Overview

The Skoda Scala exemplifies the extent to which a manufacturer can get its money’s worth from a car’s basic platform. Despite its direct relation to other hatchbacks in the Volkswagen Group line-up like the SEAT Ibiza and the Volkswagen Polo, by virtue of the Scala’s size, it counts bigger hatchbacks as rivals.

Closer to a VW Golf than a Polo, the Scala’s footprint assimilates it into a club that includes the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Seat Leon – just for a lot less money. The question then becomes, will its more humble underpinnings allow the hatchback to hold its own against what we know to be some seriously well-rounded opposition?

The Scala was already a marked improvement on the Rapid that preceded it, but still Skoda has updated the model with revised trim levels, new engines and a refreshed front end for 2024. The exterior updates include new side wings that divide the central air intake and more prominent air curtains, though you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference. 

While the cabin feels a little narrow – a product of that supermini platform – rear passenger space is generous for the money and the boot is giant for the class. The interior has always been an inviting space, though new upholstery materials manage to enhance the Scala’s comfort value with a homely feel.

Standard equipment on the Scala SE includes full LED headlights, an 8.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring and dual-zone climate control. The SE L trim brings electric folding mirrors, more stylish 17-inch alloys and privacy glass and a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen.

It can be given a sporty touch in Monte Carlo spec with red interior stitching and other design quirks. It also comes with keyless entry and a reversing camera, but like almost every other Skoda on sale, the Scala is focused towards delivering a comfortable, rather than sporty drive. It’s at higher speeds where the Scala proves itself to be a capable cruiser, thanks partly to refined engine.

The Scala is available with three petrol engines, the main transmission options being a five- or six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic. If you want a diesel Scala, you’ll need to look on the second-hand market as it’s no longer available to buy new. Not that it’s a major problem – the petrol engines are frugal, punchy and more than up to the task. There are no hybrids available, however, which is another thing that stems from it being based on the Polo’s platform, rather than the Golf’s.

We’ve driven the Scala extensively in the UK and overseas, and even run one for several months as part of a long-term test. To find out if the Scala’s the secret to lessening your motoring costs, or whether you should spend a bit more on a slightly posher rival, keep reading our detailed review. You can find out more about how we test cars at Parkers elsewhere.

But to find out if the Scala’s the secret to lessening your motoring costs, or whether you should spend a bit more on a slightly posher rival, keep reading our detailed review. We’ll let you know just how spacious it is, what it’s like on the road and how it compares to rivals.