2025 Skoda Scala price and specs: Lower starting price with styling update

The 2025 Skoda Scala has arrived in Australia with a lower price for the cheapest model – but a $1900 hike for the range-topping version – as part of a mid-life facelift for the small hatch.

Unveiled in Europe more than a year ago, but only now reaching Australia, the updated Scala gains revised exterior styling, changes to the interior, and new features across the range.

Prices have been reduced by $1100 for the entry-level 85TSI Select model – which replaces the Ambition – while Skoda has brought back the Monte Carlo after a two-year absence, replacing the Signature for a $1900 higher price.

It is one of three cars Skoda Australia sells under $35,000 drive-away, alongside the related Kamiq small SUV, and one-size-smaller Fabia city car.

All Scala models gain new equipment – but other features previously offered on the base model are now exclusive to the flagship version, including adaptive cruise control.

A knee airbag for the driver was previously standard across the line-up, but is now no longer available on any trim grade.

New on the outside is a restyled front bumper, slimmer LED headlights, and redesigned alloy wheels, while inside there are now physical fan speed buttons on all models, replacing the Signature's touchscreen controls.

Matrix LED headlights – which can blank out part of their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming motorists – are now fitted to the Monte Carlo.

New features on the Select compared to the Ambition include front parking sensors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (replacing wired), keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, gear shift paddles, and a drive mode selector.

However, the Select lacks the previous Ambition's 18-inch alloy wheels (now 17s), adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, a 10.25-inch instrument display (now 8.0-inch), carpet floor mats, door sill trims, and a full alarm system – all of which remain standard on the Monte Carlo.

Standard features on the entry model include an 8.25-inch touchscreen, 8.0-inch instrument display, LED headlights, fabric seats, and a suite of safety technology, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Compared to the Signature, the Monte Carlo gains a black styling pack, unique 18-inch wheels and red-accented sports seats, plus a 10-speaker stereo, hands-free functionality for its power tailgate, and matrix LED headlights.

A panoramic glass roof returns to the Scala range, after it was last offered as standard on the Monte Carlo prior to its discontinuation in 2022. All models gain high-output 45-watt USB-C charging ports.

The wireless phone charging pad from the Signature is not available on the Monte Carlo, along with heated rear seats.

Powering the Scala Select is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 85kW and 200Nm, matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo uses a larger 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder with 110kW and 250Nm, paired with the seven-speed auto and front-wheel drive.

Fuel consumption ratings have crept up slightly – from 5.3 to 5.4L/100km in the Select/Ambition, and 5.5 to 5.6L/100km in the Monte Carlo/Signature – though both are still among the most fuel-efficient small cars on sale.

As with all new Skoda vehicles, the Scala – which is based on a stretched version of the Fabia and VW Polo's underpinnings, not the Golf – is covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The 2025 Skoda Scala is available in Australia now.

The first cars to arrive are marketed as Model Year 2024 (MY24) vehicles, but a Skoda spokesperson confirmed standard specifications will remain unchanged for MY25 builds.