Škoda Skala 2021 review

The small car segment is a shadow of itself, but that doesn't stop some brands from battling competitive models for those willing to think outside the box.

Take for example, this car is a brand new 2021 Skoda Scala model that is finally launched in Australia after several months of delays. Scala has been on sale in Europe for almost two years, but it's finally here. So was it worth the wait? You bet.

In typical Skoda fashion, the Scala offers food for thought when compared to established competitors such as the Mazda 3, Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla. But in fact, its most natural rival is the Kia Cerato hatchback, which, like the Scala, blurs the lines between hatchback and station wagon.

Scala replaced the similar Rapid Spaceback. Czech speakers will understand Scala's self-growth element, which is really out of line with class norms. 

But with a number of other Skoda models that could compete for your money instead — the Fabia wagon, the Octavia wagon, the Kamiq light SUV, or the Karoq small SUV — is there a reason for the Scala to be here? Let's find out.

Skoda Scala 2021: 110 TSI launch version
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.5 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	5.5l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$27,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

The 2021 Skoda Scala range price list is an interesting read. In fact, the brand's local team claims the pricing is "huge".

I wouldn't go that far. You can get pretty compelling alternatives in the form of a Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, or even a Volkswagen Golf. But interestingly stated.

The entry point to the range is known simply as the 110TSI, and it is the only model available with a manual transmission (six-speed manual: $26,990) or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic ($28,990). ). These are official prices from Skoda and are correct at the time of publication.

Standard equipment on the 110TSI includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, LED taillights with dynamic indicators, halogen headlights, fog lights, tinted privacy glass, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. phone charger, 10.25 inch digital instrument display.

There are two USB-C ports in the front and two more in the rear for charging, a covered center armrest, a leather steering wheel, manual seat adjustment, red ambient lighting, a space-saving spare tire and tire pressure monitoring, and a “trunk”. Package" with several cargo nets and hooks in the trunk. Note that the base car does not have a 60:40 folding seatback.

There is room for spare wheels under the boot floor. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

The 110TSI is also equipped with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming side mirrors with heating and power adjustment, driver fatigue detection, lane keeping assist, AEB and more - see the safety section for details on safety. security below.

Next comes only the automotive Monte Carlo, which costs $33,990. 

This model adds a number of really desirable items, including a black exterior design package and black 18-inch wheels, panoramic glass roof (non-opening sunroof), sports seats and pedals, full LED headlights, dual zone climate control, smart key unlocking (non-contact) and button start, as well as the proprietary Sport Chassis Control setting - it is lowered by 15 mm and has an adaptive suspension, as well as Sport and Individual driving modes. And, of course, he has a black headliner.

And at the top of the range is the $35,990 Launch Edition. Note: an earlier version of this story said the exit price was $36,990, but that was a mistake on the part of Skoda Australia.

It adds body-color mirrors, chrome grille and window surrounds, 18-inch black and silver aero style wheels, Suedia leather seat trim, heated front and rear seats, power driver's seat adjustment, 9.2-liter engine. an inch multimedia system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay, automatic lighting and automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, semi-autonomous parking, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Launch Edition is essentially a lottery burger, while other models can get some extras in the form of pre-selected Skoda packages for the lower grades.

For example, the 110TSI is available with a $4300 Driver Assistance Package that adds leather and heated seats with electric driver adjustment, climate control, air conditioning, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, and an automatic parking system.

There is also a Tech Pack ($3900) for the 110TSI that upgrades the infotainment system to a 9.2-inch navigation box with wireless CarPlay, adds upgraded speakers, and includes full LED headlights, as well as keyless entry and push-button start. 

And the Monte Carlo model is available with a Travel Pack ($4300) that replaces a large multimedia screen with GPS and wireless CarPlay, adds automatic parking, blind spot and rear cross traffic, adds heated front and rear seats (but retains the Monte's cloth trim). Carlo), as well as a lot of paddle shifters. 

