The facelifted 2024 ŠKODA Scala
The facelifted 2024 ŠKODA Scala
ŠKODA has given its Scala model a facelift – and it includes a number of tech updates as well as a few nifty design tweaks.
The Scala, a conventional five-door hatchback, has been designed to rival the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Kia Ceed, and the latest improvements to the ŠKODA in many ways mirror those already introduced to the company’s Kamiq small SUV.
Why is that not a surprise? Well, because both the Scala and Kamiq share the same platform. That means, of course, they also share the same engines and transmissions; plus, they’re both built alongside each other at ŠKODA’s main factory in Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic.
There are new bumpers front and back, plus a new front grille. And it’s no ordinary grille. ŠKODA’s designers claim it’s intended to make the production Scala look closer to the Vision RS concept that previewed it back in 2018.
There’s a diamond pattern in the mesh of the new air intake, which gives it a more ‘three-dimensional’ look, plus new, slimmer headlights. The options will now also include a box to tick for matrix-LED headlights. Also on the options list is the smart-looking extended rear-hatch glass that stretches down to the taillights.
The final external changes include a new range of alloys. These range from 16 inches to 18 inches and are available in nine paint shades, including three solid colours. Inside the cabin the facelifted model now makes greater use of recycled and natural materials on areas, including the seats and door inlays. And the finish of the interior will now be governed by six design selections — that’s a fancy way of saying curated mixes of colours and trims — as seen on the Enyaq EV.
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As for new tech, across the Scala range all models now get an 8-inch digital instrument panel as standard. A larger and more interactive 10.25-inch display is again available as an option. There’s also now an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system fitted across the range, with buyers able to tick the option box to upgrade to a larger 9.2-inch panel; this comes with a navigation package.
And while you can now use hands-free gestures to open the optional powered tailgate, there’s also now a plethora of USB-C ports in the cabin. There are, in fact, five, including one cleverly embedded in the rear-view mirror to allow owners to plug-in a dash cam.
While ŠKODA is sensibly steering clear of hybrid technology which would force prices up, buyers can still choose from three petrol engines and three transmissions. There’s an entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. The main seller is likely to be the same engine, but able to deliver 114bhp, and available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Sitting at the top of the range is the 1.5-litre unit, delivering 148bhp and again available with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed auto gearboxes.
The facelifted Scala is expected to go on sale at Arnold Clark’s ŠKODA dealerships early in 2024.
Expect trim levels to remain largely unchanged, with SE, SE L and Monte Carlo versions. ŠKODA has yet to confirm prices but given the relatively minor facelift, don’t expect prices to move much from the current figure of around £21,500.
