MOTORING
A CAR WITH THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR By Tim Saunders, Motoring Correspondent Now we’re tackling life alongside the virus, anything we can do to make ourselves feel better is vital to our all-round well-being. Where vitamin D, the scientists say, might be a welcome boost to our immunity to fight this thing, the Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo, the compact and exceedingly cool estate car, delivers that much needed feel good factor. For all the Saunders family a trip in a new car is always a welcome adventure into the unknown. And the Skoda certainly doesn’t disappoint. The children particularly like the large panoramic glass roof that stretches the full length of the vehicle and allows them to look up at the trees as they go through a seasonal change of colour. ‘I love Skodas,’ enthuses Harriett (9) with huge passion. There is a cover that can be operated by the press of a button; Henry (4) has great pleasure in showing us all.
Tim Saunders is an advanced motorist and journalist. He has always been passionate about motoring and regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers. His first report on a BMW 520i was published in the Dorset Echo when he was 17 (just after passing his driving test) in 1995. He went on to become business and motoring editor at the Bournemouth Echo.
Harriett (9) and I admire this estate finished in race blue metallic, from the dining room, the front bumper demands our attention because the indicators sit underneath the headlights, split up by the bumper in a way that we haven’t seen before. This sporty model is certainly attractive with its black radiator grille and striking 18-inch black Vega alloy wheels. That touch of black continues around the vehicle; black writing on the boot and black trim. There’s rear privacy glass to further enhance its no mess attitude. ‘What’s that?’ questions Heidi (7) as I open the doors. I confess to not knowing but in my research I discover that this model has clever door-edge protection so that there’s no damage if opening the door against a wall or another car. The interior microsuede upholstery is black, and
with the roof cover shut it’s pretty dark but this of course is soon changed by opening it when huge amounts of light come in. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable driver’s car, with an excellent seating position thanks to the front sports seats. The multi-functional steering wheel in black perforated leather with red stitching further adds to the sporty feel. Everything’s in the right place and the six-speed manual gearbox is a joy, as you’d expect. Progress is swift. The Kamiq comes loaded with goodies including electrically adjustable power folding wing mirrors, all-round electric windows, air conditioning, an easy to use and reliable sat nav, a traditional handbrake, a removable LED light in the boot and even an umbrella in the driver’s door. Yes, we’re smitten and very sad to see it go.
The word Kamiq originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland. It means something that fits perfectly. Rarely is a car name so apt. I didn’t know this when the Kamiq arrived on my driveway but funnily enough that’s just what I thought. The designers should receive top marks. It’s a joy to behold. As eldest Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 daughter 16/03/2020 14:23 Page 1
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FACTS AT A GLANCE
Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI 150PS Price: £27,515 0-60mph: 8.3secs Economy: 44mpg approx. Power: 150ps Top speed: 132mph CO2 emissions: 113g/km Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz /TheConduitMag
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