The Skoda Scala is a mid-size hatchback family car that offers a huge amount of space for a lower price than that of many smaller cars. It’s comfortable and quiet to drive and has useful features such as an ice scraper hidden behind the fuel filler flap. As a means of getting from A to B with passengers on board and stuff in the boot, the Scala is among the best cars of its type.
The Scala has been sold new since 2020, when it replaced the Rapid. There’s one body available – a practical five-door hatchback. You can choose from three ‘TSI’ petrol engines and one ‘TDI’ diesel, and select either a manual or automatic gearbox. The diesel gives extremely good fuel economy, while the petrol engines are quiet and smooth. They all give good acceleration around town and out on the open road.
There are four trim and equipment packages – S, SE, SEL and Monte Carlo. The more letters, the more equipment you get. The Monte Carlo (named after the famous car rally) has a sportier look.
All Scala models have air con and a touchscreen infotainment display that features DAB radio and Bluetooth. The entry-level S model is fairly basic, while mid-level SE trim adds smartphone connectivity, cruise control and rear parking sensors. The top-spec SEL gains sat nav and a large digital driver’s display. The Monte Carlo has the same equipment as the SEL, along with different wheels and interior and exterior trim that gives it a more sporty appearance.
The Scala is very good value for money. It costs less than many other mid-size family cars with similar equipment and has much more space. Running costs are reasonable, too. According to official average figures, petrol models give fuel economy of 48-50mpg and the diesel gives up to 57mpg. Models with an automatic gearbox use slightly more fuel. Road tax and insurance costs are low.
Rivals to the Scala include the Ford Focus, Peugeot 308 and Toyota Corolla. The Scala isn’t as enjoyable to drive as those cars and it offers less choice of body style, equipment and power – there’s no hybrid or electric option. But the Scala offers space, comfort and value that no car of a similar size can match for the money.
The Scala is a five-door hatchback with five seats. The driver and front passenger sit a bit close together, but otherwise the Scala is very spacious for a car this size. Especially in the back seats, where there’s more legroom than you get in plenty of bigger cars. Adults of any size will fit very comfortably, while helping children into and out of child seats will be easy because there’s lots of space to work in. The boot’s much bigger than that of most rivals, too. All the stuff of family life, including a pushchair or two, goes in easily.
The Scala is the midpoint in Skoda’s hatchback range. Below it are the Fabia supermini and Citigo city car. Above it are the bigger Octavia and large Superb. The Scala is the same size as the older Skoda Rapid hatchback, which was sold new from 2012 to 2019.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the Scala a full five-star rating. All models have an automatic emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians stepping out into the road, and lane-keeping assistance. Some models also have adaptive cruise control among other advanced driver safety systems.
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