Worried about colors? There are several options to choose from. All variants are available with optional Moon White, Brilliant Silver, Quartz Grey, Race Blue, Black Magic (worth $550), and Velvet Red premium paint ($1110). The 110TSI and Launch models are also available in Candy White (free) and in Steel Gray for Monte Carlo only (free). 

The Scala is available in Race Blue. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

Want a panoramic glass roof on your car but don't want to buy a Monte Carlo? It's doable - it will cost you $1300 for 110TSI or Launch Edition.

If you want a factory hitch it will be $1200. Other accessories are available.

It's a bit of a mixed bag here. There are some things that we would certainly like to have on the base machine (such as LED lights), but they are not available unless you are willing to shell out. It's a shame.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The Skoda Scala embodies the brand's most modern design language and departs from the possibly awkward lines of the existing Rapid model. Agree, it is more conventionally attractive?

But the shape of Scala can be surprising. It's not exactly the same silhouette as current hatchback models like the aforementioned Kia Cerato. It has a longer roofline, a more bulging rear that may not be to everyone's taste.

During the time spent with the car, I grew it, but several friends commented on the expected: “So is this a hatchback or station wagon?” requests.

It is compact, 4362mm long (shorter than Corolla, Mazda3 and Cerato hatchbacks) and has a wheelbase of 2649mm. The width is 1793 mm and the height is 1471 mm, so it is smaller than the Octavia or Karoq, but larger than the Fabia or Kamiq station wagon. Again, is there really a gap to play with? If I had to look into my crystal ball, I doubt I would see another Fabia station wagon in the next generation… But then again, the couple has coexisted so far, so who knows. 

However, the Scala easily occupies the same spot in the brand's lineup as the old Rapid in semi-wagon style. If you're wondering what Czech word to describe it is "samorost" - someone or something that doesn't necessarily conform to established norms and expectations. 

And this despite the fact that Scala is much more attractive - for obvious reasons. It has the brand's more angular, edgy styling, with those triangular headlights that look businesslike - at least on LED vehicles. I can't believe Skoda ditched this and opted for halogens for the base model. Ugh. At least they have LED daytime running lights, while some of the newer rivals have halogen DRLs. 

The Scala has LED daytime running lights. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

But the style really draws attention, with those triangular headlights with their 'crystal' lines, mirrored bumper lines, more refined grille trim than previous small Skoda models, all looking elegant and edgy. 

The side profile also has a crisp finish, and with all the models sold here with 18-inch rims, it looks like a complete car. 

The rear gets the now “essential” brand lettering on the familiar black glass tailgate section, and the taillights have a triangular theme, once again those superb crystallized elements gleam in the light. 

The trunk lid is electric (it can also be opened with a key) and the trunk is roomy - more on this in the next section, where you will also find a selection of images of the interior.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

Skoda is famous for fitting a lot of things into a small space, and the Scala is no exception. It's definitely a smarter option than most small hatchbacks - like the Mazda3 and Corolla, which have comparatively little backseat and trunk space - and indeed it will be a better car for many customers than many small SUVs. , too much. In particular, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3/CX-30 and Subaru XV.

That's because the Scala has a large trunk for its compact size, which is 467 liters (VDA) with the seats installed. There's the usual set of Skoda smart cargo nets, as well as a reversible mat that's perfect if you have muddy shoes or briefs that you don't want to get wet in the cargo area.

The 60:40 split seat is on all cars except the base model, but if you're loading long items, just be aware that this will take a bit of fiddling. But at the same time, the trunk is big enough to fit our Cars Guide a set of suitcases (hard suitcases 134 l, 95 l and 36 l) with an extra seat. There are also hooks for bags and a spare wheel under the floor.

And the passenger space is also very good for the class. I had plenty of room in the front for my 182 cm/6'0" height and the seats offer good adjustment and comfort as well as good steering wheel adjustment. 

Sitting in my driver's seat, I had plenty of toe, knee, and head room, although if you're planning on seating three adults in the back, toe space will be a bit of a concern, as there's a lot of intrusion into the transmission tunnel. Luckily, there are ventilation holes in the back.

