2019 Skoda Scala: prices, spec, images and video
Is the Bohemian hatchback worth Czech-ing out?
THE FIVE-DOOR hatchback void in Skoda’s line-up will be be filled later this year, when the Ford Focus-rivalling Scala goes on sale in the UK.
What is the Skoda Scala?
Skoda has offered alternatives to the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra befire, but the upcoming five-door Scala is the Czech ca maker’s first crack at a direct competitor to those hatchbacks.
Though Skoda is part of the Volkswagen Group, the Scala is seemingly free to take on the Volkswagen Golf it will share a chassis and technology with. When it goes on sale in the middle of 2019, the Scala will feature some of the most advanced safety and connectivity tech to feature on a Skoda to date.
Less tech savvy buyers will likely appreciate the Scala’s practicality. The Skoda’s boot can hold 467 litres — 101 litres greater than the Ford Focus’ load area, but 11 litres down on what the Honda Civic has to offer — and the maximum headroom of 1,031mm makes the Scala one of the more spacious cars in this class.
What engines will the Skoda Scala come with?
With the popularity of diesel fuel on the decline, it’s perhaps no surprise that a majority of the Scala’s launch engine range will be powered by petrol. Buyers will be able to choose from one of three options: a 1-litre three-cylinder with 94bhp or 113bhp, or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp.
Diesel drivers are still catered for, as the Scala will also be available with a 113bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.
As with the 113bhp and 148bhp petrols engines, the 1.6-litre diesel will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed automatic, while the 94bhp petrol will only be offered with a five-speed manual.
Will there be a hybrid version?
Though Skoda has yet to confirm it, there’s a good chance a hybrid Scala is on the way. Skoda is currently building plug-in hybrid parts for parent company Volkswagen, and the next Volkswagen Golf that’s set to share the Scala’s platform is also rumoured to come with hybrid power.
Though the factory in Mladá Boleslav that produces the Scala will also make the firm’s first pure-electric car in 2020, it’s not believed a pure-electric version of the hatchback to rival the Volkswagen e-Golf is on the cards.
What tech does the Skoda Scala have?
Full tech specs will be revealed closer to launch, but Skoda claims the Scala will come with lots of advanced kit. Highlights include safety equipment such as a lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring, to a configurable “Virtual Cockpit” digital dashboard display and even the ability to lock and unlock the car using a mobile phone app.
When will the Skoda Scala go on sale?
Skoda has confirmed the Scala will go on sale in the UK in the middle of 2019. The first customer cars are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
How much will the Skoda Scala cost?
Prices for the base Scala are anticipated to start at around £16,500 for the 94bhp 1-litre petrol, and increase beyond £20,000 for a top-spec model with the 1.5-litre 148bhp engine and all the bells and whistles.
What are the Skoda Scala’s rivals?
The Scala will have plenty of rivals to face when it arrives on British roads before the end of the year. As well as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, it will go up againt the likes of the Honda Civic, Kia Ceed and Peugeot 308. The Scala should also make its UK debut at roughly the same time as the brand new Mazda3, and the new Golf launches this year, too.
