SURPRISE PACKET
Skoda, the Czech car maker, has returned to Cairns and we sampled the Scala five-door hatchback
The Scala is an interesting alternative to the usual suspects, including the new model Volkswagen Golf, as well as buyers’ obsessions with SUVs. The Scala is one of the most affordable in the Skoda range, starting at $28,990 for the Ambition version with the dualclutch auto.
It comes with a 110kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo and is well equipped with a configurable digital display in front of the driver, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, active cruise control, a push-button auto tailgate, wireless charging and 18in alloy wheels.
There’s no integrated sat-nav nor keyless start or an electronic parking brake but buyers who order the base model can choose from two packs that add more comfort, entertainment and safety features.
The cabin is well appointed, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash, perforated leather and suede seats and a sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Red ambient lighting and twin highresolution digital screens add to the up-market feel, while the wireless Apple CarPlay allows you to choose songs, make phone calls and enter sat-nav destinations via Siri’s intuitive voice controls.
In the rear are air vents, seat warmers and two USB-C ports for charging devices, while head and knee room are spacious for the class.
The rear load area will probably be able to carry prams and sporting equipment and an abundance of luggage nets means cargo won’t roll around.
Nice touches include an umbrella in the driver’s door, an interchangeable rubber/cloth mat in the rear and a removable rubbish bin.
The Scala excels on the road with the punchy turbocharged engine and slick-shifting dual-clutch auto combining to make zippy progress off the mark in the city and impressive overtaking and hill-climbing ability on the open road.
It feels solid and more mature than is expected from a small hatch. The steering is nicely weighted and the suspension is well sorted for a lovely driving experience on winding country roads such as the Kuranda and Rex range roads and out to the Springmount Raceway on Springmount Rd at Walkamin.
Sport mode stiffens the suspension, sharpens the steering, holds the gears longer and tickles the throttle. Shift paddles are available for manual changes but the transmission is very intuitive.
It’s efficient, too, 6.3L/100km over 300km. Tyre roar is noticeable on coarse bitumen, there was a bit of wind noise and there was occasional hesitation in stop-start traffic.