What’s the Skoda Scala like inside?
The Scala undercuts the best-selling Golf in terms of price by quite some margin, but its interior doesn’t feel that way. Skoda’s rounded off the cabin with plenty of soft-touch plastics and it looks like a model that occupies a more premium sector than it does, albeit some of the switchgear feels more Primark than Prada.
All models also come with a touchscreen – a six-inch unit on ‘S’ variants, with our top-spec SE L test car benefitting from the large nine-inch setup included as standard to the range-topping trim.
It’s a classy-looking and intuitive system that houses satellite navigation and a host of safety functions, although we had a minor battle with setting up the satellite navigation, and it doesn’t feel quite as slick as past Volkswagen systems.
Offering the largest boot in its class (excluding more saloon-style bodies such as the Honda Civic), the Scala comes with 467 litres of load space, with an adjustable boot floor adding further scope. Rear seat space in the Scala is also very generous for a model of this size.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are no surprises when it comes to powertrains, with the Scala being offered with three of the Volkswagen Group’s staple engines.
The 1.0-litre petrol engine is expected to account for the vast majority of sales – particularly in 115hp trim, which is the car we tested. The three-cylinder turbocharged unit is willing, and despite its modest power output, is still able to accelerate the Scala to 60mph in under 10 seconds, and keep going onto a top speed of 125mph.
The six-speed manual transmission is slick to shift, albeit the engine can feel a bit unrefined and noisy under harsher acceleration. It should also prove to be cheap to run, with Skoda claiming a fuel economy figure of 56.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 113g/km.
An 85hp 1.0-litre unit and a 150hp 1.5-litre engine round off the petrol line-up. A singular diesel unit is also offered, which delivers 115hp and comes with the option of a manual or automatic transmission.
What’s the Skoda Scala like to drive?
Expect the Scala to offer the same level of thrills as the Ford Focus and buyers will come away disappointed – however, it’s ideal for those in the market for a comfortable cruiser.
The Scala is a refined car under steady acceleration – even at higher speeds – and delivers one of the most accommodating rides in its class. Larger alloy wheels don’t affect the quality of the ride either, and generally it’s a refreshing change for a family hatchback to be offered with such a supple and relaxing ride.
An optional ‘Sport’ mode – part of the dynamic chassis control package – which firms up the ride to deliver more thrills is also offered, although we don’t see the need to ever use it.
The steering is remarkably light and feels ideal around town, if a bit lifeless on twisty back roads. Body roll could be better controlled, and the experience just doesn’t feel quite as polished as rivals. But that’s at the expense of offering a more comfortable ride, and one we think buyers should appreciate.
Verdict
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.
It might have the better-driving Ford Focus snapping at its ankles, and it may not be as polished as the more premium Volkswagen Golf, but with such an attractively low price, it’s a hugely compelling model and deserves to be yet another sales hit for Skoda.
Similar cars
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 Cactus | 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
Key specifications
Model as tested: Skoda Scala 1.0-litre petrol 115 SE L
Price (on-road): £20,385
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 113 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
Top speed: 125 mph
0-60mph: 9.6 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 56.6 mpg
CO2 emissions: 113 g/km
