Skoda Australia is gearing up to tackle criticism of the rising price of entry of its smallest and most affordable SUV with an all-new variant grade.
Revealed within a press release detailing the additional safety upgrades now made across the Skoda range, the local arm of the Czech automaker promised that more was yet to come for its Kamiq.
The Kamiq has become more expensive in recent years
Despite the upgrade, the entry-level Kamiq Style 85TSI has retained its $37,990 driveaway price, but this follows on from a series of price increases over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting a sharp increase over what was once a $30,990 driveaway entry point.
“An imminent announcement will be made confirming a value-packed additional Kamiq grade delivering an even more attainable price position with the same level of active safety technology as the Style 85TSI,” the release states.
Skoda Kamiq 85TSI Style front 3/4 hidden
It comes after the global boss of Skoda, Klaus Zellmer, acknowledged criticism of rapid price increases in Australia, and told Chasing Cars the Czech brand had “homework” to complete in order to emphasise the value for money of its cars locally.
As a reasonably roomy small SUV the Kamiq primarily competes with rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30, which start at $33,980 and $30,610 (before on-road costs) respectively.
The currently base-model Kamiq offers a healthy amount of equipment
What will the cheaper Kamiq grade include?
The current Kamiq range consists of the Style 85TSI, the Monte Carlo 110TSI and the Signature 110TSI, but the new grade is likely to be a lightly de-contented version of the former.
It’s likely to feature the lower-output 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine making 85kW/200Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The current Style 85TSI is also reasonably equipped for a base model, with standard-fit features such as the roof rails, the power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers: all possible candidates for removal to lower the overall price.
Skoda Kamiq 2024: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Style: $37,990
- Monte Carlo: $43,490
- Signature: $44,990
