Skoda probably knows best, but I’m not sure why VW’s Czech offshoot needed to build the new Scala that we’re testing this week.
The Scala, which is Italian for steps, slips into the Skoda range between the Fabia and Octavia.
In other words, it’s a Ford Focus rival.
But as long as it’s good value and spacious, you could argue it’ll be a welcome addition.
Skoda’s usual trim levels are used for the Scala range and are extremely simple, with only SE and SE L grades to choose from.
After that choice is made, it gets a little more complicated with a wide range of familiar VW Group engines and transmissions.
Don’t buy a Scala with our test car’s specification.
Skoda has loaded our 1.0 TSI SE L up with a long list of options that ruins the car’s value-for-money appeal.
In its standard spec our car costs £20,385 on the road, but with the 14 options fitted, the price shoots up to £26,735 - and that’s too much.
Unnecessary too, as the Scala in SE L trim comes with plenty of standard kit, including Skoda’s Amundsen sat nav, keyless entry, LED headlamps, smartphone mirroring and much more.
Including an umbrella. Just like a Rolls-Royce.
Two petrol engines are offered, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder that produces 115PS and which is fitted to our car, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder which can deliver 150PS.
Those who prefer diesel have a 115PS 1.6-litre option.
The smallest engine is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox but the other two have the choice of an auto DSG unit.
The manual gearbox in our car had a very slick action and I’d be happy to live with it, especially as almost £3,000 is saved by not moving up to the 150PS petrol engine which is what you have to do to get the DSG box.
Our SE L comes standard on 17in wheels.
A selection of 18in wheels are available but they cost more and could spoil the ride.
So too would the optional sport chassis control with drive mode select.
Again, the harsher setting will make the car rough over bumps and potholes so you just don’t need it.
Another £495 saved from the options list.
Step inside and you’ll be met by an interior that perfectly meets the car’s unpretentious and unfussy exterior.
There’s not much colour but there’s a nice metallic band across the dash, though that’s part of one of our option packs.
The layout of the instrument panel is straightforward.
The entry-level SE spec reveals that you’d not miss out on anything important by saving more money (our car in SE with the same engine and gearbox costs £18,585).
You still get a touchscreen in the SE and smartphone mirroring.
Sports seats are another option but the standard seats are good enough and it’s very easy to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s plenty of legroom both front and back, and the rear doors have generous openings.
The Scala’s real trump card is a feature that’s a Skoda trademark – a huge luggage area. It’s 467 litres, which beats all rivals.
Skoda is also good at providing clever storage areas, and the Scala is true to form with a glovebox that has cooling, a glasses case in the roof, and under-seat storage in the front.
The options list does have a few extras that add to the Scala’s practicality but don’t cost much.
Like the £75 double-sided boot floor and £120 interior pack, which includes a waste bin, phone holder and tables on seat-backs.
So, a traditional Skoda that, if bought in a humble specification, offers good value for money.
Nobody laughs at Skodas these days.
The joke’s on those who pay more for a Golf when it’s basically the same car with another badge.
THE FACTS
Skoda Scala SE-L five-door hatchback
Price: £20,385
Engine: 1.0-litre threecylinder, 115PS
0-62mph: 9.8sec
Fuel consumption: 49.6mpg
THE RIVALS
Hyundai i30 SE 1.0
Good value and well made.
A straightforward hatchback.
Volkswagen Golf Match 1.0
Same engine, same mechanical bits, more money.
Ford Focus Zetec 1.0
Good to drive.
Looks cheaper but spec for spec it won’t be.
