Smart little Scala shows the new face of Skoda
SKODA is bringing advanced technology to the mass auto market with its new Scala compact hatch.
Unveiled at a VIP event in Israel – where Skoda has a Digilab to develop high tech systems – the new car will be on the road in the UK later in 2019.
The Scala marks the beginning of a shift upmarket for the Czech car maker with a new look inside and out which will be adopted on all future Skoda models.
The greatest change is on the inside where a digital cockpit comprises a large central display screen and an even bigger multi-mode instrument panel.
The Scala will be fully connected and completely smartphone compatible with automatic updates for its systems and sat nav.
The name – which Skoda says is Italian for upwardly mobile – will replace the Rapid in its line up and is likely to be priced around £16,000.
Three petrol engines and one diesel will be available in the Scala.
The petrol line up will comprise two 1.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol with either 95 or 115ps on tap or a higher powered version of the VW Group’s 1.5-litre Evo engine which develops 150ps.
They will be joined by a 1.6-litre diesel offering 115ps and all versions of the Scala will be built in the Czech Republic.
The Scala sits on the same VW platform as the new Polo and SEAT Ibiza but measuring some 4.36 metres long it is bigger than its German and Spanish counterparts.
It also has a long wheelbase of 2.65 metres and that makes for a good amount of room inside – especially in the rear where there is plenty of head and leg room.
Boot space is class leading for compact hatchbacks at 467 litres – bigger than that of key rivals such as the new Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra – and luggage space extends to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded.
Exterior changes included a new look grille that is wider and narrower, a pronounced cut line along the side of the car and a gloss black roof – an effect which extends into the tailgate where the Skoda badge is replaced by lettering spelling out the company’s name.
There are also plenty of Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features fitted to the Scala such as an ice scraper stowed inside the filler flap, an umbrella in the driver’s door and optional automatic operation of the tailgate.
The reveal of the Scala in Tel Aviv kicked off something of a product offensive for Skoda in 2019.
Other new models slated for release include and electric version of its Citigo city car, a plug-in hybrid Superb and a new compact SUV which is likely to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.