JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We preview new versions of the Skoda Fabia, Scala and Kamiq models and reveal how facelifted Honda HR-V goes on sale this month

Fabia SE L Edition models replace the previous SE L model and add a rear-view camera, corner fog lights, rain assist and electric folding door mirrors to the standard specification.

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John previews new versions of the Skoda Fabia, Scala and Kamiq models, which will arrive by the end of this year, and reveals how a new facelifted Honda HR-V goes on sale this month.

Czech manufacturer Skoda is introducing a new trim level on its Fabia, Scala and Kamiq ranges boosting the range of equipment offered.

The Edition models come in four grades - SE Edition, Design Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition.

Download the Lanarkshire Live app today

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.

The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.

Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android

On the Fabia the new SE Edition comes with keyless start/stop, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and electric rear windows as standard.

The new Design Edition comes with metallic paint, corner front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, rain assist and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

This is in addition to the specification of the Fabia Colour Edition, which it replaces.

Fabia SE L Edition models replace the previous SE L model and add a rear-view camera, corner fog lights, rain assist and electric folding door mirrors to the standard specification.

The range-topping Monte Carlo Edition models get the biggest boost in specification, gaining a 9.2-inch navigation display with three-year care connect and infotainment online subscription, voice control, full LED headlights and front parking sensors along with a rear view camera.

Drive mode select and keyless entry are also now part of the standard specification.

This is in addition to the extra equipment already added to the Fabia SE Edition model.

The Scala and Kamiq also get similar specification boosts and see new Edition models replace existing trim grades.

As part of the range update, both Scala and Kamiq line-ups will feature three trim levels: SE Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition, all of which will come with a significant increase in standard equipment.

The entry level SE Edition now includes metallic paint, rear-view camera, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 9.2-inch navigation display with three-year care connect and infotainment online subscription and voice control.

New SE L Edition models build on the specification of the previous SE L model, adding metallic paint, heated front seats, rear view camera, front parking sensors, keyless entry and Drive mode select.

The new sporting flagship Monte Carlo Edition includes metallic paint, heated three-spoke sports steering wheel, heated front sports seats, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging and front parking sensors - all of which were optional on the previous trim grade.

Prices for the Fabia Edition models start from £19,880 and top out from £23,115 for Monte Carlo versions while the Scala Edition range runs from £22,255 to £27,995 and the Kamiq Editions from £24,190 to £29,435.

First deliveries are expected by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Honda has revamped its HR-V e:HEV model line-up with a facelift across all grades, including interior and exterior design changes, new colours, and improved drivability - plus, an all-new special edition.

All grades feature a new, sharper front bumper and revised grille design with a new black upper moulding and darkened headlight internals that create a more defined face.

The sculpted front bumper features more pronounced lines and is complimented by revised lower trim sections finished in a high-gloss black to ground the car and give the HR-V a more purposeful appearance.

At the rear, the full-width LED lightbar features a revised internal design while inside, the lower central dash and centre console have been reprofiled to make access to the wireless charging mat easier from both the passenger and driver’s seats.

A new Advance Style Plus grade features a glass roof, while privacy glass is standard on all grades.

To mark the introduction of the updated HR-V, Honda has created the Advance Plus grade with extra styling details.

Based on the Advance Style grade, it features an exclusive extended paint finish, with the lower bumpers, arches, and lower door garnishes now colour co-ordinated with the main body and offset by a black grille.

Sales start this month and while prices have still to be announced they are expected to show a slight increase over current levels which start from £33,160.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.