Skoda Kamiq

Skoda's Kamiq is the entry point to the manufacturer's three-pronged line-up below the larger Karoq and Kodiaq. More impressive, is that the Kamiq is the best-seller of the three, and Skoda's second best-selling model overall. Now, after five years, there's a lightly facelifted version, and Skoda will be hoping for more
of the same. 

Most of the updates revolve around the Kamiq's exterior styling, including a larger front grille, redesigned headlights and tail lights, and a silver rear diffuser, with matrix LED headlights a new option. 

Inside, the Kamiq facelift updates centre on new fabrics, and a bigger 8.25in infotainment screen and 8in driver display on entry-level Kamiqs, with the rest of the range fitted with a 9.2in infotainment screen and a 10.25in driver display. There's also an upgraded climate control panel. 

Rear legroom remains one of the most impressive Kamiq interior features - headroom back there is also decent too, even with a sunroof fitted. Elsewhere, the 400-litre boot has a low loading lip and is a practical size - although some rivals are bigger. 

Mechanically, three petrol engines are available, a 1.0-litre in 95hp or 116hp versions, or the 150hp 1.5-litre that we're focusing on here. This 1.5 is also cleverly able to drop from running on four to two cylinders where possible to save fuel. 

The Kamiq shares its 31% BIK figure with the Juke, but it's the Ford and Seat that (just) manage to better this figure at 30%. We'd say any ICE-powered small SUV that's capable of more than 40mpg is at the top of its game, but this Skoda's 47.6mpg figure isn't quite good enough for top honours. Instead that goes to sister Volkswagen Group choice, the Seat Arona. 

At £28,255, the Kamiq has the highest P11D figure of this set, but it is in range-topping SE L spec, and the Ford is only just behind, with the Seat in third and the Nissan taking top honours. Despite being worth 40% of its original price after three years, this is only good enough for second place, with Ford's evergreen Puma taking the crown here. The only other area where the Skoda comes close to topping the set, is SMR, which at £2,050, is just £25 behind the winning Seat. Sadly, despite its modest facelift, this isn't enough to push the Kamiq into top cost per mile position, but it's only just behind the winning Ford Puma with its 45.48p figure.

Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI SE L 

P11D: £28,255

CO2 (tax): 134g/km (31%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £145/£291

Fuel consumption: 47.6mpg

National Insurance: £100

First year VED: £255

Subsequent VED: £165

Engine size/power: 1,498cc/150hp

AFR: 15p

Residual value: 40%

Depreciation: £16,720

Fuel costs: £8,518

SMR: £2,050

Cost per mile: 45.48p

Ford Puma

The fact that the Ford Puma has retained its honours in a sector with many new launches over the past four years, tells you how much we like this car, and it is our current 'Best Compact SUV.' Recently facelifted, Puma highlights remain the practical interior, an excellent drive, and the latest driver assistance and safety systems. 

This Puma is in near-range-topping ST-Line X spec, with the second highest P11D figure here (£28,165), and surprisingly it hasn't affected its standing in this set. Its 30% BIK figure is equal best with the Seat, but the Nissan and Skoda are only just behind with 1% more. 

More impressive, considering the other models in this set, is the fact that at £11,700 and 42%, it has the highest residuals. On top of this, the Puma has the lowest depreciation. Where the Ford falls down, though, is that it has the highest SMR figure, at £2,557, of the four cars we're reviewing. Despite this, the high residuals and low depreciation mean the Ford has the lowest cost per mile figure here.

Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost 155 ST-Line X 

P11D: £28,165

CO2 (tax): 125g/km (30%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £140/£281

Fuel consumption: 50.4mpg

National Insurance: £97

First year VED: £210

Subsequent VED: £165

Engine size/power: 999cc/155hp

AFR: 13p

Residual value: 42%

Depreciation: £16,440

Fuel costs: £8,177