Scala or Kamiq? Both Škodas have a lot to offer

Same basis, different characters. The Škoda Scala and Škoda Kamiq are siblings, but each has a different personality. But whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Find out why.

2. 4. 2024 Škoda World

Scala

The Škoda Scala offers a lot of space on a compact platform. And that applies to both the occupants and their luggage. It’s the ideal first car for a single user, a couple or even a young family. It can comfortably carry two parents and two growing children. Its boot capacity of over 460 litres is what you’d expect to find in cars a class above – none of its rivals offers such a big luggage compartment.

Rear door of the Škoda Scala

“The model came onto the market in 2019, and right from the start its design successfully made its mark on customers. The Scala was one of the first models to display the Czech carmaker’s new design language. Last year we gave it a facelift reflecting further innovations in this distinctive style and giving its looks a slightly sportier and more dynamic feel,” says product spokesman Jan Hrbek.

One of the changes making the Scala sportier looks is the revised radiator grille and bumper that feature new, dynamic elements. The top-of-the-range version has been given new lights: the daytime running light strip is split into two parts, creating a unique light signature. In short, the Scala is a car that’s unmissable and unmistakeable.

Škoda Scala

“The modernised interior, too, is more elegant, with all the model’s variants now more similar to the cockpits we know from the higher model ranges. It’s fair to say that the Scala now feels like a home from home – and the names of the individual interiors, Suite, Lodge or Loft, reinforce this sense of being at home in the car,” the product specialist points out.

The Škoda Scala’s interior offers sustainable materials and an 8” virtual cockpit as standard.

In terms of powertrains, the range includes the popular TSI engines, from 1 litre to 1.5, with three different power outputs and manual and automatic transmissions to choose from. All the engines now bear the evo2 designation, even the one-litre version. The power output delivered by the more powerful of the two engines has increased from 81 to 85 kilowatts. It has also received a redesigned manual transmission and an improved power curve and torque waveform. “What this means in practice is that the car is more enjoyable to drive, especially in traffic,” Hrbek adds.

The Škoda Scala was upgraded last year.

Kamiq

Like the Scala, the Kamiq urban crossover is based on the MQB A0 platform. You might call it a slightly more rugged twin: the cars have the same technical foundation and share some design elements and the same interior.

The Kamiq has rapidly climbed into second place in the brand’s sales rankings, leading the Czech carmaker’s SUVs. In several markets, such as Italy and Spain, the Kamiq is the best-selling Škoda of them all.

Škoda Kamiq

“There are many reasons for the Kamiq’s popularity, among them its design, which is significantly more robust and muscular compared to the Scala, with a clear SUV DNA. The recent facelift enhanced this aspect of the model’s personality. Of course, the Kamiq also scores particularly high on passenger space, offering more headroom than the Scala, and some drivers may also find the higher ground clearance (188 mm compared to 149 mm in the Scala) a plus – it makes the car more comfortable to get into, especially for less mobile individuals, seniors and anyone who doesn’t want to sit too low in a car. And yet the Kamiq remains very compact. You can park it anywhere,” Hrbek says with a smile.

Škoda Kamiq Monte Carlo

Great features in common

Following the models’ upgrades, some elements are common to both of them. One of the most notable new features is the arrival of LED Matrix headlights, with even the basic version now fully LED. “Matrix technology brings both greater convenience for the driver – one press of a lever and you can forget about the lights – and, of course, improved safety. The driver benefits from considerably more light for a greater part of the journey, which obviously means that potential hazards are spotted earlier. What’s more, the lights don’t dazzle other road users,” Hrbek points out.

Škoda Scala and Škoda Kamiq

Another thing the Scala and Kamiq have in common is the complete switch from analogue dials to a digital cockpit, which comes as standard in all variants and can have an eight or ten inch diagonal. The infotainment display has a diagonal of either eight or nine inches.

One practical new feature is the air conditioning control. “Because we listen to feedback from our customers and the trade press, we have redesigned the Climatronic controls, which now feature physical buttons to control ventilation. So now there’s no need to search through the infotainment menus when you want to increase or decrease the ventilation intensity,” the spokesman says.

Interior of the Škoda Kamiq

Both models also have a number of Simply Clever solutions that make life easier. They were given faster wireless phone charging with a power of up to 15 watts and one fantastic feature – active cooling. “We all know what it’s like: induction charging causes your phone to heat up, and then it stops working just when you need to call or use its navigation function. The charging pad has holes in it, and beneath it there’s an active fan that sends cool air over the phone. Another great feature is the tablet holder for rear-seat passengers, which is now available with Monte Carlo sports seats as well as the standard seats. This makes long journeys with kids in the back easier and more fun in the Scala and Kamiq,” product spokesman Jan Hrbek concludes.

Škoda Scala and Škoda Kamiq