FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Skoda Scala Monte Carlo to debut

A range-topping Skoda Scala Monte Carlo will be launched at the Frankfurt motor show on September 10.

Set to become the flagship of the Czech brand's upcoming small hatch range, the Monte Carlo follows on from the Fabia Monte Carlo and the former Rapid Monte Carlo.

Featuring the familiar red and black colour combination, the Scala Monte Carlo gets full LED headlights, larger 17-inch alloy wheels with the option of larger-still 18s, a panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler and tinted windows.

Inside the sporty hatch, the Monte Carlo adds height adjustable sport seats, a leather-wrapped sportier steering wheel, moody black headliner, plenty of red interior accents, chrome air-vents and different instrument panel graphics for the 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Finally, the Scala Monte Carlo gets the larger 9.2-inch infotainment system, climate control, different floor mates, Scala-branded door sills and even rouge LED ambient lighting.

Under the bonnet there's the choice of either 1.0-litre three-cylinder or 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines, or a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel.

Like the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda's new small car is expected to be offered here only with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, matched to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

On sale in Europe in late 2019, the Scala Monte Carlo could arrive Down Under following the Scala's Australian launch in the second quarter of next year.

It's thought that as well as the Scala, Skoda will also launch the Kamiq Monte Carlo at the German motor show.

The small Kamiq SUV, meanwhile, arrives in Australia early in the third quarter of 2020.