Skoda Scala had its official world premiere at the end of last year in Tel Aviv. This successor to the Rapid model is also quite aptly referred to as the "Mladoboleslavský Golf" or as the "Octavia hatchback".
As part of a weekly test, I was currently able to try out a model with the basic Ambition equipment, with a more powerful 1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an output of 85 kW and a classic six-speed manual.
Dynamic exterior
The exterior appearance of the new Scala is based on the Vision RS concept, which in terms of design offered very successful and futuristic-looking shapes. So this concept historically gave us a glimpse into the future form of the new Scala. And already at that time it was clear that we definitely had something to look forward to.
As a result, Scala took quite a lot from the Vision RS concept. Although it does not appear so powerful and aggressive, its focus on dynamic external expression is clearly visible here.
The front part of the car has a relatively wide mask, from which emerge wedge-shaped horizontally oriented lamps. In their upper part, there is an ice strip used for daytime running lights and blinkers, a clearly legible and recognizable element for the Scala. The front bumper is significantly cut out in its lower part, this cut-out then passes into separate openings that improve the airflow around the car itself.
The side profile is quite moderate, the front and rear lamps contribute to its revitalization, which are used optically quite a lot in this part, and then the chrome strip, with its bend, refers to the shape of the rear lamps.
The back part of the Scala became the most interesting for me, its main motif is a pair of bent horizontally oriented lamps. Their shape and bend follows the geometry of the entire rear part. Horizontality and dynamic elements clearly play a major role in this part of the car. The Scala is then the first car that quite proudly has a separate "Skoda" inscription and not just a logo within this lot.
So I have to evaluate the overall appearance of the car positively, I appreciate the overall shape of the car, which is balanced, decent and dynamic.
Spacious interior
The interior of the Scala is a combination of the well-known "Skodak" classic with dynamic elements that refer to the exterior of the car. A certain playfulness and the aforementioned dynamism take place, for example, in the very shapes of the air conditioning vents, which were additionally supplemented with an elegant red line on the tested car.
The ergonomics of the interior, as well as its processing, are at a very high level. There is plenty of interior space everywhere, even in the rear seats. The "Skodak" simply knows how to work with the interior space for a long time.
The dashboard of the car has an optically clean and elegant impression, which also contributes to the minimization of the climate control buttons. She deported some of her controllers directly to the main infotainment display. This quite economical and well-known solution brings a certain simplification and clarity of the dashboard itself.
The instrument panel in front of the driver of the tested piece offered a fully digital display of the so-called "virtual cockpit", which has five forms of its appearance and a diagonal of 10.25 inches. The on-board infotainment display traditionally had good graphics, but surprisingly there was no integrated navigation.
The central tunnel was equipped with a classic six-speed manual lever with a very pleasant and precise operation. Furthermore, the controllers for the parking assistant, the start x stop system and, in the case of the tested car, also the controller for selecting the driving mode. As part of the central panel, the new Scala also offers connectors for USB-C input.
Not only the front, but also the rear positions will offer a lot of space both above the head and for the legs and knees. The back position can also be heated, and there are also additional USB-C connectors.
A very interesting element of the interior itself was the glass panoramic roof, which offers a really large glass area. In addition, the glazing is equipped with a roller blind that unfolds from front to back in a rather unconventional way.
In the spirit of the automaker, the new Skoda Scala will also offer a spacious and easily accessible luggage compartment with a volume of 467 liters.
Scala and its motorization
The new Skoda Scala is currently offered in "liter" and "one-and-a-half-liter" gasoline engines, as well as a 16-liter diesel engine. The 1.0 TSI is available with an output of 70 or 85 kW, a 1.5 TSI with an output of 110 kW and a diesel 1.6 TDI with an output of 85 kW.
I currently tested the stronger of the pair of turbocharged three-cylinder liters, namely the 85 kW engine with a manual six-speed gearbox. I praise the tested engine for its quiet and refined operation. You can really feel its three-cylinder sound at higher revs. Its only downside is the start-ups themselves, here you will experience a slight lack of power and waiting for the turbo to kick in. Otherwise, I rate this engine as adequate and sufficient for the parameters of this car.
In terms of the chassis, the new Scala gives a very confident impression, the tested unit also had the option of choosing driving modes and thus the associated presence of an adaptive chassis. Scala then provides classic driving modes Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual. In individual mode, you personalize individual settings regarding the drive itself, steering, chassis or adaptive cruise control. You will certainly appreciate the Sport mode, because the engine's response to the gas pedal will improve and the engine itself will feel much more lively. At the same time, thanks to the adaptive chassis, its overall "hardening" will occur, which brings with it a "fous" more confidence in corners.
The Scala is by no means a heavy car, the adequacy of the tested engine is also confirmed in the consumption, which was around 5.6 l / 100 km during the weekly test.
In conclusion
The Nova Skoda Scala in the basic version, i.e. in Ambition equipment, with a liter three-cylinder engine with an output of 70 kW and a five-speed manual, is offered from CZK 369,900 including VAT. The piece tested by me with a more powerful three-cylinder engine, i.e. with an output of 85 kW, starts at CZK 394,900 including VAT.
I assume that we will see a lot of the new Skoda Scala not only on our roads. This is because it is a car that offers "Skodak" spaciousness and good ergonomics in the context of high-quality processing of the interior itself. Furthermore, the new Scala also offers us a quite stylish and dynamically cut coat. And finally, I have to praise the tested motorization, the performance of which is slightly unimpressive, but more than sufficient for everyday use.
