After a year-long absence from the Australian market, Skoda has reintroduced its peppy turbo-triple to the Kamiq, but this time at a much higher price
Skoda has reintroduced its 85kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol option to the popular Kamiq small SUV for 2022, with prices kicking off from $37,990 driveaway.
The three-pot Kamiq will be sold as the 85TSI Style and act as the new starting point in the range, though only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission after Skoda customers showed little interest in the manual version.
The 85TSI Style will effectively replace the 110TSI Ambition with its beefier 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, however the more sporting 110TSI Monte Carlo and flagship 110TSI Signature will remain on sale with the larger engine option.
Armed with a more diverse range of engines, the updated Kamiq will face off against the likes of the Mazda CX-30, Subaru XV and Kia Seltos in the Australian market.
Skoda argues that the Kamiq has no true ‘entry’ model due to how highly specified the base grade is – boasting a long list of features to prove its point.
Starting on the outside, the 85TSI Style features LED headlights and tail-lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and folding heated mirrors as standard.
The cabin gets dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a power tailgate, automatic wipers, privacy glass, ambient lighting, a leather steering wheel and a hidden umbrella in the door, as per tradition in many Skoda products.
The list of tech features include wireless phone charging paired with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital driver’s display.
Buyers also benefit from a safety package that includes seven airbags, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, along with front and rear AEB.
Priced at $41,990 driveaway, the Kamiq 110TSI Monte Carlo is the next step up in the range and features a smattering of black accents and sports suspension that sits 15mm lower than the base Kamiq’s.
The sporting theme continues inside with the inclusion of aggressively bolstered sports seats plus sports pedals and a panoramic sunroof.
For an additional $4300, Skoda will add a larger 9.2-inch centre touchscreen with satellite navigation along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an upgraded sound system.
The package also nets a heated steering wheel and heating for the front and rear outboard seats, plus safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, a self-parking function and Skoda’s Side Assistance which features blind-spot monitoring.
Building on this list of equipment is the Kamiq 110TSI Signature with the sports seats swapped out for leather and suede-effect upholstery with power adjustment.
Silver roof rails are thrown in as standard on the Signature but the panoramic roof becomes a $1300 option.
Skoda’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine produces 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque, and consumes 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘DSG’ automatic transmission.
The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine produces 110kW/250Nm with the same driven wheels and transmission, but with slightly higher fuel consumption at 5.6L/100km.
Skoda first launched the Kamiq in late 2020 with the 85TSI option offered at an especially keen $29,990 driveaway asking price for the automatic version.
Since then, widespread supply chain interruptions brought on by the pandemic, combined with the recent invasion of Ukraine, has placed widespread pressure on the automotive sector, with prices creeping up across the board. And clearly the Kamiq is no exception.
While the level of specification has evolved over time, in June 2021 the Kamiq 110TSI Monte Carlo was priced at $37,990 driveaway while the 110TSI Signature was $38,990 – reflecting a $4000 increase for both variants in less than 12 months.
All figures listed are the national driveaway prices.
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