Suzuki S-Cross VS Skoda Kamiq
Suzuki S-Cross
Likes
- Strong turbo powertrain
- Practical and spacious cabin
- Surprisingly agile handling
Dislikes
- High prices
- Dated design
- Needs 95 RON premium unleaded
Skoda Kamiq
Likes
- Fun to drive
- Practical cabin
- Sips fuel
Dislikes
- Dual clutch can be fiddly
- Some minor spec trimmed out
- Priced alongside AWD or hybrid alternatives
Summary
Suzuki S-Cross
Would you consider a European-made small SUV with a terrific turbo engine from one of our all-time favourite hot hatches, a reliable torque-converter auto, ample room for five plus luggage, and all from under $40K?
You’d be at the very least a bit curious, right?
Behold the latest Suzuki S-Cross! Okay. It’s been around the sun nearly a dozen times. And you can clock its age in a couple of key areas.
Read more about
But this crossover from the class of 2013 is not even close to being the oldest-in-show (stand up, Mitsubishi ASX). And, as our testing revealed, the S-Cross can still teach far newer rivals like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Haval Jolion and Subaru Crosstrek a thing or two.
Because thoughtful design is timeless. Time, then, to crack open the S-Cross.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.4L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Skoda Kamiq
The Skoda Kamiq might be one of Australia’s most underrated vehicles.
As you may or, more likely, may not know, the Kamiq crossover has always been positioned to compete with mainstream players like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Subaru Crosstrek in its own quirky way, which we’ve always quite liked here at CarsGuide.
That’s some tough competition, though, so what does this Skoda do differently to deserve your attention, what’s changed for this year’s update, and do we still think this Skoda should be on your shopping list if you’re considering those other cars?
Read more about
- Cut-price European car incoming: 2025 Skoda Fabia Select makes it $7000 cheaper to get into the Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris and Mazda2 rival
- 2025 Skoda Epiq: New concept previews upcoming city-sized pure-electric SUV set to charge into battle against combustion competitors like Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic and Toyota Yaris Cross
- 2024 Skoda Octavia wagon and sedan facelifted and updated to take on Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord when it comes to Australia
Read on and we’ll find out.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Suzuki S-Cross7.1/10
Back in the day, you’d hear people say they’d never buy an all-new car, but instead get the last of the old model that would have had all the bugs ironed out.
If this sort of homespun logic makes sense, then maybe the latest S-Cross might just be the perfect SUV car for you.
Not only has it been in production for years, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with it. Indeed, for performance, packaging and ease, it does plenty that's right. Thoughtful design is timeless.
But there are newer alternatives that look way fresher (particularly inside) yet cost the same or less, and offer more, including updated driver-assist safety.
Still, you can do a lot worse than take an S-Cross for a test drive.
Skoda Kamiq7.8/10
The Skoda Kamiq continues to be an overlooked gem. It’s cleverly designed and well equipped, even in base form, and what sets it apart from many other dull options in this segment is how fun it can be to drive.
Despite all of this and keen ownership terms it continues to account for a tiny number of sales in the segment, and I don’t think it’s destined to change as, value or not, its positioning remains the same in a small SUV space where it’s increasingly hard to stand out.
Still, for those who dare to choose something different, there’s a great little car to be found.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Design
Suzuki S-Cross
It took Suzuki not one, not two, but three goes before the stylists succeeded in making the S-Cross look good.
The original was like an early Nissan Dualis clone, but all droopy faced, so they grafted on an aggressively toothy face back in 2016 that only a gargoyle’s mother could love.
At least this latest version – said to have been designed in Italy, no less – no longer looks like Frankenstein’s monster.
Released during 2022, the blockier nose, squared-off profile and restyled posterior are meant to make the S-Cross seem larger than its more-successful (and prettier) Vitara sibling, which uses the same platform, by the way.
Not a bad makeover job as far as big facelifts go, then, especially considering the Suzuki’s windscreen, doors and roof remain as before.