Rear seat passengers get air vents and USB-C connectors. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

If you're looking at a car like the Scala as well as a Rapid hatchback - like our man Richard Berry and my next door neighbor - as the car for your family of three (two adults and a child under six), , Scala is great for your lifestyle. There are two ISOFIX suspension anchorages for child seats, as well as three top tether points.

Rear seat passengers have plenty of leg, knee and headroom. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

In terms of storage space, there are large bottle holders in all four doors, and there are additional card pockets in the front doors, and there are card pockets in the back, but no cup holders or a fold-down armrest on either trim.

There is a set of three cupholders up front that are a bit shallow and are located between the seats. Ahead of the gear selector is a spacious bin with wireless phone charger, and between the front seats there is a small covered bin on the center console with armrest. Oh, and of course, the smart umbrella is tucked away in the driver's door.

Passenger space is very good for the class. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

Charging is not only taken care of by this Qi wireless pad, but also by four USB-C ports – two on the front and two on the back. 

And the media box in our test car — a 9.2-inch Amundsen screen with sat-nav and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring (wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, as well as standard USB reading and Bluetooth phone/audio streaming) — worked fine. once I figured out the best settings.

I've had no end of problems with wireless CarPlay, and even with the CarPlay setup plugged in - this has caused me some serious frustration. Luckily, after fiddling with the settings, resetting the connection on my phone (three times), disabling Bluetooth, and eventually everything worked fine, I had no issues. However, it took me three days and several trips to get there.

The Launch Edition has a larger 9.2-inch multimedia system. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

I also don't like that fan control has to be done through the infotainment screen. You can set the temperature with the knobs below the screen, but fan speed and other controls are done through the screen. You can get around this by using the "Auto" setting for the A/C, which I did, and it was a lot easier to deal with than the CarPlay issues.

These technical glitches are one thing, but the perceived quality of the materials is impressive. Leather steering wheel for all classes, the seats are comfortable (and the leather and Suedia trim is lovely), while the plastics on the dashboard and doors are soft and there are soft padded sections in the elbow area. 

Inside Monte Carlo front and rear seats with red trim. (pictured is the Monte Carlo version)

A red ambient lighting bar (underneath the pink chrome or red chrome trim that runs across the dash) adds to the brilliance of the feature, and while the cabin isn't the most impressive in the class or the most luxurious, it could just be the smartest.

(Note: I also checked out the Monte Carlo model - with red trim cloth seats front and rear, red chrome dash trim, and the version I saw also had a panoramic roof - and if you want some extra spice, that's definitely will taste better.)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

The powertrain used in all Scala models in Australia is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 110 kW (at 6000 rpm) and 250 Nm of torque (from 1500 to 3500 rpm). These are pretty decent results for the class.

It is available with a six-speed manual transmission only as standard, while this version comes with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that is standard on Launch Edition and Monte Carlo models.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 110 kW/250 Nm. (pictured is the Launch Edition)

The Scala is 2WD (front wheel drive) and there is no AWD/4WD (all wheel drive) version available.

Would you like a diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric version of the Scala? Unfortunately, this is not so. We only have petrol 1.5. 

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle - which you should presumably achieve with combined driving - is just 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers for manual transmission models, while automatic versions claim 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

On paper, those are near-hybrid fuel economy levels, but in reality, the Scala is quite frugal and even has a smart cylinder deactivation system that allows it to run on two cylinders under light loads or on the highway.

In our test cycle, which included tests in city, traffic, highway, country road, country and freeway, the Scala showed fuel consumption at a gas station of 7.4 l / 100 km. Pretty good! 

The Scala has a 50 liter fuel tank and you should run it with at least 95 octane premium unleaded gasoline.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Skoda Scala was awarded a five-star ANCAP crash test rating and it did not meet the 2019 rating criteria. Yes, that was two years ago, and yes, the rules have changed since then. But Scala is still very well equipped with security technologies.

All versions are equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) operating at speeds from 4 to 250 km/h. There is also a function to detect pedestrians and cyclists, operating at speeds from 10 to 50 km / h.

