SCALE NEW HEIGHTS

It’s no cut-price driveaway special but this quality hatch will run rings around an SUV

VALUE

The days of the circa-$20,000 small hatchbacks are gone, as makers are packing their vehicles with standard comfort and safety features.

Skoda’s Scala is no different. Prices start at $28,990 drive-away for the Scala Ambition with a manual transmission – a seven-speed dual clutch auto costs $2000 more – and rise to $36,990 for the Scala Signature that was formerly known as the Launch Edition we are testing here.

Headline features include front and rear heated seats, faux leather and suede upholstery, a heated and leather wrapped sports steering wheel, a big 9.2-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a fully digital instrument display. Styling is conservative and its long wheelbase makes it look more a station wagon than a hatch, but 18inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior highlights give the Scala a bit of street cred.

The level of kit far outstrips most rivals for the price. The value equation is improved further by a five-year/unlimited km warranty and if you prepay servicing it costs just $1400 over five years. The Scala’s cabin comes with luxe materials and hi-tech features throughout. Build quality is top notch, too.

COMFORT

Front passengers are treated to snug electronically adjustable seats and there are plenty of USB-C charging points as well as a wireless charging pad. Headroom and vision are excellent for a small hatch.

There are clever little touches throughout, such as an umbrella hidden in the front door. In the rear there are two rear vents and a pair of USB-C power-points. Rear head and legroom are class leading, comfortably accommodating a tall adult. The boot is bigger than most similarly priced SUVS and an auto tailgate adds to the appeal. Well sorted suspension soaks up most bumps and quality insulation makes for a quiet ride.

SAFETY

Skoda covers all the safety bases. The Scala will brake automatically if it detects a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist.

Lane-keep assist will stop you from wandering out of your lane by gently tugging the steering wheel. The Scala will let you know if something is in your blind spot and will sound an alert if it detects a car approaching from the side as you reverse out of your driveway or carpark. Seven airbags add peace of mind.

DRIVING

Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 110kw and 250Nm. These numbers don’t sound like much on paper but the torque is delivered low in the rev range to provide ample shove off the mark, while the quick shifting dual-clutch auto keeps the turbocharged engine bubbling along in its sweet spot.

Direct, light steering makes the Scala just as adept at slogging through the daily commute as it is handling a twisting country back road.

The dual-clutch auto does take some getting used to, as it can feel a bit jerky at lower speeds. Skoda claims the Scala drinks just 5.5L/100km, but it requires pricier premium unleaded.