Skoda Kamiq
The Kamiq's design is distinctly European for better or worse, but it stands out from its crossover rivals by looking (and feeling) more hatchback than SUV.
If you’re wondering what’s changed for this update, I don’t blame you, the changes are very subtle. Looking closely will reveal a tweaked front bumper and a new rear diffuser, as well as progressive LED indicators.
The style of the two variants has also been subtly altered with new wheel choices and the increase in the use of gloss black on the Monte Carlo, but there are more distinct changes on the inside.
Each grade gets its own theme for the highlight trim across the dash reflected in the seats, and honestly I don’t miss the leather, cloth seats are back in in a big way, and in both grades here they’re pretty rad.
Other new features include a tweaked set of multimedia screens, with the base car maintaining a set of dials, and the larger unit re-working its touch-based shortcut buttons.
As usual, the digital dash treatment (courtesy of Volkswagen Group) is well above par in terms of customisation and information.
Ultimately then, it’s not too different from how it looked and felt before, but there’s certainly an argument to be made that it didn’t need to change. The Kamiq has always been a distinctive and well-appointed choice in this segment.
Practicality
Suzuki S-Cross
It might be an old interior, but at least Suzuki got the fundamentals right in the first place, while also bothering to update the electronics for it to at least seem more contemporary.
Basics first. In typical SUV fashion, entry and egress are excellent, via tall and wide doors with corresponding apertures. There’s a pleasing sense of space for taller occupants, especially in terms of leg and head room.
Once sat in the driver’s seat, the mid-last-decade looking dashboard is instantly familiar and completely non-intimidating.
Concise and surprisingly elegant analogue dials (now with an auxiliary digital speedo, at last) sit ahead of the driver, along with a reach-and-height-adjustable steering column that allows for people of all shapes and sizes to find the right position. Deep windows provide extensive vision and let lots of light inside, too.
Finished in what looks like stitched leather and chainmail-inspired inserts, the front seats in this Plus grade are wide enough for comfort yet bolstered enough for some support through corners.
We rate them, though driver-lumbar and front-passenger height adjustments are disappointingly absent.
Years ago, reviews lambasted manufacturers for providing “too many buttons”, but after an endless succession of touchscreens housing most (if not all) audio, climate and vehicle control access, we miss the days of the button-fest.
If you do too, the S-Cross obliges with array of climate-control switches and driver-assist buttons located around the driver for fast and definite access.
On the other hand, while Suzuki’s new 9.0-inch touchscreen does a fine job housing other vital vehicular and multimedia functions, it drops the ball with no volume knob.
The alternative looks like a slide control but relies on clumsy pushing. Fail. Luckily the steering-spoke-sited toggles do the same job far better, at least for the driver.
Kudos, too, for the effective and intuitive multimedia system, that packs a lot in a small-ish space. The excellent surround/aerial-view camera rates a mention, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay that hardly ever drops out.
Nobody is going to mistake the extensive plastic trim and other finishes as premium, but it isn’t horrendous, doesn’t inflict occupants with the cheap off-gas stink often found in bargain-basement brands, and absolutely nothing rattled or squeaked in our time with the Suzuki.
Storage is also impressive, from the large glove box and deep centre bin/armrest to bottle-gobbling pockets on all four doors. Cups are also well-catered for.
However, betraying the S-Cross’ age are the AWOL wireless charging, head-up display (at this price… ), USB-C outlets and configurable instrumentation.
Moving on to the rear seat reveals a family-friendly environment as far as space is concerned, with adequate comfort provided by the (slightly) reclinable backrest and (fixed) cushion. The windows lower all the way down and the folding centre armrest has a cupholder, too.
But while you’ll find a single map pocket and overhead grab handles, there are no USB ports (at all), nor overhead reading lights or rear-facing air vents.
Never mind. At least the rear backrest reclines (a tiny bit) for added comfort, while further back, boot capacity is a useful 430 litres.
