Skoda Scala review

Before you join the SUV herd, take a moment to think of something different – the Skoda Scala. This is a five-door hatchback that’s giving the likes of the Ford Focus, Kia Ceed and Volkswagen Golf plenty to think about, with its classy interior and keen pricing.

It’s a decently interesting thing to look at on the outside, especially in sporty Monte Carlo trim, and inside it’s classy, not brassy. There are soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and doors, piano black and chrome accents and switches that feel substantial. It’s not quite VW Golf-good, but it easily rivals a Focus or Ceed.

Where it’s better than all three is infotainment. Entry-level cars get a small 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, but it’s worth upgrading to mid-level SE trim for its 8-inch version. It sits atop the dashboard so you don’t need to crane your neck to see it and it’s logical menus with shortcut buttons and bright, crisp graphics are impressive. There is an even larger 9-inch screen on range-topping SE L models with built-in sat-nav and Virtual Cockpit digital dials, but the 8-inch system will be enough for most.

The mid-level system also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so having built-in sat-nav isn’t a necessity, while remote access via an app is standard across the range. However, it’s worth adding those digital dials as an option to SE trim if you can stretch to it – they look superb, are really easy to read and lift the cabin even further.

The Scala also has space on its side. The driver gets a generous amount of manual seat and wheel adjustment as standard (electric adjustment can be added as an option) while head and leg room around the front seats is also plentiful. More impressive is the space in the back, where three adults can sit side-by-side in relative comfort, but two will have loads of room to stay comfortable on long journeys.

The good news continues in the boot, which at 467 litres dwarfs its alternatives’ efforts. It isn’t just big – it also has a low load lip, great access and loads of Skoda’s traditional ‘Simply Clever’ touches such an adjustable boot floor, nets, hooks and a 12v socket. If you need more room, the rear seats split 60:40 and fold almost flat.

You can add a system that will accelerate, brake and steer to keep you in your lane. It works well, but it isn’t quite as sophisticated as the best systems on sale

Where the Scala is a little more ordinary versus alternatives is its drive. That’s not to say it’s bad – a Ford Focus is more fun and a VW Golf slightly more comfortable, but the Scala’s uncommunicative but precise steering, decent grip and solid body control all inspire plenty of confidence, if not a raised pulse.

As for engines, the 1.5-litre 150hp petrol is smooth and quick but pushes up the price a little too far. The 95hp 1.0-litre petrol is certainly cheap to buy and run but is quite lackadaisical in the way it performs. As such, the engine to go for is the 110hp 1.0-litre petrol, which offers the best blend of performance, economy and smoothness.

And between Skoda’s six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearbox options, it’s best to stick to the cheaper manual. The auto is great when cruising, but costs more and tends to dither when you’re pulling away from junctions and jump around a bit when asked for quick bursts of acceleration.

But those minor points aside, the Skoda Scala is a thoroughly convincing family hatch. Keep your engine and trim choices sensible and it also undercuts all its rivals on price.

Nevertheless, why don’t you check out our deals pages to see just how low that price will go?