Skoda Scala 2025 review

The updated Skoda Scala is a bargain for the base model, and there's a sporty Monte Carlo model with a bigger engine and more refinement and features, if that's what your budget will allow.

But the entry-grade Select is an absolutely cracking vehicle, with a thrummy 3 cylinder engine and a terrific driving dynamic to it, as well as a super spacious and clever interior, too.

It mightn't be to all tastes when it comes to the hatchback meets wagon design, but it's a corker. So are there any catches? Watch, and you'll see...

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ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER:

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00:00 Skoda Scala
00:22 Is it the right price?
01:43 What are the best alternatives?
03:19 Is it the right size?
04:42 Interior
09:54 Under the bonnet
10:56 Driving
14:42 Efficiency
15:38 Is it safe?
16:35 Ownership
17:36 Verdict

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[QuackVideo]

I bought the 2023 model, last year, as a replacement for my 12-year-old Fabia. What a revelation!.
I now have a 6-speed Manual transmission and it's an absolute delight to drive. Economy-wise, I recently drove a round trip of 445 miles and still had enough for another 227.
Physically, it's actually the same length as the first car I ever owned, a 1980 Morris Marina and only 1/2" wider.

[MrTomsmith]

Hey matt, with all the choices of cars, it seems like Skoda is trying to step up its games. Another great review 👍👍

[eraf]

Very happy with our 3 year old Scala. Never skipped a beat. But it was a 'Launch Edition" which is essentally a fully optioned version with leather seats, nicer wheels and the 1.5L engine which is more comparable to the Monte Carlo. Execpt it was $35k at the time. Monte Carlo at $44k with cloth seats only 3 years on is a bit insane 😅

[johnlaine]

The solution to the “ Lag” : Turn the On/Off switch OFF.. ITS JUST ONE TOUCH OF THE BUTTON each time you start the car. If there is still some delay, just flick the mode to Sport.. it’s the gear lever just pushed to the side and it also then holds the low gears a bit longer to give you a bit of power to start moving again… Have had this problem resolved on my T Cross and previous Golf Mk 7.5.. works a treat.

[Goatman-wlnk]

Good review Matt! Agree the drivetrain is a peach for a city runabout, just need to turn off the start/stop 👍

[sddhnt]

Why does FWD cars have transmission tunnel?

[MLife]

Another fab review. There's a stunning Monte Carlo version of the new model at my local Skoda. So much better than the dowdy pre-facelift model. Coincidentally it had similar stains on the seat. I know it's a demo but I haven't seen weird stains like that on my 24 year old Mitsubishi.

[indetailcarcaresolutions]

Having driven every Skoda model bar the Enyaq, it would be great to see an Audi S3 competitor in the Scala RS. I know it’s not a model, but it would be the perfect foil for the Audi A3/S3 sport back. Lloyd

[aravindajagannatha]

DSG lag is very minimal in sport mode.

[johnlaine]

I did buy the alternate, the VW T CROSS Style .It wasn’t the base car as I wanted a few extras and virtually the only thing I didn’t get were 18 inch wheels and Black roof lining, which are in the R Line model.As you say, the Scala has the base engine same as the TCross. Great drive as in the Scala. But the resale on these still worry me a bit. May look at Skoda in a few years time when it’s time to change again.I have a feeling Skoda will sort out the Cost/ Benefit Ratio of Higher Grade models by then.

[fred]

Nice car. Near identical to a Kamiq (lower, bigger boot). For $29'900 it would be a no brainer.

Previous base model had ACC (adaptive cruise control) which is a must for me.
Pull off is very laggy, even for a DSG, but is great once on the move. Sport mode only helps in gear responsiveness and not pull off. Engine is rough at low rpm (1000rpm (idle) - 1700rpm). Unfortunately the gearbox in normal mode keeps the rpm low. It's great in sport mode, but this comes at the cost of fuel consumption.

I think Skoda has become cheeky with their inflated pricing. Skoda used to stand for value, but now they are targeting premuim.

[chintanshah]

Thanks for amazing reviews...

What happened to you signature "lets get to it" intro...

[corkeymonster]

Is it actually a space saver spare wheel? It looks like a full-size 16" wheel/tyre combo from this angle.

[Greg-kj]

interesting vehicle, always wondered how Skoda will sell the Monte Carlo model when its priced so close to an Octavia....

[JohnSalkeld-ol]

Had the 2023 year model with the same drivetrain. Have sold it as the slippery initial acceleration from the DSG is terrible..otherwise very underrated as a great all rounder.

[bananabear]

Bought a 2024 facelift Kamiq Monte Carlo, which is essentially SUV version of the same car. Feels so much more of a car than those Chinese big screen offerings. It even has a kick sensor for boot door that no one talks about, LOL

[aaron]

I was considering either the scala or octavia wagon, im leaning towards the scala as it has manual dials, whereas the octavia is touchscreen for almost everything 6:15

[craigelliott]

No rear armrest….Skoda is doing this a lot with the cheaper models. That’s a deal breaker for me. I just got the wife a VW T-Roc city life 33k driveaway… big engine and rear armrest 😊

[anasevi]

85kw is a bit doggish for a car over $30k these days, would rather they had just given a non-turbo 1.5l as while it might be even slower due to having a touch less torque than a turbo 3pot.... it's one less big thing to go wrong in the future.

[IsaacLoven]

Change oil every 15k for a turbo is guaranteed to reduce its life