skoda scala

The compact segment is extremely important in Europe. The brands bet on it despite the strength of the SUV. The skoda scala is the response of the Czech firm to that demand. A very balanced compact, but not very flashy that attracts the public for its excellent price-product ratio. It is located on a step above the Skoda Fabia, unit belonging to the utility segment.

The Scala is neither the only nor the first compact of the brand on the market. It currently shares a segment with the Skoda Octavia, which we could label as the improved version with saloon bodywork. The Scala is the natural successor to the Skoda Spaceback, who previously it had been the natural successor to the legendary and now defunct Skoda Felicia. At the time there was a sedan body called Skoda Rapid, but its commercialization ceased.

The Skoda Scala is presented in society at the end of 2018, already as a 2019 model, receiving a next update at the end of 2023. Since then, new generations have not been launched, but constant evolutions have been improving the model in different aspects such as design or equipment. Despite this, it is a little-known model in the markets and its sales are not entirely satisfactory.

Technical characteristics of the Skoda Scala

Skoda belongs to the Volkswagen Group conglomerate. That gives you access to an endless stack of items and solutions. The Scala sits on the well-known MQB A0 platform, the same used by other renowned models such as the Audi A1, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo or even his brother, the Skoda Kamiq.

For the specific case that concerns us, the dimensions of the platform have been enlarged so that the Scala, by measurements, enters the field of compacts. 4,36 meters long, 1,79 meters wide and 1,47 meters high. To these external dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,65 meters, the longest in the category. Thanks to it, it homologates a cabin for a maximum of five passengers.

Three of them are located in a rear row with generous space, where the central square is somewhat narrow and more uncomfortable than the one at the ends. Regarding load capacity, the Skoda Scala offers a trunk with a minimum volume of 467 liters, expandable to 1.410 liters when the rear row is folded down. In the case of the gas-powered versions, the load figures are reduced to a minimum of 339 liters.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Skoda Scala

When talking about mechanics and performance levels, it must be said that at the moment the Skoda Scala does not have access to any electrification or hybridization system. Its range is based entirely on mechanical versions of gasoline after the disappearance of diesel units. It presents a varied range with three gasoline versions and a CNG gas powered unit.. All of them send the power to the front axle.

Despite the renewal suffered in the summer of 2023, the Scala maintains a mechanical structure without electrified options, which limits its possibilities against other rivals. The range starts with the turbocharged three-cylinder block and one liter for the 1.0-horsepower 95 TSI variant. Above, with the same propellant is the Scala 1.0 TSI 116 hp that you can opt for a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission.

The most powerful of the family mounts a block of four cylinders, the Scala 1.5 TSI 150 hp, with six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. After the update in mid-2023 and in the face of low sales, Skoda gets rid of the 1.0 TGI engine powered by CNG gas. The only alternative in the range with the DGT ECO label.

Equipment of the Skoda Scala

Skoda is known as a general brand, one of the best. From the inside the Scala is offered with a somewhat bland cabin, but well presented in terms of systems and finishes. For the most part, it offers soft materials with a pleasant touch that increase the sensation of perceived quality., although other areas suffer from lower quality, with excessive use of hard plastics or surfaces finished in black lacquer.

As is customary in the house, they offer different levels of finish and equipment: Essence, Selection, Design and Monte Carlo. In each of them, not only the load of systems and equipment is modified, there is also an aesthetic change. Slight exterior and interior touch-ups that allow the design to be altered in order to adapt to the taste of the clients. The accessible mechanical range is different in each finish, with the highest reserving the most powerful versions.

In terms of equipment, the Scala had a sweet moment with its launch, but currently other products of the house have surpassed him, Such as Skoda Octavia. It is worth highlighting elements such as: Full LED headlights, sunroof, digital instrumentation, Multimedia system with 9,2-inch touch screen, connectivity for mobile devices, keyless entry and start, digital radio, and a large team of driving assistants.

The Skoda Scala in video

The Skoda Scala according to Euro NCAP

On the occasion of the commercial launch of the Scala, Euro NCAP, the European organization in charge of evaluating the safety of cars, determined to the Czech compact with a five-star rating, the highest possible. After the tests, the results yielded the following evaluations: 9,7 in adult passenger safety, 8,7 in child passenger protection, 8,1 in pedestrian protection and 7,6 in operation of driving assistants. These values ​​remain in force after the 2023 update as there are no changes in the structure of the vehicle.

The Skoda Scala of Km 0 and second hand

Despite not having been on sale for a long time, the Skoda Scala is accompanied by the reputation of durability and good price-product ratio of the Czech brand. Although it does not accumulate many units sold, the alternative purchase channels offer interesting units. In them we observe that the depreciation of the model is around 30%, a couple of points above more famous rivals. Despite this a good value.

If we take a look at the used or second-hand market, we see that the cheapest units date from the first months of their commercialization, year 2019. Prices start in amounts close to 15.000 euros for units with Ambition finish and mechanics of gasoline of 115 horses. The offer of Km 0 models is much more limited, just a few dozen. The prices are interesting, although not so distant with respect to new models.

Rivals of the Skoda Scala

By approach and exterior size, the Skoda Scala is part of the hard-fought compact segment. However, thanks to its adjusted rates, it can compete with the most complete urban ones. In any case, its strongest rivals are in the Volkswagen Group. They are led by Seat Leon y Volkswagen Golf. After them, we can cite the Peugeot 308, Toyota Corolla, Kia ceed, Hyundai i30, Fiat Type, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Ford Focus, Renault Mégane, Opel Astra u Honda Civic. However, few have such a competitive quality-equipment-price ratio.

Highlight

• habitability
• Quality-equipment-price ratio
• Price

To improve

• Quality of some materials
• simple range
• boring look

Skoda Scala prices

When setting prices, Skoda has remained true to its philosophy of maintaining an excellent price-product ratio. The starting price of the Skoda Scala is 23.880 euros. This value corresponds to a unit with base Essence finish and 1.0-horsepower 95 TSI engine with manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The most expensive of the family is the Scala Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower with DSG automatic transmission. Its price starts at 32.315 euros.

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