Popular hatchback’s not just a pretty face
Skoda’s stylish Scala has plenty more lurking behind its impressive frontage, writes Julie Marshall
Skoda’s five-door hatchback has been a hit with buyers since it was introduced in 2019.
It sits between the Fabia and Octavia and is smart and functional.
It looks particularly impressive from the front – the upright slatted radiator grille and triangular headlights merge seamlessly together.
The rest of the exterior is equally stylish with sculptured panels that nip in the waist and the back has stretched Skoda lettering across the tailgate. It has bright LED lights all round.
The range starts at £17,585 which gives you a one-litre petrol packing 94bhp in S trim. I drove the SE L with the same one-litre engine but this one came with a few extra horses under the bonnet – 19 to be precise.
With 133g of CO2 and a fuel economy of around 45mpg it makes good economic sense.
Other engines are a 1.5 TSI petrol with 148bhp and a diesel 1.6TDI that generates 113bhp.
As a top of the range model the SE L is well specified.
The chrome touches and leather interior makes for a nice ambience and visible stitching adds a nice touch.
On top of the DAB radio, speed limiter, electric windows, remote central locking and air conditioning of the entry model, SE adds cruise control, rear parking sensors, extra storage and an eightspeaker audio system.
There’s also a Amundsen satellite navigation system which is operated via the 9.2in screen.
All models get two of the more versatile USB-C ports in the front cabin so an adaptor will be needed if you want to plug in a conventional USB cable. More devices, especially phones are being supplied with USB-C cables these days though so you may already have one.
The Scala is equipped with Smartlink which includes Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink and Android Auto so all bases are covered.
It also comes with a handily-integrated umbrella in the driver’s door.
As with the majority of new cars these days the infotainment system is largely controlled via the touchscreen but there are enough ‘old school’ buttons and switches to keep
frustration to a minimum when accessing functions on the move.
The gutsy little three-cylinder one-litre engine pulls well and is not as noisy under acceleration as expected – even at the national speed limit. Our test car came mated to a free-flowing DSG – a crisp sixspeed manual transmission is also available across the range.
Seats are comfortable with height and lumbar control for driver and front seat passenger. The interior is roomy, particularly in the rear and the boot a practical size – even with the space-saver spare wheel. A useful storage compartment is located under the front seats
Skoda claims it is one of the largest in the segment at 467 litres with 1,410 with the split rear seats folded down.
On the road price for the SE is £22,200. Our test car had a few extras including 18in Vega alloys (£850), front parking sensors ( £435) and a few design enhancements to take the total to £24,380.