Review: Skoda Scala (2019)

Skoda Scala (2019): At A Glance

• New prices start from £16,370, brokers can source from £13,507
• Contract hire deals from £213.90 per month
• Insurance Groups are between 10–14

Skoda Scala (2019): What's It Like Inside?

• Boot space is 467–1410 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Dimensions
Length	4362 mm
Width	1988 mm
Height	1471 mm
Wheelbase	2649 mm
Full specifications

There are not many compact family hatchbacks that match the Scala for space or equipment. All models get alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment and a leather steering wheel as standard, while the 467-litre boot provides the same sort of practicality you would expect from a much larger vehicle. 

The Scala's everyday usability is aided by the fact the boot opening is large and wide, while the load width spans one metre (990mm) at the widest part of the boot. The 60/40 split rear seats make it easy to maximise the vehicle's 1410 litres, while the load length to the front seats is a useful 1550mm.

The cabin feels well-made and has some nice soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door, but you don't have to look very far to find scratchy and cheap hard plastics. Many buyers will not care about the harsh surfaces that cover the lower parts of the cabin, but the Scala does not have the same premium feel as the larger Octavia. 

Passengers will not complain about a lack of space, however, with the Scala providing excellent levels of head and legroom. The Scala's 73mm of knee room in the rear seats is identical to that of the Octavia. 

Mood lighting and a panoramic glass roof can be added as optional extras, while high-spec SE L models get a rear centre armrest and climate control as standard. All models get two Isofix child seat mounts for the rear seats as standard. 

The Scala loses points when it comes to general refinement, with the exterior of the car generating a lot of wind noise above 50mph. Road noise is also something of an issue, with even the smallest 16-inch wheels creating high levels of road roar.  

Standard Equipment:

S models come with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, space-saver spare wheel, leather steering wheel, height adjustable driver's seat, speed limiter, electric and heated door mirrors, lane assist, front assist, 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with DAB audio, 60/40 split folding rear seats, front and rear electric windows, manual air con, hill hold control and glovebox with cooling system. 

SE trim adds front fog lights, 8.0 colour touchscreen with Smartlink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, rear parking sensors, cruise control, auto headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, leather multifunction steering wheel and front centre arm rest. 

SE L adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with corner function, privacy glass, electric folding door mirrors, LED rear lights, animated indicators, keyless entry, climate control, rear centre arm rest, 9.2-inch colour touchscreen with navigation and virtual cockpit.  

What's the Skoda Scala (2019) like to drive?

• Engines range from 1.0 TSI 95 to 1.6 TDI 115 DSG

The Scala is built on the same mechanical platform as the Volkswagen Polo, which means it’s agile at low speeds but predictable and safe at 70mph on the motorway. The suspension and steering is clearly set-up with comfort and practicality in mind, which means the Scala is nowhere near as sharp or as rewarding to drive as the Focus or Civic.

The ride quality is generally fine, with most models running on 16-inch wheels and coping well with A and B roads. That said, the Scala does have a tendency to transfer moderate levels of vibration into the cabin when travelling over harsh surfaces and pot holes.

Engine choices are split between two petrols and single diesel, with outputs ranging from 95PS - 150PS. With the exception of the entry-level 95PS unit (which gets a five-speed manual) most engines are paired to a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic.

Most buyers will opt for the turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol and this engine is identical to the version found in the Polo and Ibiza. Available with 95PS or 115PS, the 1.0 TSI provides the best balance between performance and running costs, with our recommendation being the 115PS that's advertised with a maximum of 49mpg. 

Buyers who want more power can opt for the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI, which lowers the 0-62mph from 10 to 8.2 seconds. The 1.5-litre engine is limited to 150PS only and returns up to 45mpg, according to the official figures. It's a willing unit and works well with the DSG automatic gearbox, happy to cruise along at motorway speeds without too much noise filtering through into the cabin.

Long distance drivers get a single diesel choice - 115PS 1.6 TDI - which officially returns a maximum of 57mpg. The diesel provides the same torque as the 1.5 petrol (250Nm) and will tow up to 660kg when hooked to a braked trailer. 

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO2
1.0 TSI 115	57–58 mpg	9.8 s	113 g/km
1.0 TSI 115 DSG	55–57 mpg	9.8 s	116 g/km
1.0 TSI 95	57 mpg	10.9 s	114 g/km
1.5 TSI 150 DSG	55–57 mpg	8.2 s	113 g/km
1.6 TDI 115	69 mpg	10.1 s	108 g/km
1.6 TDI 115 DSG	57–71 mpg	10.1 s	108 g/km

What have we been asked about the Skoda Scala (2019)?

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