Skoda Kamiq News

The ongoing supply issues that have hobbled Skoda's sales in Australia are set to ease soon, with the company's local leader predicting an end to the global semiconductor shortage.While the parts shortages and supply chain issues have impacted most manufa

When Skoda arrived in Australia (most recently) in 2007 it was meant to be a cheaper alternative to a Volkswagen brand that was moving upmarket. As Volkswagen moved up to be a ‘semi-premium’ brand and steal sales from more-established European premium brands, Skoda would do battle with the likes of Toyota, Hyundai and Mazda.

What's going on at Skoda? Will you end up paying more for its updated 2023 range?

Skoda Australia has locked in pricing for its Kamiq range for 2022, which includes a return of the base model vehicle after a brief hiatus.The entry-point returns as the Kamiq 85TSI Style, pairing an 85kW/200Nm three-cylidner turbocharged engine to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It replaces the 110TSI Ambition.The 85TSI Style costs $37,990 drive-away, which is a $5000 increase on the previous 2021 85TSI, but the same price as the four-cylinder 110TSI Ambition it replaces.The new base car scores massive 18-inch alloy wheels, a digital dash and 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charging, LED headlights and tail-lights, keyless entry with push-start ignition, heated auto-folding wing mirrors, rear window tint, leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate, an auto dimming rear-vision mirror, and various quirky additions like a door-mounted umbrella.Next up in the range is the Monte Carlo, which ups the engine power to 110kW/250Nm from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Costing $41,990 drive-away (a $1000 increase), the Monte Carlo adds 18-inch alloys in a different design, black exterior highlights, drive modes, sports suspension (15mm lower than standard), adaptive LED headlights, sports seats and pedals, and a panoramic glass sunroof.Finally, the top-spec 110TSI Signature costs $42,990 (another $1000 increase) and includes the full safety suite with rear-facing items that are otherwise optional on the other two variants, leather and suede interior upholstery, roof rails, and electrical adjust for the driver’s seats, but it misses out on the standard panoramic sunroof and sports suspension from the Monte Carlo.Standard safety on all grades includes auto emergency braking, rear auto braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. There are also seven airbags.The major option pack is the ‘Travel Pack’ ($4300 on the Monte Carlo, not available on the Style) which adds front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen, sat-nav, wireless phone mirroring and a Skoda-branded audio system.A panoramic sunroof can be optioned for $1300, while premium paints cost $550 or $1100 for the signature Velvet Red.Meanwhile service packs are available in three-year ($800), five-year ($1500) or seven-year ($2100) forms, and all Skodas are covered by a five-year and unlimited kilometre warranty.

Episode 225 - Access denied! The little SUVs we need

Skoda has upped the price on some of its key models, including the Scala, Octavia and Superb passenger cars, and the Kamiq and Kodiaq SUVs.In fact, the only models in the Skoda line-up to avoid a price hike for the 2022 model year are the Karoq medium SUV

We all do it. Look at new-car prices, think ‘maybe one day’… then that day arrives and the prices have leapt higher than toilet paper sales on the eve of yet another lockdown.

Skoda has given its Kamiq range an overhaul, introducing a pair of new models to try and continue the initial success of the Toyota Yaris Cross-challenging compact SUV.The new range begins with the Kamiq 110TSI Ambition, which effectively replaces the previously offered 85TSI model that is no longer available locally. That means all Kamiq will now be powered by the same 110kW turbocharged petrol engine, but the Ambition gets the choice of manual or DSG.The more powerful engine does mean a sharp price increase for the entry-level Kamiq model. The 85TSI started at $26,390 (plus on-road costs), but the 110TSI Ambition will be priced from $32,390 for the manual and $33,390 for the dual-clutch auto. That’s a hefty $6000 increase to get into a Kamiq. Both of those prices exclude on-road costs and Skoda will offer a drive-away deal with the Ambition manual starting at $32,990 and the auto $34,990.The extra money brings extra equipment too, with the Ambition loaded with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights with animated turn signal, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument panel, rear view camera with rear parking sensors, Lane Assist with lane keeping system and a power tailgate.The Ambition isn’t the only new variant, with the Limited Edition launch variant now discontinued in favour of the Kamiq 110TSI Signature. The new pair will sandwich the Kamiq Monte Carlo that remains an unchanged part of the line-up.The Signature, naturally, comes with more standard equipment to justify its price. It rides on the same 18-inch alloys as the Ambition but gets silver roof rails, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, an Amundsen infotainment system with 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as front and rear parking sensors, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.The Kamiq Signature is priced from $35,890 (plus on-road costs) or $38,990 drive-away.The Monte Carlo has increased slightly, up $1100 compared to the previous model, so it now starts at $35,290 (plus on-road costs) or $37,990 drive-away.All Kamiq are available with an optional panoramic roof for an additional $1300 or a tow bar for $2000.Servicing can be bought as pre-paid packages, with three-years costing $800 and five-years $1400. All Skoda models are covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Volkswagen has warned of delays for some of its most popular models as the impact of the global semi-conductor shortage continues to hit at production volumes for most car manufacturers.It said it wanted to make customers aware of the potential delays and

The evolution of the small SUV has kicked off and is going full steam ahead!