driving it even in traffic as it so easy to drive slowly or whip it up when needed , it really smooth and responsive.
recommend but not not for boy racers or hard core petrol heads . as there nothing to tweek and it design to keep you safe not land you in Jail..
PS great review
Does the Monte Carlo version of this have firmer suspension?
Yep, which doesn’t improve things. The standard suspension setup is quite peachy!
Not sure if the 2023 version does, but the 2021 Monte Carlo has adaptive suspension which you can make softer (I have one)
Suspension has two settings plus adjustable steering too. Gives a few choices on a twisty road.
You didnt mention its premium unleaded only - a significant expense
Sure, but its fuel consumption is so low that it's still cheaper to run than almost any rival that allows 91 RON
@@chasingcars Yes good point
Yes he did
Yes it was mentioned in the video
How mank km to a full tank and does the boot store a pram. Keen to see reviews with pram space and baby seat. 5.5 l km combined seems way to low man. Is it extra urban or combined or just urban
That fuel figure is for a combined road loop that included country and urban roads. You'll want to look at a larger vehicle if you need to store a pram, but depending on the size of it, you could certainly head down to the dealership and try it out.
I've had my 1.5L Kamiq for 2 years and 15,000km now. My long term average is currently sitting on 6.4L/100km in mainly suburban driving with some freeway trips about once a month. On extended highway runs it's normal to see it drop to 4.8L/100km or even less when conditions are right ie. flat roads, minimal traffic.
Why do they turn off at idle then start up again ?
Save fuel and emissions
is it not a t cross with different badge ?
No - less plastic the T-Cross and made in different country.
Some similarities, but once you get behind the wheel the differences are obvious - This is a much better drive ie road handling and cabin noise...
Kamiq is a much improved Spaceback (larger, better materials and higher ground clearance)...

This launched at
Yep. When it was $28k DA for a manual 85TSI it was incredible value! Lot of inflation in the economy since then.
I can’t deal with the engine shutting off at a stop then starting as you take off
You will struggle to find a new car that does not stop the engine when you stop.
You can turn it off..I always do on my kamiq
The steering wheel really isn't that good to hold. No doubts it's synthetic (I own one) as it feels almost like plastic. Upside of that is I don't think it will go shiny if cared for like the better feeling mazda one has.
No mini .want 4.5 or plus also hybrid otherwise zero
I don't believe Kamiq drives better than CX-30? Hard to consider Kamiq when there is that Mazda for similar price, all things considered.
Turbo helps a lot
Haven’t driven a CX-30 but I’ve sat in one. The Kamiq feels a lot more airy and spacious inside Alan’s the thing that really lets the Mazda down is the lack of touch screen. Trying to operate CarPlay without a touch screen is like pulling teeth.
@@Himmelblausyd some people like the joystick more though as far as ease of use goes. I havent used one yet, but i'd also prefer a touch screen, but not like the ones in Tesla which absord every single button and knob in the car. That said i kinda cant believe that Kamiq drives better, it is just raised Scala. More comfortable maybe.
@@khelgarironfist3301 I’ll have an Audi S3 with CarPlay but no touch screen (just the dial in the centre console, it makes it really hard to navigate, so I’m talking from experience. There are some benefits to a dial, the BMW system is great for example, but Mazda should just have both a dial and a touch screen. It’s just strange that in 2023 a car wouldn’t have a touch screen.
I've driven both and think you would need your head examined if you pick a Kamiq over a CX-30. The only people who buy Kamiq's here in the UK are old people who want something easy to get in and out of!
Pity it is so plain looking
What about this is an SUV? Looks like a hatchback to me. More so than cars like the Kona which at least have the infamous black cladding.
I have a 2022 signature variant of this.
Def feels like an SUV. Ride height a little more and comparabke ground clearance to a rav 4 suv (0.8cm less), and the rear roof line is suv rather than hatch. Heaps of back seats headroom too compared to a hatch . Drives in-between a hatch and a small suv which is nice.
