Škoda Auto is comprehensively updating its compact Škoda Scala and Škoda Kamiq city SUV model series. Both models offer a very high level of active and passive safety, courtesy of rigid bodies and a now even more advanced range of assistance systems. Being based on the same MQB-A0 platform, both the Scala and the Kamiq feature efficient, modern TSI engines from the evo2 generation, with power outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). With its refined, sharply drawn lines, the Scala looks even more dynamic, while the Kamiq’s design adjustments lend it more rugged SUV appeal. With its Scala and Kamiq models, Škoda Auto has successfully won over new customers for the brand. An expressively designed, practical hatchback model with comprehensive standard equipment, the Scala has set benchmarks in the compact class with its generous interior space and luggage capacity. Since first appearing in showrooms in 2019, nearly 230,000 units have been delivered to customers in 57 markets worldwide. A few months after presenting the Scala, the Czech car manufacturer entered the booming city SUV segment with the new Kamiq. This model offers the advantages of an SUV such as a better view and more comfortable entry and exit courtesy of its raised seating position, along with greater ground clearance, and combines these features with the agility and handling of a compact car. As the third model in the Czech brand’s current SUV campaign, it quickly became a bestseller. More than 351,000 Kamiqs have rolled off the production line so far, making it the best-selling Škoda SUV in both 2021 and 2022, ahead of its popular big brothers, the Kodiaq and Karoq. The Kamiq has been delivered to customers in 60 markets worldwide. Both models now come with Škoda’s TOP LED Matrix headlights as an option – a first for these models. An increased proportion of recycled and natural materials for the exterior and interior ensures greater sustainability. The restructured product range for both models now consists of three trim levels with six interior variants along with optional equipment packages. A Digital Display with an 8-inch screen diagonal and an 8.25-inch Škoda Infotainment display already come as standard in all models. New Simply Clever details round off the refresh.
As is typical for Škoda, the upgraded Kamiq and Scala come with numerous assistance systems, some of which are more commonly associated with higher vehicle categories. They thus further enhance the level of active and passive safety of these two compact models: in the European Union, the standard equipment includes, for example, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition among other features. In the event of an accident, up to nine airbags protect the occupants. With their restructured product range, the Scala and Kamiq now also offer the Design Selections familiar from the all-electric Enyaq family. Inspired by modern living environments, they feature coordinated colours and materials. Spread across three new trim levels – Essence, Selection and the sporty Monte Carlo top version – a total of six design variants are available. In addition, there are optional equipment packages in several categories, as well as a number of individual options. The popular Monte Carlo variants, which are an homage to Škoda’s successes in the Monte Carlo Rally, traditionally stand out with their black accents as well as man-made Carbon leather in the interior. A Digital Display with an 8-inch screen diagonal and an 8.25-inch Škoda Infotainment display already come as standard in all models. The brand’s signature range of Simply Clever details is complemented by such features as the Virtual Pedal for the optional electric tailgate, available for the first time in these models.
Škoda has again increased the proportion of sustainable materials in the Scala and Kamiq produced at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. For example, the water reservoir underneath the windscreen and the wheel arch linings are made from recycled plastics. In the interior, natural plant fibres from hemp and kenaf are used in the door trim panels and in the structure of the roof lining, alongside recycled fabrics for the upholstery, flooring and foot mats. The engine range comprises three modern TSI units from the highly efficient evo2 generation. The entry-level engine is a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder unit with 70 kW (95 hp) and manual 5-speed transmission. The 1.0 TSI with 85 kW (115 hp) is available with a manual 6-speed gearbox or a 7-speed DSG. The same applies to the top engine, the 110 kW (150 hp) four-cylinder 1.5 TSI. It has ACT cylinder deactivation, which automatically switches off the two middle cylinders when their power is not needed. This is practically imperceptible to the driver and reduces fuel consumption. In addition to the standard suspension, a rough road suspension (with 15 millimetres more ground clearance for the Scala) and Sport Chassis Control with a choice of two damper settings (lowered by 15 millimetres for the Scala and by 10 millimetres for the Kamiq) are optionally available for both models.
Škoda has now presented the Scala and Kamiq with extensive updates. The Scala now looks even more dynamic, evoking the Vision RS concept study with its revised Škoda grille, slimmed-down headlights, redesigned aprons at the front and rear and striking air curtains. The Kamiq now comes with a larger, more upright Škoda grille, while new aprons with striking diffusers lend it more rugged SUV appeal. Moreover, the Kamiq’s signature split headlights have new proportions: the upper lighting element is even more slender, while the lower one has grown in size. It accommodates optional TOP LED Matrix headlights with distinctive hexagonal Matrix modules, available for the first time for the Kamiq as well as the Scala. In the hatchback model, the crystalline LED modules were designed to evoke sparkling little blocks of ice or gemstones.
