Volkswagen Golf v Skoda Scala v Kia Cerato: Best small hatchback revealed

SUVs are now Australia’s vehicle of choice, but savvy buyers can get a better driving machine for less money.

David McCowen

3 min read

July 23, 2021 - 5:30AM

News Corp Australia Network

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The Golf used to be the cornerstone of the Volkswagen range, but SUVs have eroded its place.

No longer a volume seller, the Golf has become one of the most polished and expensive cars in its class – the sort of car targeted by Skoda’s Scala and the Kia Cerato GT.

2021 Volkswagen Golf (centre), Kia Cerato (left) and Skoda Scala (right). Picture: Mark Bean

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF LIFE

As the most popular model in the line-up, the mid-range Golf Life is not cheap at almost $39,000 drive-away.

For that, you get a digital instrument display, ambient lighting and smart keys, as well as individual climate control and power outlets in rear seats.

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is one of the sweetest driving small cars around.

A 10-inch touchscreen on the dash displays satnav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, without the need for a cord. You can also charge your phone wirelessly.

Safety gear includes eight airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keeping and blind spot assist and rear-cross traffic alerts.

The Golf is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and servicing costs $1900 over five years.

Volkswagen has boosted the car’s tech and cabin ambience.

The 1.4-litre engine is carried over from the previous model and uses 5.8L/100km to make 110kW and 250Nm. It works with an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission – not the more efficient dual-clutch auto normally found in a VW.

The new gearbox is smoother at low speed than a dual-clutch unit, while soft suspension delivers a smooth ride, absorbing all but the sharpest bumps. The Golf remains fun to drive, inspiring confidence through the corners.

VW’s digital screens and well calibrated driver aids feel next-gen, but its older engine is a little coarse.

All three cars are compact and are easy to park in the city.

SKODA SCALA LAUNCH EDITION

Volkswagen’s “Simply Clever” Czech spin-off brings nifty details such as tiny rubbish bins tucked into the doors, a rechargeable torch in the boot and an umbrella in the door.

You also get VW tech for less money.

Priced from $36,990 drive-away in launch edition form, the Scala has 18-inch alloys, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with satnav and wireless smartphone mirroring, heated front and rear seats with partial leather trim, a digital driver display and more.

The Scala uses a more modern version of the Volkswagen’s four-cylinder turbo engine.

The Skoda has essentially the same safety gear as the Golf, though you get one less airbag and cabin plastics that aren’t quite as nice.

It’s backed by the same five-year warranty but servicing is cheaper at $1400 for five years.

Its 1.5-litre engine has the same 110kW/250Nm peaks as the VW but is newer and more efficient. It uses 5.5L/100km thanks to a swift-shifting but occasionally jerky seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

The Scala is absolutely packed with standard equipment.

Another key difference between the Golf and Scala is simpler rear suspension that takes up less space, giving the cheaper car a deeper boot.

The trade-off is that the Scala is a little less fluent over bumps. The lightest car here is precise to steer and genuinely fun in the hills, but its tauter suspension and sportier transmission are less suited to urban life.

KIA CERATO GT

You get a lot of car for the $36,990 asked for Kia’s Cerato GT.

Its 10.25-inch central touchscreen is the biggest here, loaded up with satnav, a premium JBL stereo and smartphone mirroring.

The Cerato GT is set up for a more engaging drive with stiffer suspension and throaty exhaust sound.

There are also leather trim, heated and cooled front seats, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control and more.

Based on older tech, the Kia makes do with a conventional dashboard. It also has just six airbags, but all the modern driver aids are present.

The Kia misses out on a digital dash like the other two.

Kia’s cabin materials feel the cheapest here and it’s the noisiest car on the road. We would also argue its safety aids are more intrusive than the more subtle systems on its Euro rivals.

The Cerato’s GT badge is backed up by a 1.6-litre turbo engine that needs 6.8L/100km to make a stout 150kW/265Nm. High-performance Michelin sports tyres join 18-inch wheels, a sports exhaust and suspension that’s firmer than you’d find in VW’s Golf GTI hot hatch.

Petrolheads will like the GT’s throaty exhaust, heavy steering and firm responses. But it feels heavy on bumpy roads, with a harshness to the suspension that could be hard to live with day-to-day.

All three vehicles are at the top of their game.

VERDICT

Kia’s machine offers punch and value but lacks polish. The Golf is the most sophisticated of this trio but the Scala wins because it brings much of the Golf’s appeal while being more practical and cheaper to buy and run.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF LIFE VITALS

Price: About $39,000 drive-away

Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW/250Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1900 for 5 years

Safety: 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts

Thirst: 5.8L/100km

Spare: Space saver

Luggage: 374 litres

SKODA SCALA LAUNCH EDITION VITALS

Price: $36,990 drive-away

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW/250Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1400 for 5 years