2019 Skoda Scala

A new Skoda makes its way into the small family size market that’s ruled by the hatchback and compact SUV.  This Skoda Scala takes on the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Opel/Vauxhall Astra over in Europe, and I guess we’ll see how it goes against the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Mazda3 here in Australia.  Skoda has designed the new Scala to fit between the Fabia and the Octavia.  The word ‘Scala’ means ‘ladder sequence’ in Latin for those who, like me, just have to find out what interesting words mean.

Scarpering across town in the 2019 Skoda Scala reveals that this Hatch has a nice ride over road undulations, is relatively quiet and is also comfortable and roomy.  Skoda have done a nice job on the new Scala as far as chassis, grip and ride quality go.

2019 Skoda Scala

The Scala is FWD, and with this arrangement the cabin inside is said to be roomier than a VW Golf.  It also is going to cost you less money to buy than a new Golf, so that’s another good thing.  I like the design the Scala brings into the heavily laden compact Hatch fraternity.  It is quite an elegant design that is smooth and aerodynamic, but the detailing on the exterior is what takes this hatchback into the next level.  An upright grille at the front sets it apart from any of the other Skoda cars and there is a nice wide chrome border that runs around the outside of the grille.  That first impression says classy.  Then there is the bumper which has been creased thinner to fit a large spoiler grille and this gives the new Scala great road presence.  Driving lights are situated at outside corners of this insert.  Long thin DRL strips rim the top of the elegant trapezoidal headlights, and again this is classy.  Running up over the bonnet is tiered bulging to make the Scala look muscly and focused.  Around the side of the car there is a nice crease line low down across the two doors to give the car a pleasing visual impact, and the high waistline is typically Audi/VW/Skoda.  Actually, side on, the Scala has a similar look to the Audi A3.  Around the back of the Skoda Hatch the boot has a pronounced lip where the one piece glass lid closes flush – looking good again, and the tail lights are narrow to finish off the attractive back end.

467 litres of boot space is about as good as you get in this clss, though the Honda Civic has a bit more.  But there is no hassles putting your shopping and other gear in the Scala’s cargo space.  The seats quickly fold flat to accommodate bulkier luggage.  A nice addition is a cargo net that spreads itself like a spider web beneath the boot shelf.  This is super handy for things like bottles, balls or even jackets.  Something Skoda is getting quite good at trumping its rivals at is in both boot and cabin space.  You’re easily going to find the space needed for long legged occupants in the rear seats.  Head room is also very good – about the same as you would find in the bigger Skoda Ocatvia.  Of course, the best seats in the Scala, like in most cars, are found in the front, and here you have multi adjustment for both front passenger and driver.

2019 Skoda Scala

Interior materials are made of soft plastics, so tactility feels more premium than some hatchbacks can offer in this class for the same money.  White or red ambient cabin lighting is a nice touch for all Scalas.  Standard seats even have contrast stitching.

A new Skoda Scala comes with the one diesel or the option of three petrol engines.  In Europe the Scala starts with a 68 kW 1.0-litre Turbo petrol with a five-speed manual gearbox.  The 86 kW 1.0-litre Turbo petrol would likely be popular, as it feels nippy and is frugal.  For those who like some snap to the acceleration, the new Skoda Scala Hatch also offers the 112 kW 1.5-litre Turbo petrol.  This is a nice drive, and would be the better choice of the three petrol variants if you going to be doing a bit more open road travel with occupants or extra luggage.  Equally the diesel-turbo has to be another popular option for the open road drivers as it provides loads of usable torque and makes the Scala feel strong at any point in the engine revs.  A six-speed manual option runs with the more powerful petrol engines as well as the diesel.  And the more powerful of the petrol engines can also join with the nice slick DSG automatic gearbox.  Hopefully all four engines will make it over to Australia, but contact us for more details.  All petrol engines will easily make 5 litres/100 km, while the diesel will drop well below this at times.

One of the nice things about the Scala is that it also can come with a big glass roof which really does provide nice cabin ambience.  Turning indicators have Audi like progressive movement and when the new Scala is shod with the optional 18-inch alloys you’re making quite the grand entry.  Dash design is pretty basic, smart and easy to live with.  There is a touchscreen on all models, but with more money comes bigger toys so you can expect that on even the Skoda Scala.  There are some impressive 10-inch infotainment screens and other cool modern features like Smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, climate control functions and more.  You can even have the premium digital driver’s display.  Heated front seats, soft leather trim, wireless charging and a premium 8-speaker audio is all within reach if you are prepared to pay extra.  Base models still rate as being well kitted out for the money.

In terms of safety, the Skoda Scala comes with lots of excellent features, both passive and active, so there is no skimping here.  Things like adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist, driver fatigue warning, automatic emergency braking and nine airbags are all on-board every Scala.

Handling is good, providing the occupants with a comfortable ride over undulations.  Drive modes are available if you like the thought of adjusting the suspension to suit your mood.

So there you have it: the brand new Skoda Scala.

2019 Skoda Scala

The current 2019 Skoda Scala models include the:

• Scala 1.0 Turbo
• Scala 1.0 Turbo (86 kW)
• Scala 1.5 Turbo
• Scala Diesel

For any more information on the new Skoda Scala or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Skoda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!