Summary
The Skoda Scala is a mid-sized hatchback that replaces the Rapid in the Skoda range. It was unveiled in late 2018 before going on sale in early 2019. It is built on the same platform that underpins a lot of different Volkswagen Group models, like the similarly-sized VW Golf and SEAT Leon hatchbacks.
The Scala has received generally positive scores from the UK motoring media, but the level of enthusiasm has varied from mildly disinterested (Autocar, Honest John) to wildly enthusiastic (Auto Express). Most reviews have praised the Scala’s practicality and spaciousness, but criticised the overall lack of refinement compared to its rivals and other VW Group cars built on the same platform.
As of January 2023, the Skoda Scala holds an Expert Rating of 62%, which is a midfield score for this class. It’s also the lowest score we current have for any Skoda model – which, more than anything else, illustrates the overall quality of the Skoda range.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,270 on-road
Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol SE L
“The Scala is everything we’ve come to expect from a modern Skoda. It’s good to look at, hugely practical, comfortable and yet the firm’s long-lasting principle of value remains.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.5 TSI DSG
Score: 7 / 10
“The addition of Skoda’s 1.5 TSI 150 engine and DSG gearbox certainly gives more choice in the Scala range, but even with SE Technology trim’s strong balance between kit and cost, there’s more affordability on offer elsewhere in the Scala line-up.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Skoda’s family hatch offers a class-leading combination of space, quality, comfort and value.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Practical and well-equipped even though it’s smaller than the Octavia.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re willing to trade some refinement and rather a lot more handling ability for excellent value and utilitarian charm, then you should probably buy one. Even the most basic Skoda Scala is relatively well equipped, cavernous like no other car in this class and even brings a bit of Audi to the exterior design, if you appreciate that sort of thing. As a tool, you’ll like it.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 TSI SE
Score: 7 / 10
“The Scala feels as though it’s been designed to appeal to those people who view their car purely as a tool, as a means of getting themselves and (quite a lot of) their things from one place to another in reasonable comfort and with little stress.”
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Model reviewed: SE L 1.6 TDI
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s smartly styled inside and out, comes generously equipped and delivers more space than almost anything else for the money.”
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Car
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s easy to compare the Skoda Scala with the Volkswagen Golf, and indeed many will. In truth, however, it’s not a serious alternative. No, where the Scala belongs is as a higher quality, more spacious alternative to cars like the Vauxhall Astra or Hyundai i30.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Skoda Scala is more practical and less expensive than the similarly sized Volkswagen Golf.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Scala offers loads of space and standard equipment for a keen price. If you value a fun drive there are better options, though, and its diesel engine is noisy.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic SE
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Scala almost feels like a return to the Skoda of old in terms of good, solid, practical and sensible cars, but the Superb and its SUVs do more to move the brand forward.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L
Score: 6 / 10
“The Skoda Scala is basically a VW Golf with another badge – and lots of bells and whistles.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Skoda Scala surprises little, but is a serious upgrade on the Rapid that went before. But thrilling? No.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re looking for a competent, reasonably efficient, spacious and good value hatchback, then the Skoda Scala could be your answer.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Are you looking for as much car as you can possibly get for as little cash as possible? That’s always been where Skoda has been able to trump most rivals, and so it continues with the Scala. This is one of the roomiest cars in the class, and also one of the most affordable.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Some might argue that Skoda has perhaps played it a little too safe with the Scala, by producing a decent family hatchback that doesn’t excel or falter in any particular area. However, with the Focus being better to drive, and the Ceed getting the better warranty deal, the Scala feels a little too short on quality to trouble the best in the compact family class.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 SE L
“While standard equipment is on a par with rivals, it’s easy to go big on the options.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Another capable addition to the family hatchback class”
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The Sun
“Skoda Scala is a hit with fuss-free looks, value for money, versatile engine range and big practicality.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 7 / 10
“Cool, it is not. But you’ll have the satisfaction that it undercuts its rivals on price while coming with an impressive list of standard equipment, a smart cabin and acres of space.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Sum the Skoda Scala up in three words? Sensible, sensible, sensible. Fun it ain’t, and nor is it particularly exciting, but it does offer space, comfort, easy-going driving manners, and a pleasing lack of pretension. Trouble is, the Octavia’s a better all-rounder, and not that much more expensive.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“A nicely judged hatchback from Skoda. No particular surprises, but then again, you probably weren’t expecting any.”
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What Car?
Score: 8 / 10
“With prices starting below £17k for the base S model and rising to just over £20k for the fully loaded SE L, the Scala represents truly fantastic value for money for families looking for a stylish, well-equipped hatchback with acres of space.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Skoda Scala comes surprisingly close to other members of the VW Group family in terms of appeal, even if it’s not quite as sharp to drive. With lots of space, great safety and low prices, you can afford to forego badge snobbery and bag a strong family all-rounder.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 76%
No eco rating
As of January 2023, the Skoda Scala has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Skoda Scala to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Scala, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Scala has received
2022
- What Car? Awards – Best Family Car for Value
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Family Car for Value
2020
- What Car? Awards – Best Family Car
2019
- Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Skoda Scala, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 | Citroën C4 Cactus | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Skoda Scala at The Car Expert
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