Skoda Scala Rapid’s successor aims at the Ford Focus
Replacement for the Rapid should be a credible rival for the Ford Focus and Seat Leon On sale April 2019 Price from £16,500 (est)
SKODAS HAVE BEEN doing well in the annual What Car? Awards for a long time now. The Superb Estate and Octavia were victorious in their classes last year, while the Fabia was our overall Car of the Year in both 2000 and 2015. The key to all these successes has been a combination of a comfy ride, impressive practicality and excellent value for money.
But one model that has broadly flown under the radar is the Rapid. Sitting between the Octavia and Fabia, this budget-focused model occupies an awkward space in the Skoda lineup and hasn’t ever been a serious rival for popular family hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Blame a cheapfeeling interior, a choppy ride and limited engine options for that.
Skoda hopes all that is about to change with the Scala, which will be launched as the Rapid’s indirect replacement next year. It will be larger, have a new design and feature a new interior, along with innovative technology not yet seen in this size of car. Unlike its cheap but not-socheerful predecessor, then, the Scala should be a direct competitor for the big names in the family hatchback class.
Our test car was an early prototype (the Scala won’t be fully revealed until December), but there was little sign that it isn’t ready for sale. The car feels, well, exactly like existing, highly commended Skodas, with a comfortable ride on standard suspension. There’s an optional Sport Chassis that lowers the car by 15mm and makes the ride firmer, but it’s much less comfortable, so we don’t expect it to be hugely popular.
The Scala’s steering is light and effortless, if a little vague, while its handling is more than respectable for a car of this kind. Keen drivers will prefer the Focus, but this relaxed, well-rounded set-up will suit the average family car buyer.
The most popular engine is expected to be the
148bhp turbocharged petrol 1.5 TSI, which, as in other Volkswagen Group models, is smooth and provides gutsy performance. More frugal 1.0-litre turbo petrols and a 1.6-litre diesel will also be offered.
Big things are promised for the Scala’s interior, but they remain a secret for now. In our test car, the dashboard and infotainment system were covered in tape. We do know that the final product will bear a strong resemblance to the interior of Skoda’s recently revealed Vision RS concept car, though.
It will also introduce a new generation of tech, including a 10.2in digital instrument panel and an optional 9.2in infotainment touchscreen, although conventional dials remain for climate settings. Connectivity has been a focus: as well as four USB-C ports, you get over-the-air updates for sat-nav maps, web apps and internet radio. In fact, the Scala will be the first Skoda that always remains online, thanks to an inbuilt SIM card.
The Scala’s growth over the Rapid has resulted in rear leg room that easily beats that of the Focus and Hyundai i30. Indeed, sixfooters will be happy with both head and leg room. Even better is the boot. At 467 litres, it trumps the Focus’s and Astra’s, even if it’s still some way behind that of Skoda’s larger Octavia, which can take an incredible 11 carry-on cases. In addition, there’s a variable-height floor and numerous nets for holding items.
We can’t come up with a definitive verdict until we drive the finished Scala early next year, but already there is much to commend. Based on what we know so far, it won’t be the best car in the class to drive, but its advanced tech, attractive interior and value for money should give it an edge over many of its rivals.