The Skoda Scala ticks many, if not all, requirements that consumers place on an affordable family car. And yet the Skoda Scala is not the best-selling car in its segment. Will a facelift change this?
In the first three months of this year, Skoda dealers recorded 499 registrations for the Skoda Scala. Traditional C-segmenters such as the Volkswagen Golf (788 pieces), Ford Focus (617) and the Opel Astra (631) are doing better. Remarkable, because the thickest Scala (the Monte Carlo you see in the photos) is cheaper than the bareest Golf.
The Skoda Scala sells better in other European countries, especially east of the former Iron Curtain. But they also love the Scala in Spain, Portugal and North Africa. A recent facelift should ensure that British consumers see the Scala again.
Always LED lighting
The grille and bumpers have a refreshed design. The fog lights are now LED and the headlights, daytime running lights and rear lights are also equipped with this light technology, regardless of the version. You really make a splash with the optional LED matrix headlights that are standard on the Monte Carlo. This means you can actually always drive with high beam. The car itself ensures that other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are not dazzled.
Also new is that the Skoda Scala will now be equipped with digital instruments, including the basic Essence version, which is listed from 26,490 euros. If you take the Business Edition or Monte Carlo (from 29,990 and 32,490 euros respectively), the digital meter set becomes a bit larger (10 instead of 8 inches). You can adjust the layout to your own taste with the arrows on the steering wheel.
Nice: rotary knobs and real keys
The Skoda Scala is more digital than ever, but underneath the central touchscreen there are still rotary knobs and real keys. Buttons for ventilation and temperature, among other things. And you activate the lighting with an old-fashioned large rotary button to the left of the steering wheel. You really never go wrong.
At a time when dashboards are only becoming more barren, this makes us genuinely happy. The service is simply better. Although the central display of the Scala can also be operated quickly and easily and the menu structure is clear.
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Skoda Scala: choice of two petrol engines
Skoda supplies the Scala with a choice of two three-cylinder 1.0 liter turbo petrol engines. The first produces 95 hp and is reserved for the entry-level Essence. If possible, we would skip that performance. The Scala is not an exciting car to look at and the 16-inch hubcaps do not make it any better.
Then you will automatically end up with the Selection (from 28,490 euros), which has the 115 hp variant of the 1.0 TSI. It stands on beautiful alloy wheels and has six instead of five gears. That gives more peace of mind on the highway. Overall, the turbo engine makes a lively impression and picks up nicely from low speeds. Although 115 hp is not an excess of power for such a car. The 1.5 with 150 hp disappeared in the UK with the facelift, but is still available in Belgium.
The driving characteristics are predictable and most consumers will find it pleasant. Comfortable without being softly cushioned. You steer with sufficient feeling and the car is nice and stable on the road. What is also striking is how quiet the Scala is. Engine, wind and tire noise remain neatly in the background. Just a pleasant car to travel with.
Skoda Scala test conclusion
As an affordable family car, the Skoda Scala convinces on all fronts. It is spacious, has a large luggage compartment (467-1410 liters) and is also pleasant to drive. It’s not sexy, but it becomes more exciting if you take the sporty Monte Carlo. The most expensive version is cheaper in the UK than a basic Golf.