2022 Skoda Kamiq 85TSI returns to Australia with $7000 higher price

The 2022 Skoda Kamiq 85TSI small SUV is back in Australian showrooms, after it slipped from sale a year ago due to demand overwhelming constrained supply – but it is not the sub-$30,000 price leader it once was.

Now available to order, the new Kamiq 85TSI Style is priced from $37,990 drive-away – up $7000 over the $30,990 drive-away sticker price the 85TSI wore when it last occupied Skoda showrooms in the first half of 2021, with no additional features.

The 85TSI Style replaces the 110TSI Ambition – introduced in mid-2021 to fill the departed 85TSI's void – but despite using a less powerful three-cylinder engine (compared to the 110TSI's four-cylinder), the new 85TSI is no cheaper, at an identical $37,990 drive-away.

Standard feature lists are all but identical between the 85TSI Style, 110TSI Ambition and old 85TSI, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and a power tailgate.

Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control are standard, however blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert – previously standard or optional on higher-end models – is not available on any variant due to the semiconductor shortage.

Skoda Australia attributes the price hike to increased supply chain costs, with a spokesperson telling Drive: "There have been significant changes to the industry over the past 12 months, where raw earth materials such as aluminium as well as transport costs have increased dramatically.

"We always strive to hold off any price adjustments for as long as possible. We are also looking at measures to ameliorate this, and can talk more on this soon."

Price increases have been felt across the entire Kamiq range (and Skoda's full model line-up) since its launch in late 2020 and early 2021 – including a $1000 increase for the Monte Carlo and Signature that coincided with the return of the 85TSI engine this month.

The 110TSI Monte Carlo now costs $41,990 drive-away – up $5000 compared to its $36,990 drive-away launch price – while the $42,990 drive-away 110TSI Signature sits $4000 above its mid-2021 launch price, and $6000 above the early 2021 Kamiq 110TSI Launch Edition.

A six-speed manual transmission could previously be had in the 2021 Kamiq 85TSI for $27,990 drive-away at launch in late 2020 – or in the 110TSI Ambition for $35,990 drive-away – however this has been axed "in response to overwhelming customer preference", Skoda Australia says.

Powering the 85TSI Style is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, sending 85kW and 200Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Claimed combined fuel economy is 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 110TSI Monte Carlo and Signature – plus the departed 110TSI Ambition – gain a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, routing 110kW and 250Nm through the same seven-speed dual-clutch auto and front-wheel-drive layout.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the 85TSI Style is fitted as standard with rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, heated power-folding door mirrors, wireless phone charging and ambient cabin lighting. A full list is included at the bottom of this story.

The 110TSI Monte Carlo adds the larger 1.5-litre engine, plus unique 18-inch Vega wheels, black exterior accents, a drive mode selector, 15mm-lower sports suspension, adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights, unique sports seats and pedals, and a panoramic sunroof.

While the 85TSI Style doesn't offer any option packs, a $4300 Travel Pack is available for the Monte Carlo, which adds front parking sensors, heated front and outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and voice control.

This package would typically include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an upgraded Skoda sound system, however these are all currently unavailable due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage. Buyers will instead receive an $800 credit.

The Monte Carlo's adaptive headlights were also previously unavailable, however these have returned from April production onwards – albeit without the scrolling front indicators offered prior to the latest semiconductor bottleneck.

The flagship Signature lacks the Monte Carlo's unique accents, wheels, seats, pedals and suspension, but gains the Travel Pack as standard, plus leather and Suedia upholstery, silver roof rails, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory.

Signature buyers are given a $350 credit for the missing safety features and stereo system, Skoda Australia says.

A panoramic roof is a $1300 option on the 85TSI Style, while across the range Candy White paint is standard, metallic and pearl effect paint costs $550 extra, and Velvet Red is a $1100 option.

The 2022 Skoda Kamiq range is available to order now.

Note: All prices listed above are drive-away.

The Kamiq Signatures shares the Style's 18-inch Crater wheels, silver exterior accents, and standard seats and pedals, rather than the Monte Carlo's unique items.