Skoda is working on a mid-life cycle facelift of the Scala compact hatchback, and our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype testing in the Alps.
The facelifted Scala made its spy debut in September 2021, which means that it is now going through the last stages of development before the imminent debut. The latest prototype has camouflage on the front and rear ends since the rest of the bodywork will remain unchanged.
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The updated Scala sports a slightly larger grille, and a new front bumper with a cleaner design compared to its predecessor. The headlights will retain the angular shape but could get fresh LED graphics, more in line with the new Skoda Fabia. At the back, changes appear to be more limited, with minor changes on the rear bumper trim.
Interior design is one of the strongest points of the current Scala, so Skoda is not expected to change a lot in this department. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster could become standard in more trims, as with the larger 9.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. The latter will likely benefit from a software update, introducing more connectivity features.
The Skoda Scala has been with us since 2019, based on a stretched version of the MQB A0 platform. The latter is used in all the superminis of the VW Group, (Skoda Fabia, VW Polo, and Seat Ibiza), as well as the equivalent SUVs (Skoda Kamiq, VW T-Cross, Seat Arona). Unlike the aforementioned models, the Scala is positioned in the C-segment, going against the likes of the VW Golf and the Opel Astra, since it measures 4,362 mm (171.7 inches) long and has a rather spacious cabin. Furthermore, the Scala fills the gap created by the canceled Fabia Combi, for those looking for a more practical alternative.
The Scala is currently available with the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol, the 1.0 TGI that is burning CNG (Scala G-Tec), and the flagship 1.5 TSI four-cylinder petrol. The engine range will likely be carried over to the facelift with minor updates. Skoda has made it clear it is not planning a hot hatch variant of the Scala, with the Monte Carlo fulfilling the role of the sportiest looking trim. Last year, Skoda partnered with ABT Sportsline to create the Scala Edition S with 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) from a tuned 1.5 TSI, but this one came with a limited availability exclusively for the German market.
The updated compact hatchback is expected to debut this year, as a 2023 model. Following the Scala, Skoda might also bring similar updates to the mechanically-related Kamiq.
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