• Neat, stylish and ergonomic design
• Solid build quality and pleasant materials
• Dashboard shared with the Scala hatchback

How is the quality and layout?

The Kamiq’s interior is much the same as the Scala hatchback and it’s no worse for it. There’s a nice sweeping panel across the dashboard with a touchscreen sitting proud of it – available in two sizes depending on the model you pick.

The 2024 Kamiq includes a selection of new materials in the cabin, such as a patch of soft cloth on the passenger side of the dashboard. According to Skoda, the materials have been introduced to help conduce a soft, living room type interior feel. And we think it works, as the interior is now an even more pleasant and comfortable place for it.

There are some harder, cheaper-feeling plastics in places – as in any car of this type and price – but overall there’s a quality feel. The selection of seat designs and materials also make it feel a little more premium than some rivals’ interiors. We find the Nissan Juke’s quality to be a bit superficial, while the KGM Korando just feels downright cheap.

Skoda has also updated the Kamiq’s climate control system following criticism from customers over its usability. The Kamiq now features a Climatronic control panel beneath the dashboard that includes temperature and fan speed – no longer do drivers have to go into the touchscreen display on the move. We welcome this change.

Infotainment and tech

The Kamiq’s infotainment system is essentially a mild evolution of an older set-up, so you still get the same touch-sensitive shortcut keys around the side, but with updated menus, crisper graphics and online services such as live traffic and weather updates. Thankfully, it’s still clear and easy to use, beating SEAT and VW’s systems. Every UK Kamiq now comes with a 9.2-inch display as standard, although some nearly new examples might have a smaller 8.25-inch unit. Skoda ditched the smaller screen sooner after facelifting the car.

There’s also an online voice control system with a ‘digital assistant’ called Laura and plenty of connectivity options including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – a first for Skoda.

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The Kamiq is available with Skoda’s customisable virtual cockpit digital dials instead of analogue instruments, adding an extra techy feel to the interior. It’s also a pleasant place to be in terms of quality. Materials used are superior to those found in the SEAT Arona, and the overall design is a little more interesting and sophisticated than the T-Cross, as well as rivals from Kia and Hyundai.

Comfort

• Comfortable seats with plenty of adjustment
• Hatchback-like driving position
• Good refinement

Comfort is an area where Skodas have impressed for a long time, and the Kamiq continues this agreeable family trait. It doesn’t feel like a poor relation to the larger Superb in this regard, despite its more affordable price tag.

All the seat designs we’ve tried offer plenty of support and adjustment that make long journeys pleasant, and it’s very easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. It’s similar in the back with seats that are well padded and contoured, avoiding the issue in some small crossovers of feeling like you’re just sitting on a park bench in the back. All trim levels receive lumbar support as standard.

A large panoramic sunroof – only included on the Monte Carlo Kamiq – boosts the overall ambience inside the car, and helps to justify its additional price in our opinion.

The petrol versions of the Kamiq are particularly refined. Sound insulation is superior to the Arona, with the engines barely becoming audible even when moving off with greater gusto. At motorway speeds it’s very hushed, and barely any road noise is kicked up, either. Diesel versions (discontinued in 2020) are also relatively quiet at motorway speeds but sound gruff under hard acceleration in lower gears.