Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI SE*

SMALL CARS RARELY tow well, but the Skoda Scala is an exception.

Of the three sub-1400kg cars in this year’s tests, the Scala felt the most stable and composed while towing, although the Hyundai Kona ran it close. At 60mph, the Scala was reassuring and solid, and even at 70mph it kept the Adria caravan firmly under control. It did take a while to get up to speed, mind you. And holding 60mph into a headwind needed fifth gear rather than sixth.

What the Scala’s 1.0-litre engine misses in pulling power, it makes up for in refinement. It’s smooth and quiet, and doesn’t protest too loudly when it’s put to work, which it needs to be while towing.

If the Scala has a big weakness as a tow car, it’s hill starts. The manual handbrake holds the car as long as it’s given a firm pull, but it takes skill to balance the clutch and accelerator to pull away on a one-in-six slope.

The Scala’s other qualities make up for this shortcoming, though. It’s a very roomy car, so adults can get comfortable in the back. It also has a large boot, which very nearly had room for our full load of holiday luggage.

In everyday driving, the Scala should prove easy to live with. Without a caravan to tow, the 1.0-litre engine is lively and happy to rev. It’s also very economical, returning close to the official average figure of 50.4-53.3mpg.

The Scala is affordable to buy as well as fuel. We tested the high-spec Monte Carlo model, but it’s the cheaper SE model that we’d recommend. It’s an awful lot of car for just over £20,000 – or less if you haggle.