Skoda has updated the Scala and Kamiq

Skoda has refreshed two of its smaller offerings. Both the compact Scala and baby Kamiq SUV have had a little design tickle, fresh engines and, er, new upholstery made from the green stuff. Literally.

Hemp, a botanical class of cannabis sativa, and kenaf – or hibicus cannabinus, to give it its latin name – have been partly used to create the door card trim and the roof lining. Other sustainable components? We’re talking recycled plastics in the wheel arch linings and windscreen water reservoir, which join the floor mats and upholstery for their renewable qualities.

Both cars are now offered with a choice of three 'evo2-gen' TSI petrol engines. There's an entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre three-pot coupled with a five-speed manual 'box, the same engine again but with 113bhp and the choice of a seven-speed DSG, and a 1.5-litre 147bhp four-pot with either a manual or auto.

We’ve also learned that Skoda has extended the choice of options across the three trims, the SE, SE L and the sporty, rally-inspired Monte Carlo. You can now opt for fancy LED matrix headlights for the first time on these models. There's additional driver assistance too, in the form of a pedestrian monitor, lane assist and traffic sign recognition.

Inside, the centre display grows from 8in to 8.25in and there are more ‘Simply Clever’ touches to add to the free ice scraper and stowed umbrella. The Virtual Pedal – available for those opting for an electric boot opener – is a characteristic taken from other models.

What else has changed? As per usual, the grille, headlights and front and rear body work have been reworked a bit. Can you tell? It’s the hardest game of Spot-The-Difference. Though, it's clearly a recipe Skoda doesn’t want to mess with too much because combined, it's shifted almost 600,000 units of the Scala and Kamiq.