I had a Scala hatchback for a week, that definitely felt like a hatch.
PH182 puts it how it is. SUV is a very broad term these days.
Those cars with massive black cladding such as the Kona and CX30 actually have less ground clearance than the Kamiq. I’m glad Skoda didn’t decide to give it black cladding. Makes it look so much cleaner and it’s not going to look grey and faded after a couple of years.
"Really Really" mate.
really this backward & fwd on this test track is really really getting boring
A true review should include the negative aspects of a car too, thid review feels like Skoda has gifted you to car in exchange for this video.
the intro clearly stated they though the car was the best in class and they were going to tell you why.
I recently rented a Kamiq here in the UK where Skodas are quite popular if not as popular as VW. One of the blandest and most underwhelming vehicles I can recall driving. The ride was poor on the 18" rims as was the road noise. The DSG box was jerky and causes the car to roll when you select reverse on a hill. The 3 pot engine is grumbly and annoying too. What really baffled me about the Kamiq is the fact it sits little higher than the likes of a VW Golf so doesn't feel anything like a SUV - which is what it's sold as. So what's the point. It doesn't even look like an SUV, just a jacked up (and very boring) Skoda Scala which is what it really is. Then there is the rubbish VW group reliability these days and equally rubbish dealer service. Surprised at this gushing Australian review of the Kamiq. Maybe bland Euro boxes like the Kamiq have more of a novelty factor down under....
85kW and 1300kg? No thanks, especially at $38k (ish). Better off with a used 1.4 Golf.
That doesn't paint a full picture. It's also a question of torque (200Nm from 2000-3500rpm) that makes it feel surprisingly swift. Compare to the HR-V: 1250kg, 89kW, but only 145Nm at a higher 4300rpm.
Agree. Golf vs Kamiq is not like for like comparison in my view. I’ve driven both cars and love both for different reasons. Golf was great with no kids or city driving but Kamiq is more flexible and provides much more room. You have to drive it and forget about the 85kw. I was pleasantly surprised!!
200 nM in Sport mode is the bomb
Overpriced and not the proven reliable vehicle you get from Japanese and Korean manufacturers. Can pick up a base model Kia sportage auto for the same coin and that is a far more comfortable ride, as well as being 2 sizes larger. Can’t make a case for Skoda in 2023
MQB and MQB-A0 aren't new platforms, nor is the EA211 engine. Plus, the seven-year warranty is more than decent peace of mind. As for the Sportage, the base 2.0L isn't worth considering. The engine/gearbox combination is sluggish, with poor refinement, and thirsty fuel consumption. So then you're talking about optioning one of that car's acceptable engines, and you're spending a lot more than $36K.
I’ve had a 2.0 atmo petrol sportage rental for 4 weeks of mainly urban driving and I’m seeing 7.3 l/100 km on the trip computer. I was never considering a Kia as my next suv purchase but the low speed smoothness of the conventional auto coupled with an absolutely supreme ride comfort has impressed me. Like a lot of non car reviewers, I’m not driving suvs like race cars so don’t have a problem with the power train. I get that the Volkswagen group vehicles are favourites with car reviewers but are not a value proposition for real world buyers.
@@markscott2215 I test drove the base Sportage when it came out. No thanks. Struggled on slight hills and was very noisy when pushed. Interior was also low rent and full of hard grey plastics. GT-Line only drove slightly better. Servicing costs for the Sportage is also higher at around $500 a year.
If you're going to compare it with a Kia, you'd be looking more at a Seltos. I've driven both, and while the Kia is a decent car with a nice interior, I much preferred the drive of the Kamiq. The Seltos felt a lot more like driving a large SUV, if that's your thing, then the Seltos may be a better choice.
The point I’m making is that the kamiq is very overpriced for a compact suv
too bad its the ugliest car out of the lot you can buy today god!
A bit subjective, I guess. I really like the look of it.
It's just plain bland in my opinion as Škoda and VW products are.