skoda scala

As the Czech challenger brand under the massive Volkswagen Group umbrella, Skoda has been making strides in recent years to compete with the car industry’s top players. But with less brand recognition than its peers, plus a lot of difficult-to-spell model names (many of them starting with a ‘K’), it’s understandable the Skoda range could feel a little confusing for first-time shoppers.

Czech brand Skoda has become the latest manufacturer to offer a Siri-like intelligent in-car assistant, launching a new "Hey, Laura" function for the Kamiq crossover and Scala small car. The online-based voice control system understands natural speech in six languages, according to the Volkswagen Group subsidiary, and forms part of the 'Amundsen' infotainment system that's available for the Kamiq and Scala.

Skoda has officially launched its latest infotainment software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, debuting in the all-new Kamiq crossover and related Scala hatchback. Dubbed 'Wireless Smart Link', the feature "makes for even more convenient use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto" by allowing compatible smartphones to use the mirroring features through a bluetooth connection, rather than a USB cable.

The interior Skoda Scala has been revealed a week before the car's full debut on December 6, local time, in Tel Aviv, Israel. The high-end model shown here stands out thanks to the light coloured strip of, probably, fake wood running across its width, and the floating pod housing the car's infotainment system. Although the touchscreen measures 9.2 inches diagonally, it looks significantly bigger as it surrounded by a black panel with integrated capacitive buttons.

The replacement for the Rapid will be known as the Skoda Scala, the Czech automaker has announced overnight. Scala means stairway or ladder in Latin, and Skoda claims the new car will help it "scale new heights". The new Scala five-door has been previewed via some teaser images released after the Paris motor show, and its styling is expected to closely follow the Vision RS concept seen at the show in the French capital.