Test drive Skoda Scala
Skoda Scala is a long-awaited novelty, which is built on the MQB-A0 platform. By the way, the company is the first car on this trolley. Scala belongs to class "C" cars. And the newcomer from Skoda is already being called a serious competitor to the VW Golf.
The name of the model comes from the Latin word "scala", which means "scale". It has been specially selected in order to emphasize that the new product has a higher level of quality, design and technology. Let's see how much such a name Skoda Scala has earned.
Machine appearance
In the appearance of the novelty, a resemblance to the Vision RS concept car is guessed. The hatchback was built on a modified MQB modular chassis, which underlies the new compact models of the Volkswagen concern. The Scala is smaller than the Skoda Octavia. Length 4362 mm, width - 1793 mm, height - 1471 mm, wheelbase - 2649 mm.
A swift appearance is not an optical illusion and is not only associated with a Czech arrow. The new Czech hatchback is truly aerodynamic. Many people compare this model with Audi. The drag coefficient of the Scala is 0,29. Beautiful triangular headlights, a powerful enough radiator grille. And the smooth lines of the new Skoda make the car more attractive.
The Scala was also the first Skoda model to have a large brand name on the rear instead of a small emblem. Almost like a Porsche. And if the exterior of the Skoda Scala reminds someone of a Seat Leon, then inside there are more associations with Audi.
Interior
At first it seems that the car is small, but if you get into the salon, you will be surprised - the car is spacious and comfortable. So, the legroom is, like in the Octavia 73 mm, the rear space is slightly less (1425 versus 1449 millimeters), and more overhead (982 versus 980 millimeters). But in addition to the largest passenger space in the class, the Scala also has the largest trunk in the class - 467 liters. And if you fold the backs of the rear seats, it will be 1410 liters.
The machine is equipped with interesting technological innovations. The Skoda Scala has the same Virtual Cockpit as the one that first appeared on the Audi Q7. It offers the driver a choice of five different pictures. From the classic dashboard with a speedometer and a tachometer in the form of round dials, and different backlighting in the Basic, Modern and Sport modes. To the map from the Amundsen navigation system in full screen.
In addition, Skoda Scala became the first Czech-made golf class hatchback to distribute the Internet itself. Scala already has built-in eSIM with LTE connectivity. Therefore, passengers have a high-speed Internet connection without an additional SIM card or smartphone.
The car can have up to 9 airbags, including the driver’s knee airbag and, for the first time in the segment, additional rear side airbags. And the Crew Protect Assist passenger protection system automatically closes the windows and tightens the front seat belts in the event of a potential collision.
Engine
Skoda Scala offers its customers 5 powertrains to choose from. These included: gasoline and diesel turbo engines, as well as a methane-powered propulsion system. The base engine 1.0 TSI (95 forces) is paired with a 5-speed "mechanics". The 115-strong version of this engine, 1.5 TSI (150 forces) and 1.6 TDI (115 forces) are offered with a 6-speed "mechanics" or 7-speed "robot" DSG. The 90-horsepower 1.0 G-TEC, powered by natural gas, is offered with only 6MKPP.
On road
The suspension absorbs bumps very effectively. The steering is fast and accurate, and the ride is noble and graceful. It enters into the turns of the car very smoothly.
On the road, Skoda Skala 2019 behaves with dignity, and you do not notice that it has a small platform. Despite its size, Scala 2019 does not share architecture with the SEAT Leon or Volkswagen Golf. The Czech model uses the Volkswagen Group's MQB-A0 platform, i.e. the same as the Seat Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo.
The interior is very high quality soundproofed. The console has a button that allows you to select driving modes. There are four of them (Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual) and allow you to change the throttle response, steering, automatic transmission and suspension stiffness. This change in damping is possible if the Scala 2019 uses Sports Chassis, an optional suspension that reduces body height by 15 mm and offers electronically adjustable shock absorbers. This, in our opinion, is not worth it, because in sports mode it becomes less comfortable, and maneuverability basically remains the same.
