It’s fair to say that SUVs are having quite a big impact on the motoring landscape, and they’re seemingly becoming ever larger, heavier and more cumbersome.
That’s great news for tow car buyers who have a big tourer to pull around, but what if you don’t want to make a big impact? What if you only need to tow one of the best small caravans?
If that is the case a used Škoda Kamiq could be right up your street – in fact, we have it in our guide to the best SUVs for towing a caravan.
What’s used Škoda Kamiq like inside?
For more than a couple of decades now, cabin space has been Škoda’s ‘thing’, and the Kamiq is no exception, despite it being the smallest SUV in the company’s range. Not only that, the Kamiq raised the bar in terms of interior quality when it was launched in 2019.
There’s loads of headroom for five occupants, and the seats move back far enough for those up front to get comfortable, even if they are longer of leg, as you would expect if you were looking for one of the best small SUVs for towing a caravan.
And even if they do stretch out, those in the back seats will still have a comfortable enough amount of legroom, although the central tunnel running through the cabin will restrict space for a centre passenger’s feet.
Given the fact that the Kamiq is a small SUV, the boot is a good size, with 400 litres of space when the rear seats are up, and 1395 litres when they’re down. The rear seats don’t lie absolutely flat, though, which is a shame.
No matter which trim level you choose, a Kamiq is well equipped. All cars come with a minimum of alloy wheels, DAB radio, LED headlights and air-conditioning, plus an automatic emergency braking system.
Moving up the range to SE adds rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control and larger alloys, while SE L has niceties such as a digital instrument display and blindspot monitoring. Truth be told, the best all-rounder is probably the SE trim.
Don’t forget to have the right towing equipment either, to help make your time on the road hassle-free.
How does used Škoda Kamiq drive?
Caravanners looking for a tow car might immediately head for a diesel option, but Škoda phased out the 1.6 TDI in 2021. It was pretty strong, but not noticeably more so than the 1.5-litre TSI petrol turbo that is the best all-round choice. Still, if you prefer diesel, then it’ll be pretty cheap to buy at this moment in time.
The 1.5 TSI also features cylinder-deactivation technology, which cuts off a couple of cylinders when the engine isn’t under much load, which should help keep the overall economy up.
As a tow car, the Kamiq is comfortable and well controlled, with precise steering and good visibility; a caravan shouldn’t cause it any undue issues on a windy day.
If it has a weak point, it’s that hill starts require plenty of revs and some clutch slip. Traction could also be a problem in the wet.
The Kamiq is light and easy to drive when you’re not towing, too. And while it might not match rivals such as the Ford Puma for entertainment behind the wheel, it’s a comfortable and affable companion.
It will not make your life difficult and it’s pretty economical into the bargain.
What will used Škoda Kamiq tow?
- Kerbweight: 1280kg
- Towing limit: 1250kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1088kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 19
- Annual VED: £200
- Average economy: 46-47.2mpg
- Full service: £172
(Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk)
Trouble spots
Early Škoda Kamiq models were recalled due to a software issue with their emergency call system. There were a total of 3881 cars affected, and a quick software update cured the problem. And that’s it! The Kamiq has been subject to precisely no other recalls at the time of writing, which rather underscores its impressive reputation for dependability.
As always, full details of the recalls can be found at https://www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict
Škoda is as Škoda does, which is to say, the Kamiq fits with the brand’s ethos of providing cars that are roomy, capable and pretty affordable to run.
It might not give you any thrills, but its practicality is quite likely to have a positive impact on your life.
Take a look at our review of the Škoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS Monte Carlo to see what we thought of it.
Alternatives to consider
Used Ford Puma (2019-present)
The Ford Puma is undoubtedly the entertainer of the small SUV class. It’s great fun to drive in any situation, it looks good and it’s well equipped in any trim level. It’s also roomy up front, although three in the back will have to be on fairly close terms.
The Puma does have an Achilles heel though, in the form of its comparatively light kerbweight, which means it isn’t able to tow as heavy a caravan as the Škoda Kamiq.
Suzuki Vitara (2015-present)
The Suzuki Vitara goes back quite a few years (it still has a manual handbrake!) but it’s nevertheless a highly capable tow car choice. For a start, it’s one of the few small SUVs to offer a model with four-wheel drive, which is ideal for towing on slippery grass or making hill starts in places where traction is limited. It’s well equipped, with air-con, cruise control, a DAB radio and Bluetooth as a minimum.
Take a look at our review of the Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Mild Hybrid Ultra Allgrip.
Used Seat Arona (2018-present)
As long as you go into Arona ownership with your eyes open concerning its towing-weight limitations, then it could make a decent companion. For a start, it manages to combine being great to drive with reasonable towing stability.
It’s also roomy enough to take five adults, and the 400-litre boot can carry much of their stuff. And it’s competitive on equipment, too, with a DAB radio, Bluetooth, touch screen sat-nav and cruise control fitted as standard on most models.
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