SKODA SCALA
The prototype of an all-new hatchback signals a strong addition to the class
You’d be forgiven for not being awfully familiar with the Skoda Rapid. It was a car that, while certainly decent, in our humble opinion lacked soul.
The model was sold in two bodystyles, the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback, and was the second biggest seller for Skoda worldwide after the Octavia. But in the UK, sales were a modest 3669 units in 2017.
Enough background. The Scala is an indirect Rapid replacement – bringing a new name and an entirely new game, if Skoda is to be believed.
Scala comes from the Latin word meaning ‘stairs’ or ‘ladder’, chosen to reflect that the model will be “a leap forward in design and technology”, according to the Czech brand.
Only a hatchback bodystyle will be sold, to be pitched more directly as a family hatchback rival and intended to take on the likes of the Ford Focus, Hyundai i30 and Seat Leon.
The Scala won’t be officially revealed until December but, in the meantime, we’ve driven a prototype version. That said, if you ignore the camouf lage and lack of interior (more on that later), there’s little behind the wheel to suggest this is anything but a production-ready model.
To drive, it’s hard to tell it apart from other Skodas – and indeed Volkswagen Group models – which is exactly as Skoda intends.
The chassis set-up is comfortable and, given that Czech roads can be as rough as the UK’S, it’s a fair measure of its capabilities. Skoda will offer an optional Sport Chassis Preset mode, which makes the car 15mm lower and adds a harder, more sporty set-up.
We tried both and, naturally, the standard model is far more comfortable. It’s hard to imagine many Scala drivers will want the harder Sport Chassis Preset ride, but Skoda assures us it will be popular in some markets, albeit not in the UK.
Steering, while not yet finalised, is light and has the vagueness of many modern VW Group cars. Nonetheless, it’s effortless in most scenarios and, importantly, will suit most buyers of this sort of car.
In the few corners we experienced, the car handled respectably and will more than suffice, but keen drivers will still prefer the Ford Focus.
We spent most time in the 1.5-litre TSI, but there will also be a 1.0-litre TSI and 1.6-litre TDI. The 1.5-litre, set to be the most popular in the UK, is the sweet spot with ample power driven through a smooth six-speed manual (or optional seven-speed DSG), while the 113bhp 1.0-litre regularly needs changing down on anything but the flattest of roads.
The interior is a major point of note in the Scala. Completely taped up in our prototype, we’re told it will closely mirror that in the recently revealed Skoda Vision RS concept and moves the game on significantly. That includes an optional 9.2in touchscreen, the largest in the segment. Over-the-air updates include maps, in-car web apps, internet radio and four USB-C ports. It’s also the first Skoda to be online permanently thanks to a built-in SIM card for a high-speed connection.
There’s also a host of driver assist systems, many of which Skoda claims are a first in the segment, such as rear traffic alert and lane-changing assist.
Rear passenger space is also good with a six-foot tester satisfied in the back. Boot space of 467 litres obliterates the Focus’s 341 litres.
The jury’s out until we try the final version on UK roads, but it’s a promising start. The Scala is unlikely to set hearts on fire, but it’s a plentiful step up from its predecessor and will appeal to many hatchback buyers, thanks to its well-designed interior, advanced levels of technology and value for money, all of which help give it an edge on its many rivals.