It might seem like the Scala has rather small boots to fill – replacing the old Rapid hatchback which struggled to engage customers in the UK. But that said, in other markets – mainly Eastern Europe – the Rapid was a big-seller, and is in fact one of Skoda’s best-selling models worldwide.
Sitting in a similar bracket to the Volkswagen Golf, the Scala is said to be one of Skoda’s most important cars in years. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Skoda has ramped up the tech
The Rapid came with little more than a touchscreen where technology is concerned, but the Scala is all about the tech. The top models come with a 9.2-inch touchscreen, which makes it one of the biggest systems in its class. It also previews a new system for the Volkswagen Group, which boosts connectivity – particularly when paired to the Skoda Connect app, which will allow the car to be locked away from the car, and also give various data on the car – such as fuel and oil levels.
There’s also the option of a digital Virtual Cockpit, which will be one of the first Skoda’s to get the feature.
A number of petrol and diesel engines are offered
Four engines are set to be offered in the UK on the Scala – including three petrols and one diesel. A turbocharged 1.0-lite petrol unit will come with either 94bhp or 113bhp, with the range-topping engine being a 148bhp 1.5-litre ‘Evo’ powerplant. On the diesel side, there will be a 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine.
Other markets will get a CNG gas-powered Scala, although a lack of infrastructure in the UK means that we won’t get this. Skoda has said there’s no plan at the moment for electrification.
It’s set to take tight to the Ford Focus
Asked what the Scala’s key rivals were, the Skoda representative unsurprisingly failed to compare it to the Volkswagen Golf or Seat Leon, instead key competitors for the Scala include Ford’s excellent Focus, as well as Korean rivals such as the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed.
The Scala offers class-leading boot space
Skoda is continuing with its ‘Simply Clever’ tag line with the Scala, with one of the model’s stand-out features being its impressively-sized 467-litre boot, which is class-leading. The interior space is also a match for the larger Skoda Octavia – this making the Scala an exceedingly practical model.
It’s set to be more expensive than the Rapid
Unsurprisingly given the tech fitted to the Scala, it is likely to be far more expensive than the Rapid it replaces. Skoda hasn’t yet issued fixed UK pricing, but it was hinted that the Scala’s starting price is likely to be around £16,500 – making it £2,000 more expensive than the Rapid. It’s likely to be offered in three trim levels at launch – SE, Sport and SE L, although these are again to be confirmed.
No vRS performance version is planned
Despite the Scala’s styling being heavily previewed by the Vision RS concept – a glimpse at the future of Skoda’s performance division vRS – it was announced at the unveiling that no performance version is expected to join the line-up. Manufacturers are known for changing their minds, though, so we hope that’s the case here.
Safety is key
Most new cars come laden with advanced safety aids, and the Scala is no different. Features such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, park assist and side assist are all available as options, with autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist coming as standard.
The Scala takes up a more ‘emotive’ design
The standard-fit LED front and rear lights set apart a new model that’s a bit more bold in design than past Skodas. The Scala debuts a new design language for the Czech manufacturer, while Skoda spelt out in letters appears at the back – in a similar way to how Range Rover is on those models. This is set to be rolled out across the range.
