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The Skoda Scala is our favourite family hatchback. It’s one of the most practical cars in its class, with a huge boot at lots of passenger space, and gives the Volkswagen Golf a run for its money when it comes to ride, handling and build quality. It’s almost as good to drive as a Golf too, making great use of the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous MQB platform. Standard equipment is good across the range, with impressive infotainment and the option of digital dials on higher-spec models.
Value is what impresses most with the Scala, though – all of this ability comes at a price that undercuts every version of the Golf and matches most of its nearest rivals. It’s hard to recommend the Volkswagen Golf over the Skoda Scala unless you really want a little extra quality, polish and prestige; the Scala is so good it’s more than just a viable alternative.
The Skoda Scala joined the Czech manufacturer’s range in 2019, sitting alongside the slightly larger Octavia in the hotly contested family car market as a more direct rival for the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, among others.
While the Skoda Octavia features a saloon-like body (albeit with a large hatchback), the Scala takes a more practical shape that allows for lots of boot and passenger space.
There are four trim levels to choose from: entry-level S, then SE, SE L and top-spec Monte Carlo.
All engines are familiar Volkswagen Group units: a 1.0-litre TSI petrol with either 94bhp or 114bhp and a 1.5-litre TSI engine producing 148bhp. A 1.6-litre diesel is also available, delivering 114bhp and 250Nm of torque.
The 94bhp petrol unit is offered with a five-speed manual gearbox, while all other versions come with either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed DSG auto transmission.
Entry point to the Scala range is the S trim and it comes well equipped with 16-inch alloys, air-con, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, LED headlights and electrically-adjustable heated mirrors. Upgrading to an SE-spec model brings an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control and rear parking sensors, while SE L versions add 17-inch alloys, climate control, sat-nav, a larger infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. Top-of-the-range Monte Carlo models include a panoramic glass roof and a leather-trimmed gearstick and handbrake.
Skoda Scala cornering
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Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala gearlever
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala rear seats
Skoda Scala wheel
Skoda Scala infotainment headlight
Skoda Scala front
Skoda Scala rear light
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala cornering
Skoda Scala interior
Skoda Scala rear
Skoda Scala dials
Whichever trim level you choose, value for money is impressive versus the Scala’s nearest rivals, not least more expensive options like the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Kia Ceed. Besides its Octavia sibling, the closest rival in terms of practicality versus cost is probably the Peugeot 308, a car that can’t quite match the rest of the Scala’s excellent skillset.
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Value is what impresses most with the Scala, though – all of this ability comes at a price that undercuts every version of the Golf and matches most of its nearest rivals. It’s hard to recommend the Volkswagen Golf over the Skoda Scala unless you really want a little extra quality, polish and prestige; the Scala is so good it’s more than just a viable alternative.
The Skoda Scala joined the Czech manufacturer’s range in 2019, sitting alongside the slightly larger Octavia in the hotly contested family car market as a more direct rival for the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, among others.
While the Skoda Octavia features a saloon-like body (albeit with a large hatchback), the Scala takes a more practical shape that allows for lots of boot and passenger space.
There are four trim levels to choose from: entry-level S, then SE, SE L and top-spec Monte Carlo.
All engines are familiar Volkswagen Group units: a 1.0-litre TSI petrol with either 94bhp or 114bhp and a 1.5-litre TSI engine producing 148bhp. A 1.6-litre diesel is also available, delivering 114bhp and 250Nm of torque.
The 94bhp petrol unit is offered with a five-speed manual gearbox, while all other versions come with either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed DSG auto transmission.
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Entry point to the Scala range is the S trim and it comes well equipped with 16-inch alloys, air-con, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, LED headlights and electrically-adjustable heated mirrors. Upgrading to an SE-spec model brings an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control and rear parking sensors, while SE L versions add 17-inch alloys, climate control, sat-nav, a larger infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. Top-of-the-range Monte Carlo models include a panoramic glass roof and a leather-trimmed gearstick and handbrake.
Skoda Scala cornering
image
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala gearlever
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala rear seats
Skoda Scala wheel
Skoda Scala infotainment headlight
Skoda Scala front
Skoda Scala rear light
Skoda Scala infotainment
Skoda Scala cornering
Skoda Scala interior
Skoda Scala rear
Skoda Scala dials
Whichever trim level you choose, value for money is impressive versus the Scala’s nearest rivals, not least more expensive options like the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Kia Ceed. Besides its Octavia sibling, the closest rival in terms of practicality versus cost is probably the Peugeot 308, a car that can’t quite match the rest of the Scala’s excellent skillset.
Continue reading...