2024 Skoda Kamiq and Scala facelifts revealed, due in Australia next year

The 2024 Skoda Kamiq small SUV and Scala small hatchback have received an update in Europe, ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals next year.

The mid-life facelifts for Skoda Australia's top-selling model, the Kamiq SUV, and its Scala hatchback sibling bring a revised look, new technology, and updated engines for European markets.

Australian showroom arrivals for both vehicles are due in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June), pending any delays.

The Kamiq is claimed to be "more rugged" than before, with a larger grille, slimmer daytime-running lights, smaller main-beam headlights, new front and rear bumpers with silver trim, L-shaped rear reflectors that form a 'C' shape with the tail-lights, new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs, and a range of new paint colours.

Meanwhile, the Scala scores a new front bumper reminiscent of the Vision RS concept of 2018 – which inspired the original Scala – plus a restyled rear bumpers, slimmer headlights with new L-shaped signatures, revised 16- to 18-inch wheels, tweaked LED tail-lights, and nine new paint colours.

Monte Carlo versions of both cars are available in Europe, which adds a gloss black finish for the grille, mirror caps, side skirts, roof rails, Skoda badges and rear diffuser, unique black and silver wheels on top models, Monte Carlo badges, and more advanced headlights as standard.

Both models are now available with matrix LED headlights – with the ability to blank out part of their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming motorists – and wear updated Skoda lettering on their tailgates.

Inside, there is a range of new colour and trim combinations are available, with a choice of fabric, suede or leather upholstery, chrome, black or copper-coloured highlights, and on high-grade models, single-piece sports seats.

Skoda says recycled fabrics and natural materials such as hemp and kenaf (said to be a type of hibiscus) are used in the updated vehicles' seat trim, headlining and other upholstered elements.

There is a new design for the climate-control air-conditioning panel, while the structure of option packages has been revised in Europe – though this may not carry across to Australia.

An 8.0-inch instrument display is now standard in Europe, though all Australian cars were already fitted with a 10.25-inch widescreen Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster which is optional in Europe.

The infotainment touchscreen measures 8.25 or 9.2 inches across, depending on model – as before – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite navigation and over-the-air updates on top models.

Now optional are USB-C ports that can provide up to 45 watts to charge laptop computers, while the power tailgate now offers hands-free functionality.

Features on top-of-the-range models include heated and power-adjustable front seats, a six-speaker sound system, and wireless phone charging.

Available advanced safety features include autonomous emergency braking (forward-facing) with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed rear autonomous emergency braking.

The updated Scala and Kamiq gain "Simply Clever" practicality features from other new Skoda models, including smartphone storage pockets on the front seat backs, and removable rear cupholders that connect to the transmission tunnel in the floor.

In Europe there is a choice of three turbo-petrol engines: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 70kW and a five-speed manual transmission, a higher-output 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 85kW and six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 110kW and a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

The current model range in Australia covers the 85kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 110kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder, both standard with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

European buyers can order "rough-road suspension" for the Scala with 15mm more ground clearance, or sports suspension for both vehicles that drops the Scala's ride height by 15mm, and the Kamiq's by 10mm.

The 2024 Skoda Scala and Kamiq are due in Australian showrooms next year. Prices will be confirmed closer to launch.