Skoda Scala Review

Caroline drives the 2019 Skoda Scala!

The Skoda Scala is Skoda’s new five door hatchback that slots in below the popular Octavia and replaces the Skoda Rapid. This time round, Skoda has been keen for their compact offering to attract a younger and more style conscious buyer. Cue the new, more romantic name (Scala!) and a smart new design inside and out.

Priced from €23,650, the 2019 Skoda Scala is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines and two trim levels at launch. Skoda has made a name for itself as a brand that offers more for less. And the Scala range is keenly priced. For example, the car I had on test was the high spec Style model and with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, this car retails from €25,650.

It’s also one of the most spacious cars in its class, measuring 4.4 metres in length, but the wide and low stance hides the length. The front is classic Skoda with LED headlights available on the Style model. But even mid-range cars get LED taillights with dynamic indicators, which is quite a salubrious touch. The Scala was also the first Skoda to have S K O D A spelt out in individual letters across the rear! Ambition models get 16” alloys, while Style gets 17” inch alloys.

Inside the new Skoda Scala!

Slip inside the new Scala and you are met pleasantly with a new generation interior. The design is simple and elegant with an excellent infotainment system. The graphics on the 6.5”, 8.0” or 9.2” colour touchscreens are modern and the system easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging available. These sort of features are exactly what the younger market is looking for in a new car. Perceived quality is good too and the Style model has a stylish pearl-effect dash panel insert.

Standard equipment includes air-con, cruise control, electric windows, rear parking sensors and a 6.5” colour touch screen unit. The Image Package, which consists of the glass tailgate, will be provided as standard from Ambition. The Style model adds dual zone climate control, rear view camera, keyless entry, auto lights, rain sensor and 8” infotainment unit.

Inside the new Scala feels roomy, particularly for rear seat passengers, with large rear footwells. Boot capacity is 467 litres so it’s one of the best in class.

Engine options for the new Skoda Scala include 1.0 TSI 115bhp and 1.5 TSI 150bhp petrols, and a 1.6 TDI 115bhp diesel. Both manual and DSG automatic transmissions are available. The diesel is available from €26,475. A lower powered 1.0 TSI 95bhp petrol unit will be offered at a later date with pricing to be confirmed.

On the road in the 2019 Skoda Scala

The 1.0-litre petrol engine has a small capacity on paper but it works well in the Skoda Scala. It’s smooth and reasonably refined on the move and doesn’t feel underpowered even with a few passengers on board! Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.0 l/100km.

The new Scala is the first Skoda based on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB A0 platform. Skoda has made comprehensive adjustments to the platform for the new Scala, which include using the longest possible wheelbase and rear overhang. The controls are light but the Scala is agile and fun to drive without trying too hard to be sporty.

The Skoda Scala moves Skoda’s compact offering up a gear. It is a nicely designed car, smart and understated. It feels modern inside and delivers for the target market with the latest generation infotainment allowing quick and seamless integration with smartphones. The Scala also carries the Skoda value proposition of being generously sized for carrying passengers and their things. The Scala is a great addition to the Skoda range and is a simple and stylish hatchback in the great tradition of Skodas!

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI Style
Price: €25,650 (Range from €23,650)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h:  9.8 seconds
Top speed: 201 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.7 – 6.5 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 113 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year