Skoda Scala Review 2023
Skoda Scala At A Glance
Insurance Group 14
On average it achieves 97% of the official MPG figure
The Skoda Scala is one of the roomiest cars in the class, yet also one of the most affordable. As a general rule you usually get what you pay for, so what's the catch? In this review we'll show you what compromises you have to make to get an otherwise excellent family hatchback.
Skoda is already very well-represented in the family hatchback market by the excellent Octavia, while family SUV buyers are also nicely catered for by the Karoq. So what's the reasoning behind launching the Scala?
Well, this isn’t a car that’s trying to directly steal sales from its established siblings. It has its own appeal, and it’s designed to offer something back-to-basics. While the Octavia is - and continues to be - popular for providing limo-like space for hatchback money, along with loads of luxury kit and a (relatively) posh-feeling cabin, the Scala caters for different buyers.
Not everyone needs as much space as the Octavia provides, and not everyone cares as much about quality and kit as they do about the price tag. With that in mind, the Scala is a smaller, more budget-focused offering to satisfy those people who might otherwise be drawn to rivals such as the Kia Ceed, Vauxhall Astra and Citroen C4.
Of course, when we say ‘smaller’, everything is relative. The Octavia is huge inside by class standards, and so the smaller Scala is still one of the roomiest cars in the class, both in terms of lugging passengers about or swallowing luggage.
Yes, you will see evidence of cost-cutting in a few other areas: the interior is trimmed with fairly dull-looking and hard, and while lots of equipment is offered, not all that much of it is standard at the lower end of the range. Still, what do you expect when the price undercuts that of pretty much every rival?
Importantly, you won’t detect any signs of cost-cutting on the road. The Scala is an impressively comfortable and easy-going car to drive, with a smooth ride, controlled handling and perky yet efficient engines.
You’ll also enjoy the fantastic all-round visibility it gives you, the user-friendly nature of all the various controls and the peace-of-mind you get from its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. In fact, quality finish and kit list aside, the Scala is an exceptionally good all-rounder. And all for a bargain-basement price. If you like the finer things in life, it might not be for you, but when you stand to save thousands (or a healthy chunk of monthly payment cost), surely it’s worth a look, right?