Skoda Scala - Is it better than the VW Golf? 2019

Skoda's Scala claims to bring something a little different to the family hatchback class. Jonathan crouch takes a look.

The Scala is Skoda's most credible tilt yet at the Focus-class family hatchback segment. Though the engineering's familiar from other VW Group models, the way the Czech brand has packaged it all up is quite appealing, with a decent combination of value, practicality and efficiency. If you prioritise sense and sensibility, want value in a car of this kind and are looking for something a little different from the obvious contenders in this class, the Scala could be worth a look.

Background
Skoda has yet to really crack the family hatchback market, which in some ways is strange given the considerable success that various generations of its Fabia supermini have enjoyed. Last time the Czech brand attacked this segment, it was so desperate to succeed that it brought us not one family hatch design but two, the very Skoda-like Rapid and the more conventional Rapid Spaceback. Now, all efforts have been concentrated on just one design, just one body shape and just one name: Scala.

The name comes from the Latin meaning 'stairs' or 'ladder', reflecting the fact that this model will be 'a leap forward in design and technology' according at least to Skoda. Of course, from an engineering point of view, it shares just about everything with Volkswagen Group contemporaries, in this case primarily VW's Golf and SEAT's Leon. But as usual, Skoda offers it all at slightly lower prices and with a range of 'Simply Clever' design features intended to make everyday life with this car just that little bit easier.

Engines and Tech Spec
Let's get the under-bonnet stuff out of the way first. The Scala comes with three petrol engines with a cylinder capacity of either 1.0 or 1.5 litres, plus there's a 1.6-litre diesel. Most will choose the 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit, available with either 95PS or 115PS. The former unit comes only with a 5-speed manual stick shift, but if you choose the 115PS variant, you'll be offered the choice of either 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG auto.

The DSG 'box is also optional on the other two engines in the range. The 1.5 TSI 150PS petrol unit's worth a look, equipped as it is with efficient Active Cylinder Technology that means it's almost as efficient as the 1.0-litre option. As usual, you'll choose the 115PS 1.6-litre TDI diesel if you want more pulling power; there's 250Nm of torque - though the 1.5 TSI petrol can match that. As usual with a compact Skoda, expect solid, safe handling; you won't be buying this car for driving thrills. Skoda suspension set-ups tend to be slightly on the firm side too. Optional is an Adaptive Cruise Control system that can automatically keep the car a safe distance behind the vehicle in front on the motorway, being even able to slow you right down to a stop and start you off again if you come across a tailback.

[andydixon]

If you’re actually buying a car, these OSV reviews are brilliant. Not just rubbish about fake exhausts and wobbly centre consoles!

[skodakatie]

I am totally brand loyal to Škoda, and have been for 20 years, I find that they offer levels of reliability, practicality, value for money, and of course the “simply clever” touches that other manufacturers simply cannot match in the same price range!.

[zeproo]

Finally a review by someone who did his homework !! With all the work we should all share on social media to grow this channel.

[Chris-ycmm]

I'm just glad you can get manual transmission, manual handbreak and a spare tyre

[shroomyesc]

18:45 The clever thing they did here was have the blind start at the driver end of the cabin rather than the rear as usual with other cars, meaning that the rear seat passengers get more headroom and the driver can place the shade so that the sun doesn't distract them when coming from above, but still give the rear passengers a clear sunroof. It's nice touches like these that make me really like this car.

[Squats]

OSV are the ONLY reviews you need to ever watch!

[belizarius_]

Once I decide what to buy, I always cross-check with this channel. Love those detailed reviews!

[gib]

I'm alaways amazed at this mans professional presentation and delivery. Abolutley flawless.

[peterbeck-rasmussen]

Brilliant review, Jonathan - very thorough and down to earth with real useful information and not just the same "chit/chat" you get in other 10 minutes reveiws. 

I won't say that you are fully to "blame", but partially based on your review I have just ordered the 1.0 liter 110 hp DSG 7-speed model (in Denmark) in the "life" trim - its a leasing model, so there are not that many options to the trim and specs, but it comes with everything that I like, exept maybe a sat nav system, but since it has Apple Car Play and I have a Tom Tom world wide app on my iPhone, it's not a problem (and also a lot easier to keep the maps updated).

I tried both the four cylinder 1.5 l DSG version and the three cylinder 1.0 l 110 hp DSG version before I made my decision, and while the 1.5 has plenty of power and feels more rounded (150 hp) the lesser option of 110 hp is no slouch at all - not a lot of difference in terms of fuel consumption though, but some difference in price (and in the tax ridden country like mine, where cars are taxed with a whopping 150%, these things matters !!).

Btw to me the "hatch/wagon" looks remind me very much of the Audi A3 Sportback, which in my mind is a great plus !

[duplicitouskendoll]

Finally, Skoda do a smaller car that doesn't look like it's a mobility vehicle.

[daviddeeks]

Very thorough review, very well presented.

[newby]

Great review, my wife just purchased the style version today, this car ticked a lot of boxes and fit the bill perfectly as a practical family car, roomy with a great spec for the price.

[therdku]

Excellent review. I own a 2015 Rapid, and I must say it is very underrated in Western Europe, but very popular in Eastern Europe because of it's unbeatable practicality/price/features ratio. I'll be the first to agree it is a bit on the boring side, but I still enjoy driving it and it has treated me great. The 1.2l 110bhp engine was more than enough for my needs so far. It is a bit thirsty in the infernal day traffic of Bucharest, the consumption going up to 8-9l/100km, but on trips outside the city I've actually gotten it down to as low as 3.9 over an 80km trip.

[WesNG]

Very nice. Having picked all the extra options I wanted though, I ended up with a price comparable to Honda Civic. Clever indeed, Skoda.

[russelllindsay]

I like this presenter. Nice voice.
Watching from Australia.
Best wishes.

[Pixelpeeps-]

Skoda customers are mostly men over 40 years old and practically is always prioritised over looks

[kieranlernihan]

Great review as always! Came across a Monte Carlo Scala in Germany. Really nice looking car.

[stephencurran]

I really like the scala at the moment I have a mrk 3 octavia but will probably downsize in a few years and I do not like those small suv things which are all in fashion at the moment. I also like the fact it has a proper manual handbrake not one of those daft automatic ones also it has a good boot space so all in all it is a good car

[gem]

Very helpful review, really hoping Skoda unveil a vRS version soon

[cormacsheedy]

this review is great the detail is the best I've seen .