How many intelligent inside options are you able to match into one compact crossover car? Well, courtesy of your common Czech automotive purveyor of such issues and the facelifted Skoda Kamiq, there’s now one other one.
In addition to the record of neat storage and comfort options this automobile already supplied (a neat little cubby field between the rear footwells with an elasticated cup-holder strap in it; smartphone-sized storage pockets excessive within the entrance seat backs; many a storage internet and bag hook, and a 12-volt energy socket, within the boot; and the standard parking ticket holder within the windscreen, ice-scraper within the gasoline filler door, dustbin within the driver’s door pocket, and umbrella within the door cavity), the brand new model has a wi-fi gadget charger with a distinction.
It’s cooled. Well, air conditioned, to be actual, merely so that your cellphone doesn’t get slow-cooked whereas it’s charging, as they do in so many fashionable automobiles shortly earlier than shutting down solely (making the charging pad largely ineffective). Seems like such an apparent factor to do; and but it’s nonetheless Skoda that may be depended upon to truly do it first.
The function’s been added to the up to date Kamiq fairly late on in its mid-cycle redevelopment (and to the associated Scala hatchback, reviewed overleaf, likewise), so the early-build take a look at automobiles on the European take a look at drive final week didn’t have it; however, when right-hand-drive variations arrive within the UK in six weeks’ time, it’ll be there, we’re assured. And whereas it’s fed by the air-con, it all the time blows cool regardless what temperature the broader blower’s set to.
The automobile stays one of many bigger and extra sensible automobiles within the ‘B-SUV’ section, and does a fairly tidy impression of a Golf-sized hatchback on stilts. Rivals provide extra outright boot area; however the lodging degree within the second row is broadly full-size-adult-friendly, though that low storage cubby we talked about earlier than would possibly make life a bit uncomfortable for anybody sitting ‘turret’ within the center – so higher to consider this as a sensible four-seater compact automobile quite than one which may simply stretch to 5 occupants.
There was a touch of dowdiness concerning the pre-faceiift model’s cabin decor, which the up to date one addresses by way of the addition of some tactile fabric dashboard trim. Skoda calls the brand new atmosphere ‘living roomy’ – and never unfairly. Trouble is, my nine-year-old lad doesn’t are likely to take his soccer boots off in our precise lounge, after which rub his sweaty socks alongside the delicate furnishings. I’m all for a little bit of premium really feel – however I’m inclined to suppose that Skodas ought to primarily be purposeful, on a regular basis automobiles; and I fear a bit how these delicate fabric trims would possibly put on and age in a household hack. Depends on the household, I assume.
The remainder of the Kamiq inside, and the broader contents of the facelift, are good. All fashions get digital devices now, that are good and clear and configurable. All get a touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi smartphone mirroring. And Skoda’s nonetheless wise sufficient to make the entire automobile’s ADAS driver help techniques straightforward to toggle on or off by way of a visit pc menu that pops straight up on the contact of a button on the steering wheel spoke.