2024 Skoda Scala gets cheaper base model post-refresh

The refreshed 2024 Skoda Scala has landed in Australian dealers, heralding a lower starting price for the base Select but a $1900 price hike for the flagship Monte Carlo

On sale now, the facelifted Scala is recognisable by its slightly larger octagonal front grille, slimmer headlamps, tweaked bumpers, fresh alloy wheels and ‘SKODA’ lettering on the tailgate, but the headline news is the Scala Select 85TSI’s new just $32,490 drive-away starting price – some $1100 less than its Ambition predecessor.

After a two-year hiatus, Skoda Australia has also chosen the mid-life facelift to revive the Monte Carlo nameplate, although that car has been priced $1900 higher than the outgoing Signature flagship at $43,990 drive-away.

The good news is all Scala models gain new equipment, with the Monte Carlo boasting adaptive cruise control as standard, although there has been some evidence of miserly cost-cutting.

The Select, for example, loses the Ambition’s standard knee airbag for the driver that was previously included across the range and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to 18s.

The base model also gets a smaller 8.0-inch infotainment system (down from 10.25-inch), misses out on adaptive cruise and lane-centring, with neither variant getting a full alarm system.

Another weird reductive move includes the reintroduction of physical fan speed buttons on all models, including the Monte Carlo, despite the previous flagship boasting touchscreen controls.

The Monte Carlo also misses out on the Signature’s heated rear seats and wireless phone charging pad, although the option of a panoramic roof returns to the range.

Matrix LED headlights also go some way in offsetting the deleted kit.

New standard equipment on the Scala, even on the Select, includes front parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, LED headlamps, blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert. All models also get high-output 45W USB-C charging ports.

The range-topping Monte Carlo, meanwhile, returns with its familiar black styling pack, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, a 10-speaker sound system, gesture electric tailgate and the aforementioned matrix LED headlamps.

Neither of the Scala’s powertrains have been touched as part of the update, meaning the entry-level car still features a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol triple outputting 85kW/200Nm while the flagship ups the ante with a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, each driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel economy for the systems is 5.4L/100km for the former and 5.6L/100km for the latter.

Available to order and take delivery of now, the 2024 Skoda Scala comes with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

How much does the Skoda Scala cost?
MY24 Scala Select 85 TSI – $32,490 (-$1100)
MY24 Scala Monte Carlo TSI – $43,990 (+$1900)
* Prices are drive-away

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