Crossover | On the road

Skoda Kamiq SE

By Bill McCarthy

Skoda’s latest addition to its range of SUVs is yet another example of the VW parent group almost competing with itself.

There is the VW Up!, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii as an example of small city cars offering pretty much the same thing. Then there’s the VW T-Cross, SEAT Arona and now the Kamiq.

All similar, but different with prices to match various pockets and purses.

Sitting below the Kodiaq and Karoq, the Kamiq is the smallest of Skoda’s three SUVs. It certainly looks the part, and borrows a feature seen usually on more expensive cars with dynamic indicators, which have a sweep effect when activated and which double up as daytime LED running lights, which is a first for Skoda.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis-like, – the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior

Unusually, they sit above the main headlight clusters which flank the large and now familiar Skoda grille.

Neat alloys and standard integrated roof bars, sculpted bonnet and angular styling give the car a powerful presence.

The interior is also high quality and very spacious, if not exactly startling in style with dark colours only offset by bright trim to doors, steering wheel and dash.

The centrepiece is the eight inch display featuring the infotainment system with eight speakers; SmartLink, enabling users to view and control smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink and navigation systems, which is complemented by the virtual cockpit, featuring a 10 inch screen and five display modes.

Even at entry level starting at just under £18k, there is plenty of standard kit on offer for the money. This SE model is just over £1k more expensive and offers a host of goodies.

Skoda says the model sets benchmarks in its segment for elbow, knee and headroom, with raised seat position for easy passenger access and road visibility. The finish is good quality with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and front door trims.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis like, with the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior.

It couldn’t be an SUV if it was not practical and it is. The Kamiq has a boot capacity of 400 litres with the rear seats in position. This can be extended to 1,395 litres with the 60:40 split backrests folded down, which creates a level surface when combined with the optional false boot floor.

Cup holders can be found in the centre console. There are also storage compartments under the front seats, as well as pockets on the backrests.

There is a choice of four different engines offering power outputs that range from 95PS to 150PS. There are three TSI petrol versions and one diesel, all with with brake energy recovery as well as stop/start technology.

This model was powered by the three cylinder 95PS TSI petrol unit. Like all three pot engines, it delivers a raspy note under acceleration to give the impression of a sporty drive, despite relatively pedestrian acceleration to 60mph in around 11 seconds.

It is however economical with lowish emissions and is lively enough around town.

The handling is also pretty nimble for an SUV. It is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform and a new chassis combines the advantages of an SUV with the agile driving characteristics of a compact car, says the company blurb.

Like all Skodas, the firm’s Simply Clever customer friendly features are on offer, with door-edge protection which deploys automatically when opening the doors and concealed umbrella and torch in the boot.

There are three trim levels including the S, SE and the range topping SE L.

All offer alloy wheels, touchscreen and LED lights, but the SE model driven here adds electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, light and rain sensors, eight speakers, privacy glass, 17 inch alloys, parking aids and cruise control

Safety kit is extensive with full complement of airbags, lane departure warning The Kamiq can be equipped with state-of-the-art assistance systems and already features Lane Assist as well as Front Assist including City Emergency Brake as standard.

It’s a fine effort and although late-ish to the SUV party, Skoda has plenty to offer.

Factfile

Skoda Kamiq SE 1.0 TSI 95PS

Price: £17,135

Mechanical: 95ps, 998, three cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speek manual gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 11.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 41.5-45.6

Insurance group: 9E

CO2 emissions: 116g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

SsangYong Tivoli by Bill McCarthy

Think Tivoli and you might think of a town in Italy or even the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

But maybe not SsangYong? SsangYong is the oldest vehicle manufacturer in Korea, dating back to 1954 and despite being overshadowed by Hyundai and Kia is the country’s only 4×4 and SUV specialist producer.

The Tivoli is a a compact SUV/crossover, which should be no surprise, given the huge popularity of the type.

Older SsangYong models I have driven like the Rexton and Korando have been notable for their, how can I put this, quirky design.

The Tivoli has led the way with new design, which has brought the range right up to day.

It is as mainstream as you can get, with sharp styling, economical engines and an industry matching seven year warranty.

But with a starting price of around £15k it is no longer rock bottom, bargain basement price.

That’s Dacia Duster territory.

Yet even the base model is packed with standard equipment and is one of the most spacious in its class.

This limited edition offers a sporty look, with three striking colours, orange in this case ,with contrasting black roof and chrome door handles, piano black grille, front fog light and projector headlines together with front and rear LED daytime running lights. In addition there are heated, power folding mirrors with integrated indicators smart black diamond cut 18-inch alloys and a rear spoiler, plus tinted glass.

The interior is smart, spacious and slightly funky looking with a neat control layout, comfortable, leather look seats and plenty of space for four and even five with a bit of a squeeze.

The cabin is roomy, airy and well appointed while head and legroom is surprisingly good. For extra comfort for passengers, the rear seats recline.

It is packed with kit and the centrepiece of the interior features seven-inch touchscreen, with DAB radio and iPod & Bluetooth connectivity with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Navigation and infotainment is also controlled from here.

Other goodies on this model include cruise control, smart steering, reversing camera, heated front seats and multi-function D-shape steering wheel.

Available in petrol and diesel in this case, this model also added automatic transmission to give a health price tag of £20,245.

The latest 1.6 litre diesel delivers decent enough performance while the six-speed auto gearbox is slick enough, although it is less economical than the manual, although mid-40s mpg is still achievable.

Acceleration, if that’s what you’re looking for, is modest, hitting 60mph in around 12 seconds and there is evidence of clatter on start up but is all but absent on the motorway.

But handling is decent enough, actually quite sharp, although the ride can easily become unsettled on poorer roads. Manoeuvrability is good and with three steering settings, which is excellent, particularly around town and into tight parking spaces.

Crossovers, particularly the smaller ones need to be practical and the Tivoli scores well here.

In addition to excellent passenger space, the boot offers a more than competitive 423-litre boot that will accommodate most loads for a normal family. In addition the split folding rear seats open up a much wider cargo capacity of 997 litres. There are also other pockets and cubby holes throughout the cabin.

For safety there are seven airbags, assisted braking, stability programme, forward collision warning and rollover protection.

No longer bargain basement, the Tivoli, with its range of standard kit and seven year warranty,offers something different in a packed compact crossover field.