The load area is flat and wide and a space saver spare wheel is located underneath the boot floor.
The backrest has a 60/40 split and the floor can be positioned in different locations. Volume jumps to 1230L with the backrests dropped.
If you rate space, practicality and ease above modernity, then, the S-Cross still holds up remarkably well. Just keep in mind that its interior will appear dated compared newer and flashier competition.
Skoda Kamiq
Practicality is one of Skoda’s big selling points. The deal is this. Skoda models sit between entries in the Volkswagen range to provide strategic alternatives to its parent company's hero brand.
The Kamiq, for example, sits size-wise between the T-Cross and T-Roc, although once you’re in the cabin it feels bigger than both.
A nice low seating position makes the roof feel distant, while massive windows grant excellent visibility. It's easy for me (at 182cm) to find a nice seating position thanks to plenty of adjustability, although some might find it feels a bit more hatch-like than other SUVs in this class which have taller seating positions.
The overall spacious feeling in the front is boosted by ample storage, including pockets and bottle holders in the doors, a triple cupholder in the centre console, a large storage bay under the climate unit and a small armrest console box.
Unlike rivals in this space which are quick to offer synthetic leathers as you work your way up the range, even the top-spec Monte Carlo has seats clad in cloth trims.
While this might not be great if you have kids prone to spilling liquids, I think design-wise the car is better for it and certainly no less comfortable.
Also notable is the commitment to dials for the climate unit, and a change for this model year is the introduction of fan speed buttons so this function no longer needs to be controlled through the touchscreen.
Interestingly, dials only appear on the smaller of the two touchscreens available on the base Select, while the Monte Carlo’s larger screen only has touch-based volume controls.
The back seat is enormous, offering me leagues of knee room behind my own driving position and the roof remains almost as distant as it is in the front seats.
It also feels wide enough and has decent amenities, like dual USB-C sockets, adjustable rear air vents and dual-tiered pockets on the backs of the front seats.
You also get a decent-sized bottle holder in the door and a drop-down centre armrest and the soft trims continue into the rear unlike some segment rivals which switch to hard plastic door cards.
The biggest downside for back seat passengers is the raised floor in the centre position (a platform restriction) which unfortunately makes it a bit squeezy for adults. Best leave this centre position for kids.
At 400 litres the boot punches well above its weight for this crossover segment, expanding to 1395L with the second row folded.
There’s a space-saver spare wheel under the floor and the Kamiq is also rated to tow, albeit at a limited 610kg or 630kg for an unbraked trailer and 1200kg or 1250kg (braked) for the Select and Monte Carlo, respectively.
Price and features
Suzuki S-Cross
As we’ve established, the base S-Cross Turbo front-wheel drive (dubbed 2WD in SUV-speak) starts from $39,990 (all prices are drive-away), while the Plus version tested here costs $42,490 drive-away.
But, just a couple of years back, the pre-facelift S-Cross version kicked off from about $10K less. And, before that, much the same car could be had for mid-$20K.
Suzuki doesn’t make it easy for itself, does it.
At least the S-Cross comes with a decent rollcall of kit, including dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, front fog lights, keyless entry/start, heated front seats, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels.
'Autonomous Emergency Braking' (AEB), lane keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive cruise control and a reverse camera headline the standard safety items. More on those in the Safety section below.
For a $2500 premium, the S-Cross Turbo Plus ushers in a larger (9.0-inch) touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera, leather trim and polished alloys.
This lines up with the all-wheel drive (AWD) Prestige AllGrip equivalent, though it misses out on the latter’s panoramic sunroof.
Price and equipment-wise, the Plus matches rival mid-grade 2WDs like the Toyota Corolla Cross GXL, Nissan Qashqai ST+, Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring, Kia Seltos Sport+ and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Aspire.
Just keep in mind, all are substantially newer generationally than the S-Cross, even though it did go under the scalpel a couple of years back.
