2026 Skoda Kamiq Unveiled

The 2026 Skoda Kamiq Select: A Rebel in the City

If you’re looking to be your own person and embrace a bit of rebellion, the 2026 Skoda Kamiq Select might just be the car for you. This five-door hatchback is designed to navigate the mean city streets and equally challenging suburban roads with comfort, all without breaking the bank.

While many are opting for SUVs and dual-cab utes these days, there’s still a group of people who understand that they don’t need a vehicle the size of an apartment block for daily commutes. In fact, if only one person is using the car most of the time, there’s no need for a second large vehicle.

Skoda refers to the Kamiq as a small SUV, but it’s essentially a high-riding hatchback, similar to its sibling, the Skoda Scala. It’s only five centimetres taller and has some extra ground clearance over the Scala. So, while it may have some SUV-like features, it’s still a hatchback at heart.

The Kamiq is built on the MQB A0 platform shared with several models across different brands, including the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1, and the Scala. While some might see this as cost-cutting, it actually means the platform has been developed to meet the needs of buyers looking for Audi-level quality at Skoda prices.

Pricing and Value

The 2026 Skoda Kamiq Select starts at $33,990 before on-road costs, making it the best-value variant in the Kamiq lineup. However, Skoda is currently offering the Kamiq for $29,990 drive-away for a limited period, which is a significant discount.

For a comprehensive comparison with other models, check out our comparison tool.

Interior Comfort and Quality

The cabin of the Kamiq is one of its standout features. Close your eyes, and you could easily think you’re sitting in a Cupra or an Audi. The materials used are of good quality, and the manufacturing is done to a high standard, ensuring no strange rattles or potential future issues.

Everything is within easy reach and intuitive to use. The centrally located 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen works well with the eight-speaker sound system, while the 8.0-inch digital display ahead of the driver provides plenty of information in an easily readable format.

Ergonomics are also top-notch, making for a comfortable long commute or a painless trip to the shopping centre. The seats and the pared-back cloth upholstery were particularly enjoyable. My only minor annoyance came from the pedals being too close together, but this didn’t deter me from considering the Kamiq.

The slightly raised ride height made it easier to get in and out of the car, making it a great option for those with mobility challenges.

The back seats are suitable for transporting small people over short distances, but longer journeys may lead to passenger discomfort. The boot space is 400 litres with the back seats in place and 1395L when the seats are folded down, which is typical for this segment and sufficient for a few large bags and flat-pack furniture.

Performance and Engine

The Skoda Kamiq is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 85kW and 200Nm, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For a detailed comparison with other models, check out our comparison tool.

Driving Experience

The dual-clutch transmission, while improved, doesn’t suit all driving styles. The 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine is laggy, leading to noticeable delays between input and response. The automatic start-stop feature adds to this delay, which can be frustrating in peak-hour traffic.

Despite these issues, the Kamiq handles well once moving, with responsive shifts and strong engine performance when on boost. The suspension is well-damped, providing good response and feedback at all speeds.

The brakes are decent and confidence-inspiring, contributing to an overall enjoyable driving experience.

Features and Options

The entry-level Kamiq Select comes with most features expected nowadays, with the option to add more technology and styling with the $5200 Signature Pack.

Kamiq Select equipment highlights include:
* 17-inch alloy wheels
* Auto LED headlights
* LED front fog lights
* LED tail-lights, rear fog lights
* LED ambient lighting
* Rain-sensing wipers
* Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
* Keyless entry and start
* Power-folding exterior mirrors
* Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel
* 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
* 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
* Wireless Apple CarPlay
* Wireless Android Auto
* 8-speaker audio
* 4 x USB-C ports
* Dual-zone climate control

The optional Signature Pack ($5200) adds:
* Travel Assist
* Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
* Adaptive Cruise Control
* Electric tailgate with hands-free operation
* Park Assist
* 18-inch black alloy wheels
* Rear privacy glass
* 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
* LED ambient lighting
* Chrome roof rails
* Chrome window surrounds
* Fabric upholstery (lodge interior)

The Kamiq Monte Carlo adds:
* Auto LED Matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist
* 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
* 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit
* 10-speaker premium audio
* Gloss black exterior trim and badging
* Aluminium pedals
* Power-adjustable driver’s seat
* Heated front sports comfort seats
* Heated steering wheel
* Panoramic glass roof with electric sunblind

Safety Features

The Skoda Kamiq is not rated by ANCAP, but it comes with standard safety features such as:
* 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
* Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) incl. pedestrian detection
* Blind-spot monitoring
* Lane Assist
* Rear cross-traffic alert
* Front and rear parking sensors
* Reversing camera
* Tyre pressure monitoring
* Driver fatigue detection

The Kamiq Monte Carlo adds:
* Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance
* Adaptive cruise control
* Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control and lane centring)

Running Costs and Warranty

The Kamiq is covered by Skoda’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service packs of five or seven years are available, costing $2990 and $3990 respectively, with maintenance required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

For a detailed comparison with other models, check out our comparison tool.

CarExpert’s Take

The Skoda Kamiq offers a lot of value, especially with its limited-time price of $29,990 drive-away. While the exterior styling is generic, the interior is a lovely place to spend time in. The cabin quality is impressive, and the sub-$30k drive-away price makes it very likeable.

However, the powertrain can be frustrating, especially in city driving. Fuel economy was disappointing, likely due to my tendency to push the throttle harder than necessary. The Kamiq Monte Carlo with the 1.5-litre engine is a better option, but it comes at a higher price.

For what is a 50 per cent premium for some performance and styling changes, I think I’d rather just pocket the money and live with the Select’s shortcomings. Considering it shares elements with Volkswagen, Cupra, and Audi, the Skoda shines as one of the most impressive and likable cars in this bracket.

The Kamiq’s pricing places it in a very exclusive club, sharing the market with Japanese and Chinese vehicles. Parking the Skoda next to some of those in the price segment makes it look like one of the best value cars on the market, especially from European manufacturers.

For owners, it’s defying the mid-sized SUV trend. Sometimes being a rebel isn’t about riding a Harley-Davidson, but cruising around in a hatchback from Czechia.

Ultimately, if you want a cheap car that doesn’t make you feel like a cheapskate every time you drive it – and something you’d be happy to park next to your in-laws’ BMW X3 at Christmas – then the Skoda Kamiq is very hard to look past.

Interested in buying a Jeep Wrangler? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Explore the Skoda Kamiq showroom