Small but perfectly formed
Skoda’s pint-sized city SUV is a class act inside and out. The price is pretty sharp, too
The biscuit is already a favourite in Aussie pantries and Skoda is hoping to make the Monte Carlo name a fixture in suburban driveways as well. The range-topping model in the Kamiq compact SUV range has all the key ingredients for success: sporty design, premium features and rocksolid value.
At $44,990 drive-away, it’s roughly the same price as the previous model, yet it comes with more than $4000 worth of additional gear.
It’s also a big leap from the cheapest model in the Kamiq range, the Select, which starts from just $33,990 drive-away.
But Skoda justifies the price hike with a more powerful 1.5-litre engine, adaptive suspension, a fully digital driver display, ambient lighting and a 10-speaker premium audio unit.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine is a spirited performer. It has impressive acceleration off the mark and is surprisingly strong when asked to overtake at speed.
The seven-speed twin-clutch auto delivers smooth and crisp shifts, adding to the driving enjoyment.
The engine also has Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) to improve fuel efficiency by deactivating two cylinders when full power isn’t needed. The end result is combined fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km.
For those who can’t find the budget for a Monte Carlo, the Select is no slouch. It’s tiny 1.0-litre threecylinder punches above its weight, thanks to a generous serve of lowdown torque, and is fine for cruising around town.
The Kamiq’s cabin is deceptively spacious for a compact SUV, with a generous boot and decent rear head and leg room. Fold the rear seats and the cabin can swallow bikes and furniture flat-packs with ease.
The Monte Carlo also wins points for its sporty and stylish interior design, which contrasts with the conservative character of many rivals.
The black roof lining, panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting give the cabin an up-market feel, while the patterned sports seats and integrated headrests combine with splashes of imitation carbon fibre and red stripes on the dash to add a sporty touch.
The Select cabin is plainer, but it’s no poverty pack, with push-button start, a digital driver display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and four USB-C outlets.
To bridge the gap between the two models, Skoda has an optional “signature” pack for $4200, which adds adaptive cruise control, an electric tailgate, a bigger digital driver display and other styling and equipment changes. Skoda says the pack is worth $6000.
The Kamiq’s seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a breeze. The gearstick and manual handbrake drag the ambience down a little, looking somewhat dated compared with the rest of the cabin.
But overall the Monte Carlo’s interior is undeniably stylish, spacious and packed with features.
The tech is also top-notch. The 9.2inch infotainment system, complete with satellite navigation, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, is intuitive and user-friendly, while the 10.25-inch digital dashboard can be customised to individual driver tastes.
Wireless charging for smartphones is another bonus, as is dual-zone climate control.
Skoda’s trademark “clever” touches are present in both models, which have phone pockets in the back of the front seats, shopping bag hooks in the boot and an umbrella in the front driver’s door.
Crash avoidance tech includes auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane keeping assistance, rear crosstraffic alert and adaptive cruise control. The Monte Carlo also has matrix headlights, which can shine high beam on the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers.
On the road, the Kamiq is one of the most engaging and competent compact SUVS on the market. Not much has changed mechanically since it won News Corp’s Car of the Year in 2020, but there was little wrong with the original car.
The Monte Carlo’s adaptive suspension does take things up a notch, though, allowing the driver to choose between a softer, more comfortable ride and a firmer set-up for better control through the corners.
Overall the, Kamiq – and in particular the Monte Carlo – remains a standout in the compact SUV segment with its blend of sporty design, premium features, and advanced technology.