Skoda Kamiq
In a quest to make its range more straightforward for buyers Skoda has simplified the Kamiq range down to two variants for 2025.
The bad news is it’s no cheaper. Actually, it continues its march up the price-scale, now starting from $32,890, before on-road costs, or $33,990 drive-away for the new entry-point Select.
The good news is, for the money Skoda has packed in even more standard equipment.
The Select is only available with the smaller 1.0-litre 85TSI engine and offers a pretty comprehensive list of stuff, including LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, an 8.0-inch digital dash with an 8.25-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate and keyless entry with push-button start.
There's also a leatherbound steering wheel with cloth seat trim and manual adjust front seats, four USB-C outlets, heated and power folding wing mirrors with an auto-dimming rear view mirror. It also scores some upgraded kit for the active safety suite, as well as drive modes and paddle shifters.
You can also option this grade with the 'Signature Pack', which adds adaptive cruise control and ‘Park Assist’, an electric tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, the larger 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen, tinted windows, carpet floor mats, interior ambient lighting, chrome exterior highlights, an alternate interior trim with suede highlights, and rear privacy glass.
At the top of the range is the new Monte Carlo which starts from $42,690, before on-roads, or $44,990 drive-away.
It scores a larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder 110TSI engine, and adds adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane guidance and park assist to the safety suite.
Standard equipment also includes 18-inch alloys, upgraded ‘Matrix’ LED headlights, ‘Sport Chassis Control’ suspension, the larger 10.25-inch digital dash and 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker premium audio, heated front seats with a heated steering wheel, sports front seats with power adjust for the driver, as well as black highlights on the exterior trim and soft-touch carbon-look highlight trims on the inside.
Both grades get some of Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ features like an umbrella integrated into the driver’s door, a ticket holder on the windscreen, a washer funnel integrated into the reservoir and phone pockets on the backs of the front seats.
According to Skoda, the slightly higher prices for both grades this time around are offset by several thousand dollars of increased value in equipment.
On the flip side, though, some gear has been removed from the Kamiq range entirely, including leather seats, wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, and voice control for the multimedia system.
Does it represent value compared to its rivals? It’s relative. Yes, even the base version is more affordable than any Subaru Crosstrek, but you can’t get all-wheel drive, while a Mazda CX-3 can be had for just $26,950, before on-roads, but doesn’t offer the same level of base equipment.
The HR-V is more expensive and offers less gear for the money. It seems ever-increasing prices are a segment-wide problem.
The biggest challenge is new Chinese rivals. Haval’s Jolion is physically bigger and can be had in hybrid form for less money ($32,990 drive-away), while the Chery Omoda 5 ($27,990) and MG ZST (from $26,490) are cheaper and a size-up. It’s easy to see the temptation for mainstream buyers.
Under the bonnet
Suzuki S-Cross
Here’s where the S-Cross definitely does not show its age, because Suzuki sure knows how to engineer a great engine. And automatic transmission, too. Take note, rivals.
Of course, we’re talking about the long-lived 'BoosterJet' powertrain, as found in the terrific Swift Sport hot hatch.
In this case, the 1.4-litre twin-cam, direct-injection, turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine delivers 103kW at 5500rpm and 220Nm of torque between 1500-4000rpm. Tipping the scales at 1260kg, this results in a power-to-weight ratio of 82kW per tonne.
Not huge numbers, granted, but this little firecracker certainly punches above its weight in the seamless way performance is served up, helped out by the intelligent spread of ratios from the standard six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, with paddle shifters included. Sadly, no manual gearbox is available.
Skoda Kamiq
Two grades, two engine choices, doesn’t really get simpler.
The base Select is offered only with the smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 85TSI engine (85kW/200Nm) paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.
Meanwhile, the top-spec Monte Carlo is only offered with the larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged 110TSI engine (110kW/250Nm). It is also paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and also only drives the front wheels.
