Testing: The updated Skoda Karmik is still regular
Karmik is most likely not the most notable one. But as traditional as it is, it offers useful qualities in everyday life.
You'll have to wake up early to keep up with the competition from small SUVs. It's a car-level race with a lot of players, and you have to stand out to not be forgotten in the crowd.
In Skoda, the smallest SUV is called the Kamiq , which is the younger sister of the larger Karoq and Kodiaq. The Kamiq has just undergone a facelift, which should help keep it ahead of its countless competitors.
In the same group, the Kamiq competes with the Volkswagen T-Cross and the SEAT Arona. In addition, the battlefield includes the Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and the popular Toyota Yaris Cross.
The Kamiq is one of those models that is easily forgotten by the crowd. But now, the facelift must ensure that the model holds its own among other models in the sector.
What's new?
Outwardly, the facelifted grille is wider and has a slightly different shape. The LED daytime running lights at the top of the front have become narrower, just as the wider headlights have also become narrower. The Kamiq is now also equipped with Adaptive Matrix LED headlights.
In the rear, the change is more imperceptible, as the shape of the taillights has not changed. At the rear, the bumper and mirrors show off the facelift's charm.
There have been no major changes to the interior, but there is still important news coming in. Digital gauges with an 8-inch screen and an infotainment system with an 8.25-inch touchscreen are now standard on all versions of the Kamiq.
Materials with a smaller climate footprint have also been moved to Kamiq. Upholstery, floor mats, and door panels are made from recycled materials, with fibers derived from hemp plants.
How does Kamik stand out?
Skoda has a trump card, especially for families with children: space! Compared to two similar models in the same car group, the SEAT Arona and the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Kamiq is significantly longer in length. Still, Kamiq costs less than both.
At the same time, Skoda is good at "hollowing out" the body to provide good space, so you can get a lot of free space in the Kamik. The 400-liter trunk (up to 1,395 liters if there is one or two people in the car) is spacious and well thought out, with typical Skoda details.
Czech SUVs have a lot of space and can be easily compared with larger cars. Completely comparable cars in principle, such as the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-3, look like cramped miniature cars next to the Kamiq.
How does it work?
The engine range includes a 95-horsepower 3-cylinder 1-liter TSI engine, which you have to pair with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For a larger transmission range, you have to upgrade to a variant of the same engine with 115 horsepower, and here you can also opt for a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DSG). It comes standard with the most advanced and powerful 150 hp, 1.5 TSI engine in the model lineup. There are no mild hybrids, hybrids, or plug-in hybrids in the program.
The test car had 115 horsepower and a 7-speed DSG. It's still a long way from a sprint race car, but its power fits well with the rest of the car's features.
Kamik was not designed for fun or to win a traffic light duel. Standard 16-inch wheels, on the other hand, are comfortable. It doesn't tilt too much, and the steering gear is heavy enough to precisely position the muzzle.
It is easy to see and operate, even though there may be various distractions from other people in the car, and can often be easily handled on the move. Speaking of speed, 115 horsepower is perfect for this size - so be careful with the smallest 95 horsepower engine model, which may be sufficient.
And plastic?
It does, but it's a little less on the facelift, and with the new material on the dashboard, it's actually quite comfortable. In the cabin, it is difficult to say that you should choose the T-Cross.
Especially thanks to the physical buttons for setting up the air conditioner, which are easier to operate than the touch buttons in the T-Cross. The large 8.25-inch screen is standard at all device levels and works intuitively and quickly.
The 8-inch digital gauge is also standard on the facelift and can be set on several different screens to suit your preferences.
Wireless Apple Carplay, on the other hand, is just one part of a "select" set of devices. It's a bit of a shame that it's not standard at the cheapest device level.
Square, practical, nice
The design isn't very eye-catching, and it's not super cool to drive, but it's comfortable and has plenty of space to make it a truly enjoyable companion.
The Kamiq may well be traditional and blends in with everything else in the street scene, but as a small SUV, it offers many qualities that make everyday life easy and comfortable.
specification
Skoda Kamik
Engine: Gasoline, R3,999 ccm
性能： 115 hp / 200 Nm
0-100 km/h： 10.2 秒
最高时速： 195 km/h
油耗： 17.5 km/l
Size (L/W/H): 424 /179/ 156 cm
Curb weight: 1,254 kg
Towing weight: 1,200 kg
Trunk volume: 400 litres