Skoda New Zealand has updated its related brace of compact family cars, the $38,990 Scala hatchback and $43,990 Kamiq SUV, with minor styling changes, more sustainable interior materials and an "evo2" generation of its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine for the flagship $51,490 Kamiq Monte Carlo.
The Scala wears new front and rear aprons, while Kamiq's visual enhancements include a silver diffuser with three openings. Both models come with a redesigned grille and, for the first time, LED Matrix beam headlights in the Monte Carlo.
At the rear, the electric tailgate available in the Kamiq Monte Carlo now also includes the virtual pedal for hands-free opening.
With the standard 8-inch digital display and 8.25in infotainment display (10in on Monte Carlo), the instrument panel in the two compact models is now fully digital. Four USB-C ports are standard. Dual zone climate control is now standard on all trims; the control panel now features added haptic buttons for controlling fan speed.
As part of the update, Škoda has also introduced a new range structure with three trim levels, each aligning with Scala, Kamiq and Kamiq Monte Carlo: they are Loft, Lodge and Monte Carlo (of course) respectively. All three add new materials and colours; recycled fabrics, hemp and kenaf are used for upholstery and door panels.
The Scala’s front apron provides new side wings, which divide the central air intake. The air curtains are more prominent. The rear apron features two wing elements painted in body colour, framing the diffuser and echoing the front design.
Both vehicles feature brand lettering in line with the new Škoda corporate style on the tailgate and the rear fog lights are integrated into each model’s rear apron. There's extended use of recycled polypropylene and polyester as well as wood flour and kenaf, in places such as the wheel arches, the water channel under the windscreen and the roof panelling.
The redesigned Škoda grille is now octagonal and slightly more upright in the Kamiq than before. The basic headlights of both models utilise LED technology throughout. The Kamiq Monte Carlo's LED Matrix beam headlights enable drivers to keep the high beam on continuously without dazzling oncoming traffic; cars heading in the opposite direction are detected by a camera that automatically excludes them from the cone of light.
On the Scala, the headlights are slimmer than before, with crystalline LED modules. The daytime running lights are now divided into two thin LED strips, creating a new light signature.
The Kamiq’s characteristic split headlights have new proportions. The upper element is now slimmer and uses four LED modules to generate the daytime running lights as well as animated indicators at the front – a feature unique to this Škoda model.
The lower headlight cluster, on the other hand, has become larger. New LED front fog lights are now embedded in the Scala’s and Kamiq’s air curtains. The redesigned LED taillights feature animated indicators and new L-shaped light graphics.
The Kamiq Monte Carlo has a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre TSI three-cylinder engine in "evo2" generation that features hardware and software improvements. These include the installation of a three-way catalytic converter with a particulate filter that makes it possible to reach the engine’s operating temperature faster and clean the exhaust gases more efficiently.
The 1.5 TSI also comes with an active cylinder deactivation system. This delivers a transition from four-cylinder to two-cylinder operation and vice versa.
The current 85kW/200Nm 1.0 TSI engine in the standard Kamiq and Scala will move to the evo2 generation from late this year.