These engine options are notable in the segment as they are both lean turbo units in a sea of older naturally-aspirated engines, and while some will rightfully have reservations around dual-clutch automatics, they’re certainly snappier and more efficient than torque converters or dull CVTs.
Efficiency
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki reckons the S-Cross will average 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle, though keep in mind that it requires expensive 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
As far as carbon dioxide emissions are concerned, that translates to between 138 and 145 grams/km.
We managed about 7.7L/100km – and this included some very spirited performance testing with the air-con always on, against the trip computer’s more-accurate-than-expected 7.4L.
With a 47-litre fuel tank, expect a range of about 790km between refills.
Skoda Kamiq
You’ll note Skoda doesn’t offer a hybrid option in its range, although one of the benefits of its more complicated engine and transmission is a fuel consumption which falls between what a plug-less hybrid or naturally aspirated rival might score.
The official/combined consumption of the 85TSI engine is just 5.5L/100km and for the 110TSI engine it is 5.6L/100km.
On our lengthy drive program at the launch both variants seemed to be landing a little over 6.0L/100km, which is more impressive than many rivals, which score in excess of 7.5L/100km in our testing.
Perhaps to even things out a little, the Kamiq’s turbocharged engines require mid-shelf 95 RON unleaded.
Driving
Suzuki S-Cross
So, if you’ve read this far down, you might have been pleasantly surprised by the S-Cross' spacious and practical interior, ease of operation and decent equipment levels.
Yet the main event lives under the bonnet.
Let’s start with the performance. Throttle response is instant and lag-free, allowing for strong acceleration right from the get go. No jerkiness, no delays, no hiccups.
On the move, the S-Cross' power delivery continues to impress, feeling smooth and slick across the rev range. The finely-tuned torque-converter auto – rather than a CVT continuously variable transmission or dual-clutch – must surely play a role in this Suzuki's effortlessly consistent performance.
Where the turbo engine really shines, though, is at higher speeds, with ample power and torque still left in reserve for when you need to overtake or pull away in a hurry.
Delightfully muscular yet super creamy to boot, the BoosterJet remains one of the best internal combustion engine choices available in any small or medium-sized SUV, regardless of price and positioning.
If only Suzuki put a little more love into the S-Cross’ dynamics.
As with the AWD model, the S-Cross 2WD features electric rack and pinion steering, while its suspension consists of a MacPherson strut-style design up front and a torsion beam rear-end arrangement.
While easy and precise, with a tight-ish turning circle for easy urban manoeuvrability, the steering feels too light after all that delicious oomph on offer, especially at higher speed.
This is doubly disappointing, because the chassis is quite firmly set-up, meaning the S-Cross offers sharp yet controlled handling that allows it to be hustled quickly and confidently through fast corners.
We suspect the high-quality Michelin 215/55R17 tyres help. And, speaking of rubber, road noise is fairly subdued out on the open road.
Criticisms? Unlike in the AWD version, the 2WD seems a little skittish at speed on gravel. It’s a good thing the well-modulated driver-assist systems are at the ready. Unlike in so many other SUVs, including in MGs and Havals, their intervention isn’t too zealous or ill-judged.
Also, the Suzuki’s ride around town can be a bit stiff, but never harsh, over smaller-frequency bumps and surface irregularities.
Still, our overall impression is that the eager S-Cross feels far newer to drive than its birth date suggests. That turbo powertrain must take the credit for much of that.
Skoda Kamiq
What immediately sets the Kamiq apart the moment you hop in the driver’s seat is how hatch-like it feels. While a lot of small SUVs and crossovers in this price-bracket grant a really high seating position to make them feel bigger than they are, the Kamiq lets you sit closer to the floor.
This has the effect of making it feel even smaller than it is, but also lends it a sporty feel from behind the wheel. This is reinforced as soon as you start driving by its lightweight, agile feel.
