THE Skoda Scala is a very nice package with crisp styling and lots of tech, as well as being versatile and practical.
A five-door hatchback, it slots between the Fabia and Octavia in the Czech company’s line-up and will fill the gap created by dropping the Rapid. The Scala is wider and longer than the Rapid and there are three trims to choose from – S, SE and SE-L, with prices ranging from £16,940 to £23,885.
You can select from a choice of three engines. Petrol power is provided by a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder unit with 95 or 115PS and a four-cylinder 1.5 TSI unit with 150PS. The only diesel offering is a 1.6-litre TDI engine producing 115PS.
The Scala is certainly a good-looking car with modern styling. It has a striking upright radiator grille, narrow, tapered, LED headlights, sweeping rear indicators on the higher trim, full LED tail lights, a choice of 16 to 18in alloy wheels and boldly displays the Skoda name on its rump.
The spacious cabin is typical of the VW group – clutter-free – and features a large free-standing display screen where all the infotainment systems are accessed using the touch or gesture control or via the enhanced voice control.
The Scala is fitted with a built-in eSIM as standard and that means it is always able to provide the latest traffic reports etc. A Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is standard on the SE-L model and optional on the SE, and offers the driver a choice of five different displays.
There are lots of other clever features such as the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, an umbrella in the driver’s door, a ticket holder on the windscreen and a smart panoramic roof that does not impact on headroom.
The cabin is really spacious and there is room for four adults to travel in comfort and for five for shorter journeys, while the generously sized boot can swallow 467 litres of luggage – and that increases to 1410 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat.
I drove the SE model powered by the lively 1.0-litre 115PS engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, which costs £18,930.
It tackled the 0-62mph sprint in 9.8 seconds, is capable of up to 125mph and, according to official figures, should deliver 44.8-49.6mpg under the stricter WLTP ratings, with carbon emissions of 113g/km.
Equipment was impressive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker sound system, the latest USB-C ports for fast charging and a classy touchscreen. Options included park assist, a rear-view camera, plus rain and light assist.
The Scala is great in town or out in the country and also cruises quietly and smoothly at motorway speeds. The suspension soaks up all but the worst bumps and the small engine is quiet and responsive. Steering is nice and accurate and the Scala always feels well planted.
All the controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned and the cabin feels as if it is built to last a long time, with hard-wearing materials.
The Scala is packed with the latest safety features to protect occupants and pedestrians as well as a number of driver assist systems to help prevent accidents.
There is lane assist and front assist with city emergency braking, hill hold control, a full suite of airbags, emergency call and proactive services, as well as adaptive cruise control.
I enjoyed my time with this stylish newcomer and it offers fine value for money – and is sure to win more motorists over to the Skoda brand.
Factfile:
- Model: Skoda Scala SE 1.0 TSI 115PS
- Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
- Power: 115PS
- Top speed: 125mph
- 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
- Average mpg: 44.8-49.6
- CO2 emissions: 113g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £18,930