Škoda has made the expressive design of its compact Scala even more distinctive. With a redesigned Škoda grille and revised aprons at the front and rear, the refreshed hatchback model is even more reminiscent of the spectacular Vision RS concept. Its dynamic appearance is reinforced by slimmed-down headlights, available for the first time with TOP LED Matrix technology and LED modules evoking blocks of ice. The range of wheels in sizes from 16 to 18 inches has also been revised. The characteristic extended rear window made of black glass, which stretches down to the redesigned tail lights, remains available as an option. Škoda offers a total of nine paint finishes for the new Scala. The sporty Scala Monte Carlo top model is traditionally characterized by numerous black accents. The updated Scala features a new Škoda grille. This comes with the traditional vertical slats and plays with the alternation of matt and glossy surfaces. The front bumper has also been redesigned: the central air intake is divided by side wings and flanked by more pronounced air curtains. These emphasise sportiness while also protecting the LED fog lights, which are standard from the Selection model upwards. The air intake grille has a mesh-style design and comes with diamond-shaped segments that create a three-dimensional look. The Scala was the first model to showcase the current iteration of Škoda’s design language. For the update of the model series, the Czech car manufacturer has drawn on the Scala’s distinctive features and refined them further. The tapering headlights are now slimmer and even more sophisticated, featuring expressive LED components in the TOP LED Matrix variant. The front and rear aprons for the Scala emphasise sportiness, resembling the dynamic Vision RS concept.
The Škoda Scala and the Škoda Kamiq are among the safest vehicles in their respective classes. Their high level of active and passive safety earned both models the maximum rating of five stars in their Euro NCAP tests, courtesy of very torsionally rigid bodies, up to nine airbags and a wide range of advanced assistance systems. The Škoda Scala and Kamiq protect their occupants with numerous active and passive safety systems that contribute to preventing an accident or reducing the severity of its consequences. Both models have very torsionally rigid bodies that include a high proportion of high-strength or specially hardened steel. This increases safety and also makes for improved handling and exceptional durability. In the event of an accident, up to nine airbags protect the occupants. Standard equipment for vehicles in the European Union includes airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as head airbags and side airbags at the front. Škoda offers a comprehensive range of assistance systems for the Scala and Kamiq, some of which are more commonly associated with higher vehicle categories. In the European Union, both models’ standard equipment includes Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. Manoeuvre Assist uses the rear parking sensors to detect potential obstacles when manoeuvring and automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if a collision is imminent. Hands-on Detection checks at regular intervals whether the driver has their hands on the steering wheel and is still in control of the vehicle. Side Assist, available as an option, warns of approaching vehicles from behind, up to a distance of 70 metres. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Adaptive Lane Assist are also available as options for the Scala and Kamiq.
Like all Škoda vehicles, the Scala and Kamiq offer the brand’s typical Simply Clever ideas. Classics include the umbrella in the driver’s door, the parking ticket holder on the A-pillar and the ice scraper with a tyre tread depth gauge in the fuel filler flap. In a first for Škoda in the A0 segment, the Virtual Pedal for the optional electric tailgate is now available for the new Scala and the new Kamiq. And several new features from other Škoda models have also found their way into the updated compact model and city SUV. Optional Simply Clever packages are available as well. Škoda’s signature Simply Clever ideas are small features that make everyday use of the vehicle easier. These include, for example, the umbrella in the driver’s door, the parking ticket holder on the A-pillar and the ice scraper with tyre tread depth gauge in the fuel filler flap. The refresh of the Scala and Kamiq has now added some Simply Clever features that were previously available for other models made by the Czech car manufacturer. The Virtual Pedal, for instance, is now for the first time available on a Škoda in the A0 segment. It enables drivers to use a foot movement to open the optional electric tailgate – ideal for when you’re carrying shopping, for example, and don’t have a hand free.
The refresh of the compact Škoda Scala and Kamiq also includes further fine-tuning of the two models’ infotainment systems and connectivity features. The Scala and Kamiq now feature an eight-inch Digital Display as standard, with a customisable 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit available as an option. The free-standing central touchscreen display now measures at least 8.25 inches on the diagonal and has a glazed front. If a customer orders the optional navigation package, the display measures 9.2 inches. Four USB-C ports with an output of 45 watts, for fast-charging mobile devices or even laptops, are available as an option. All variants of the Škoda Scala and Kamiq are always online. The Digital Display with a screen diagonal of eight inches is now standard; the optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit offers various layouts and can be configured to suit individual preferences. The Škoda Infotainment system has a free-standing central touchscreen display with a screen diagonal of 8.25 inches and two rotary buttons; the front is glazed. The system offers digital radio reception (DAB) as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and transferring audio signals from a smartphone. Two USB-C ports with 15 watts of power and four speakers are standard.
