Is the Skoda Scala an underrated car?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the front of the Scala and to start off with it has a completely different design to what we were used to. The grill is slightly bigger with a more rounded shape. It looks very similar to the new Fabia grill in fact. We also get a new set of LED Matrix headlights with a new day time running light graphic in it that makes it look sportier. The bumper is also new with a lot of sharp creases. We also get a new speckled central air vent and connected to this is a new set of bigger side vents again with sharper creases. Overall, the design is much bolder than before and more memorable with less straight and boring lines. It actually looks interesting to look at for once.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side, and there aren’t many changes to talk about, but I do want to mention the swoopy design that makes this car stand out over its rivals. We do get some sharp creases and some chrome, which manufacturers are moving away from. We also get some new wheel options that look a lot more premium than before.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we do get some changes here. We get a new set of taillights with a new design language to them like what we have seen in the new Superb, it separated in different places, so the boot opening is hidden at night. A clever design trick right there. We also get the new Skoda lettering too which is a lot cleaner and makes this car look more modern. We also get a new rear bumper design that continues the sharp creases, but it is also a lot more clean looking and minimalistic than before. I do also like the interesting rear hatch opening where the glass stretches down to the taillights hiding the rear window. overall then a good design. And good improvements over the old model. Right then let’s have a look at the engine options that you can have with the Skoda Scala Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the engines in the Skoda Scala facelift is very easy to remember. There are 3 petrol engines and that’s it. There is no diesel or plug in hybrid and this is to keep costs as low as possible. The first of the petrol engines is a 1 litre engine. This has 94 bhp. and it can do 0-62 in 10.9 seconds. This can only be had with a 5-speed manual. The next engine is the same 1 litre engine, but the power has increased to 114 bhp. this can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7 speed DSG gearbox. This also reduces the 0-62 time to 9.8 seconds. Finally, the last version is the Volkswagen Group’s 1.5 litre engine. This has 148 bhp and a 0-62 time of 8.2 seconds and this can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7 Speed DSG gearbox. Personally, out of all of those options I would choose the mid-range as it is almost as quick as the most powerful option but is more affordable to run as it is very economical, but the company car tax is better too. the price of the new Skoda Scala Facelift starts at £22,095 which is actually very close to the price of the Volkswagen Polo at £20,965 and the golf starting at £26,495. That impressive from Skoda. Let’s have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside and to be honest you won’t notice any big changes over the pre facelift but there are a few to talk about. Throughout the whole range you now get a digital instrument cluster as standard. The USB ports have also been upgraded to USB C ports. There is now also one USB C mounted near the rear-view mirror for a dash cam, so you don’t have to mount cables everywhere which is a nice idea. You also get gesture control for the infotainment system too. now talking of the infotainment system, I would have liked the newer version based on the Volkswagen MIB 4 but that might have been pushing it a bit maybe. This infotainment system is great and simple to use though and is just like any other MIB2 and 3 software that we find in the previous generation of Volkswagens. Now because we haven’t got the MIB4 software it does mean that we get physical climate control buttons. They are very easy to use and very easy to see too. we do get a few more physical buttons too. there are some new materials inside, and the front seats are very comfy and premium feeling, even better than the Volkswagen if you ask me. You also get a manual hand brake too. finally, the front passenger seat also has ISOFIX points too. let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting in the rear seats and practicality isn’t that bad. For a 6-foot person legroom is ok and headroom is decent even if you go for the full-length glass roof. You also get your own air vents as well as heated rear seats and USB C ports. There is also this partition thing in the floor which does add more storage. It can be removed though if you want to fit 3 people in the back which you can do. Finally, there is also an arm rest. Let’s have a look at the boot.
Boot Size
So, this is where the Skoda trademark comes in to play. Every Skoda has a class leading boot size, the Fabia is bigger than the Golf and the Superb is bigger than any of its rivals. Opening the boot to the Scala and there is no surprise that this is a class leading size at 467 litres with the seats up. Just for comparison the Golf has 380 litres, the Leon is 380 litres, and the Astra has 422 litres. With the seats down it is 1,410 litres. Again, this is class leading over those models. This is one of the best practical cars around in this class.
Summary
So, what do I think of the Skoda Scala. Well personally I think it is an underrated gem of a car. It is stylish, premium, and very good value for money. If you want a practical car that is affordable and good looking, then this is really the best one to go for as it is good in every department over its rivals.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 14/15
Model | Skoda Scala Monte Carlo |
Engine | 1.5l, 148bhp, 0-62 = 8.2 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6 Speed Manual |
Price | £29,105 |
On Sale | Now |
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