All Scala models are also equipped with Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, which operates at speeds between 60 and 250 km/h. In addition, there is a function to determine driver fatigue.

As mentioned in the pricing section, not all versions come with blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert, but those that do also provide automatic rear cross-traffic braking, dubbed "rear maneuvering brake assist." It worked when I accidentally reversed too close to an overhanging branch. 

Models with semi-autonomous parking feature include front parking sensors as part of the package, while all models come standard with rear sensors and a rearview camera. 

Scala is equipped with seven airbags - dual front, front side, full-length curtain and driver's knee protection.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

Skoda offers a standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is par for the course among major competitors. 

The brand also has a limited price service program that covers six years / 90,000 km, and the average cost of a service interval (every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first) equals a service cost of $443 per visit, which is a bit high.

But here's the thing. Skoda offers prepaid service packages that you can include in your financial payments or pay in a lump sum at the time of purchase. Upgrade packs are rated for three years/45,000km ($800 - would have been $1139 otherwise) or five years/75,000km ($1200 - otherwise $2201). This is a huge savings and it will also save you from having to plan for additional annual expenses.

And although the first year of roadside assistance is included in the purchase price, if you have your Skoda serviced at the brand's dedicated workshop network, this period is extended to 10 years.

Also, if you are looking at a used Skoda Scala, you might be interested to know that you can even add an upgrade package "anytime after the first 12 months / 15,000 km of service" depending on the brand and it will only cost you 1300 dollars for four years / 60,000 km of service, which Skoda says is about a 30 percent savings. Good.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

The Skoda Scala is a really nice and enjoyable car to drive. I say that after driving the Launch Edition test car over 500 km in six days, this is a really good little car.

There are things you need to be aware of, like how the engine works with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be a little annoying in stop-and-go traffic. There's a slight lag to contend with, and that vague feeling of shifting into first gear can take you by surprise until you get used to it. It's even more annoying if the engine start-stop system is active, as it adds about a second to "ok, ready, yeah, let's go, ok, let's go!" sequence from the spot.

The suspension is indeed very well sorted in most situations. (pictured is the Monte Carlo version)

However, for someone like me who does a lot of highway driving to and from a major city and doesn't always run into traffic, the transmission performs exceptionally well.

You might think that a 1.5-liter engine with such power might not be enough, but it is. There is a lot of linear power to use and the transmission features smart thinking and fast shifting. Also, if you're on the open road, the engine shuts off two cylinders to save fuel at light loads. Careful.

The engine is paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be a little annoying in stop-and-go traffic. (pictured is the Monte Carlo version)

The steering is superb - easily predictable, well-weighted and superbly controlled. And unlike some other cars with a lot of advanced safety tech, Skoda's lane assist system didn't force me to turn it off every time I drove it. It's less interventionist than some, more subtle, but still obviously very safe. 

In more twisty driving, the steering was helpful, as was the handling. The suspension is indeed very well sorted in most situations. It's only when hitting sharp edges that the 18-inch wheels (with 1/205 Goodyear Eagle F45 tires) really come into play. The rear suspension is torsion beam and the front is independent, and the more spirited driver will notice if you push hard enough. 

The Scala is a pleasant and enjoyable car to drive. (pictured is the Monte Carlo version)

The Launch Edition model has several driving modes - Normal, Sport, Individual and Eco - and each mode affects the driving elements. The regular was very comfortable and composed, light and manageable, while the Sport had a jaw-clearing feel, with a more aggressive approach to steering, gearing, throttle and suspension. Individual mode allows you to tailor the driving experience to your desires. Quite convenient.

Overall, this is a good car to drive and I would be happy to drive it every day. He doesn't try too hard and that's to be commended.

Verdict

The Skoda Scala is a very well packaged and well thought out small car option. It's not the most exciting, gorgeous, or technologically advanced car on the market, but it's one of the most compelling "alternatives" to mainstream marques I've driven in years.

It would be hard to get past the Monte Carlo in terms of sporty appeal, but if budget is the key factor, the base model - perhaps with one of those add-on packages - would be very good indeed.