Skoda Scala successor to Rapid raises the bar in the compact class

When Skoda introduces a new car, you should definitely take a closer look. After the Kodiaq and Karoq models, which are already very well received by customers, as well as the recently shown small SUV Kamiq, which will be sold by dealers in mid-2019, now comes the compact Scala. It's not an SUV, it's not a crossover, but it's not quite a station wagon either.

From its Rapid predecessor, Skoda retains the vehicle designation as the Spaceback, in contrast to the smaller Fabia Combi and the larger Octavia Combi. This unique feature remained for the Scala, which moved into the Flying Arrow range closer to the current Octavia and offered the interior equally good or identical values, such as comfortable legroom. Anyone who sits in the driver's seat will notice what it is. Four adults will easily find a place in the car without pushing their heads or knees.

And best of all, the increased space for passengers is not at the expense of the trunk. The volume of the luggage compartment when loaded is 467 liters, and with the rear seats folded down - 1410, which, according to the Czech brand, is a sign of leadership in the class.

An interesting question is what market class the new model belongs to. With a car length of 4362 millimeters, the Scala, whose name comes from the Latin language and means "stairs, but also scale", is about ten centimeters longer than the Golf. However, no matter where exactly, the new model offers plenty of space for a reasonable price and thus retains one of Skoda's most enjoyable features. And one more bonus - the front passenger seat has a folding back, which allows you to carry things up to 2.50 meters long in the car.

Another important value of Skoda is an attractive design, which can also be seen in. Scala. The impressive grille is more pronounced than in previous models, the interior design is in the pure style of the VW group - with pronounced horizontality and a dividing line between the chassis and the lower part of the dashboard, interrupted by two displays - the instrument panel and the infotainment system.

The central touchscreen has a standard size of 9.2 inches, with a larger 10.25-inch available as an option. The two displays and the use of clean plastic surfaces create a very decent look. With additional highlights such as sports seats with integrated headrest, black headlining or a panoramic glass roof, the Scala can be further enhanced. Then, of course, they topped the base price of €17,350 for the 70kW/95hp 1.0 TSI engine.

The car will be launched on May 18, and a 1-litre three-cylinder engine with 85 kW / 115 hp will also be offered. The engine range also includes a 1.5-litre TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS. and 7-speed DSG and 1.6 TDI with 85 kW/115 hp, 6-speed manual or DSG. In the fourth quarter of 2019, a 1.0G TEC option for clean natural gas (CNG) will appear. According to forecasts in Germany, about 28% of buyers will choose the option with 115 hp, 200 Nm. High-quality furniture materials, comfortable seats with suitable lateral support and good economy are added to it - six liters per 100 kilometers, or maybe less. fuel.

The car's standard suspension is neither soft nor hard. As an option, Skoda is offering an adaptive sports suspension and a rough road package with increased ground clearance for the Scala.

Naturally, the Scala offers enhanced connectivity, including USB-C ports and safety features such as car driving distance up to 70 meters, nine airbags, adaptive cruise control and LED lighting, also available on request as an all-LED package. Clever solutions such as the well-known sunshade in the door trim and the new built-in funnel that allows you to refill the wiper tank without a funnel or filling.

Specifications Skoda Scala

5-door, 5-seat compact station wagon, length/width (without mirror)/height/wheelbase in mm: 4.362/1.793/1.471/2.649, net weight 1.240 kg, payload 575 kg; trunk volume 467 - 1410 l, tank volume 50 l, price: from 21,450 euros. Drive R3 turbo gasoline engine with start-stop system, DOHC; Stroke volume 999 cu. Cm; Power 85 kW / 115 hp at 5000-5500 / min, max. torque 200 Nm at 2000 - 3500 rpm; 6-speed gearbox; 0-100 km / h - 9.8 seconds, top speed - 201 km / h; front-wheel drive, consumption standard (WLTP): 5.0 l / 100 km; CO2 emissions: 113 g/km; emission class: Euro 6d.