Keen steering in both grades is backed by firm suspension, making the Kamiq responsive and agile, and because both engines are turbocharged they offer something quite different in this space normally dominated by dull naturally-aspirated 2.0L engines.
First, the catch. The dual clutch transmission can be a bit fiddly, particularly in the 85TSI which comes with a fair dollop of turbo-lag.
This means you’ll have to factor in a moment of delay before acceleration arrives at T-junctions or green lights. It can be frustrating at times, but the trade-off is the small capacity turbo engine pairs with efficient ratios to make for lean fuel consumption.
The fun factor is also boosted. Once you overcome the initial laggy moment, the little turbo engines surge to life with an agreeable gruff tone, and the dual-clutch transforms from fiddly to snappy once you’re at speed.
This means when you’ve got a nice road to carve up, the Skoda is a hell of a lot more entertaining to drive than almost any rival in this space.
It doesn’t have the clumsy handling of Chinese rivals, nor does it have the lifeless drone of a bigger, less efficient engine paired to a continuously variable automatic. It’s a rare slice of excitement in a small SUV category dominated by average drive experiences.
The cabin manages to feel upmarket in most ways, and is relatively easy-to-use on the go thanks to a commitment to the dials and switchgear. It is a comfortable companion on a long journey.
While the suspension is keen and keeps the car agile though, keep in mind the ride can be quite hard. This Skoda doesn’t quite have the poise or breadth of ability of its VW relations. Large wheels in both grades don't help this equation.
There is also a notable amount of tyre roar entering the cabin, particularly on coarse chip or at freeway speeds which, to be fair, is a common trait in this part of the market.
To summarise, the Kamiq is a uniquely European drive experience in an otherwise dull segment, and despite some drawbacks, it’s a real stand-out as a result.
Safety
Suzuki S-Cross
While the pre-facelift S-Cross from 2013 to 2022 managed a maximum five-star crash-test score, no ANCAP rating information is available for the current JYB series.
There is a decent amount of safety gear as standard, though, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 'Weaving Alert' (a driver-drowsiness warning prompt), front/rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control (with full-stop functionality) and auto high beams.
Note that while the adaptive cruise control brings you to a halt, there’s no traffic-follow function as found in newer systems, betraying the S-Cross’ advancing years.
Plus, Suzuki does not supply information about the AEB and other driver-assist tech’s operating parameters.
Also fitted in every S-Cross are seven airbags (dual front, dual front side, curtain and driver’s knee), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist.
The rear seats contain a trio of child-seat tether anchorages, as well as an outboard pair of ISOFIX attachments.
Skoda Kamiq
Safety equipment is mostly impressive, although there is a small catch.
While active safety gear on both grades includes auto emergency braking (to freeway speeds, with rear manoeuvre braking), lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, only the top-spec Monte Carlo gets adaptive cruise control, the more proactive adaptive lane guidance and park assist features.
Both cars get front and rear parking sensors, however, and a rear view camera but there’s no 360-degree parking suite.
I was also impressed to find none of the active safety items were invasive to the drive experience, which certainly can’t be said for every small SUV.
The standard array of six airbags is present, and there are dual ISOFIX points and three top tether mounts across the rear seats.
The Kamiq range was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2020.
Ownership
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki offers an industry-average five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, while basic capped-price servicing is available, with pricing ranging from a low of $329 per service up to a high of $539 for the first five years/50,000km. The average of $397 isn't particularly cheap.
Skoda Kamiq
Skoda is going to great lengths to try and challenge the idea that a European car can’t be as easy to own as a Japanese or Korean rival.
As a result, it is the first European brand to offer a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, which is backed by a seven-year prepaid service pack.
This pack is reasonable. At $2650 it works out to $379 a year, which is not quite as affordable as Toyota or some Chinese rivals, but it’s also not expensive when you consider the service pricing of brands like Subaru or Kia.
It also offers a guaranteed future value program and the brand’s keen finance terms, on paper at least, make a Kamiq cheaper to own over five years than many of its competitors.