The Skoda Scala is a new car model in the compact segment that will go on sale in the first half of 2019. It introduces a new design language for the brand, features the latest technological advances, and offers a choice of diesel and gasoline, as well as natural gas.
Skoda does not indicate it specifically, but the new Scala could be considered as the successor to the Skoda Spaceback and according to the brand, it represents a great leap forward. The name they have chosen is not the result of chance, it accurately reflects that statement, since Scala means ‘step’ or ‘ladder’ in Latin.
Due to its dimensions, when the new Skoda compact goes on sale, it will compete directly against models such as the Fiat Tipo, the Ford Focus, the Opel Astra, or the Renault Mégane.
The latest model to join the Skoda range offers a body with dimensions of 4,362 mm long, 1,793 mm wide, and 1,471 mm high. The wheelbase, meanwhile, stands at 2,649 mm. This last fact not only gives it good driving characteristics but also allows it to offer one of the most spacious cabins in its category.
Beneath its bodywork, the new Skoda Scala uses the well-known MQB A0 modular platform belonging to the Volkswagen group. It is the same base used by models such as the Seat Ibiza, the Seat Arona, or the Volkswagen Polo, to give a few examples. But it is considerably larger than these.
In fact and as a reference, although the Skoda Scala shares a platform with the smaller ones, it offers larger exterior dimensions than those of models such as the Volkswagen Golf or the Seat León. And like the latter, it has five doors and five seats.
The new design language that debuts the Skoda Scala
With the new Scala, Skoda debuts its new exterior and interior design language intended for series-production cars. An aspect that was anticipated by the Skoda Vision RS prototype, unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, with which it will surely share many features.
We say surely because for now the aesthetic characteristics of the Skoda Scala have remained hidden and it will not be until later until we know its final image. But we can anticipate some details, as Škoda says it will sport precise, sculptural forms combined with dynamic elements to create an emotional look and identity of its own.
One detail that the Scala debuts for the first time are that it will be the brand’s first series-production model in Europe to bear the Skoda name on the tailgate that gives access to the boot instead of the classic logo. This is one more of the characteristics that little by little will be extended to the rest of the family of the Czech brand.
Other features of the exterior design are the headlights and taillights, which can optionally have LED technology for all their functions. The rear ones, moreover, are the first in a vehicle of the brand that has a dynamic flashing system.
The spacious cabin of the Skoda Scala
Looking at the exterior dimensions, you can surely guess that the Skoda Scala offers a tremendously spacious cabin. And so it is since even from the brand itself they assure that it has an interior with a size practically equal to or greater than that of the Skoda Octavia in some dimensions, which has a body 31 cm longer than the one at hand.
For example, it offers 73 mm of space for the knees, data identical to that of the Octavia; It is 1,425mm wide at the elbows of the rear passengers, just 24mm less than the Octavia; It has a height of 982 mm in the rear area, 2 mm more than the Octavia…
Special mention deserves the trunk of the Skoda Scala, which is one of the largest in the segment thanks to its capacity of 467 liters with five seats in use. If we lower the backrest of the rear seats, the maximum volume increases to 1,410 liters. Both data are superior to those offered by any of its alternatives.
By the way, optionally the cargo door can be electrically opened and the car can be equipped with a retractable tow ball. And as with other models of the brand, the Skoda Scala incorporates an umbrella compartment that is integrated into the driver’s door, a solution that cars like the Škoda Superb already have.
Extensive standard and optional equipment
The Skoda Scala can incorporate the latest technological advances of the Czech brand, both in terms of multimedia systems and driving assistants. Elements such as the virtual dashboard stand out, available as an option, which has a 10.25-inch screen, the largest in the compact segment according to the firm.
The information and entertainment system screen, for its part, measures up to 9.2 inches and according to the company, it is also the largest in the segment. With Skoda Connect technology, users can remotely lock and unlock the car using their mobile phone or update maps without having to visit a dealer. This is possible thanks to the fact that the Scala integrates an eSIM with a high-speed LTE internet connection that also supports the automatic emergency call function.
As for the driving assistants, you can mount elements such as the warning of the presence of vehicles in the blind spot of the mirrors with a range of up to 70 meters, the functional adaptive cruise control up to speeds of 210 km / h, the assistant lane maintenance or the automatic city emergency braking system, among others.
Engines
When it goes on sale in the first half of 2019, the Skoda Scala’s engine range will include petrol and diesel options, with natural gas to follow later. A total of five different engines that meet the Euro 6d-TEMP emission regulations and that in all cases have direct injection, turbocharging, Stop/Start technology, and braking energy recovery. Regarding gasoline engines, there are a total of three different ones. The offer starts with the 95 hp Škoda Scala 1.0 TSI, which has a five-speed manual gearbox. This same 1.0 TSI block can be chosen in a 115 hp version, which also adds a change with six gears or the possibility of equipping a DSG gearbox with seven relationships.
At the top of the range is the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI, which develops a power of 150 hp. As standard, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but it is also optionally available with the DSG gearbox. As for the diesel, represented by the Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI, it is a four-cylinder that produces 115 hp and 250 Nm of torque, a block that incorporates an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection and a particulate filter as standard.
Finally, we have the Skoda Scala 1.0 G-TEC natural gas (CNG). It mounts a three-cylinder block specially designed to run on CNG, which helps reduce CO2 and NOX emissions compared to more traditional fuels. It develops 90 CV of power and can only be associated with the six-speed manual transmission.
