Skoda Scala review: New small car moves to the top of the pile

Buyers have flocked to city-focused SUVs but there are some very good reasons you should think carefully before you buy one.

Once upon a time — in what now seems like a distant galaxy — hatchbacks ruled the roost.

The Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 were the go-to choice for singles, couples and young families. Now they’re about as fashionable as flares and bodyshirts.

That’s as shame because, as the new Skoda Scala so clearly illustrates, hatchbacks are better looking, better value and better to drive than SUVs.

They don’t sacrifice much in terms of practicality either. The Scala is based on the same platform as our 2020 Car of the Year, the Kamiq. Where the Kamiq would once have been called a high-riding hatch, the Scala might one day be referred to as a low-riding SUV.

It rides about 20mm lower than the Kamiq and is roughly 120mm longer, which makes it look a little like a miniature station wagon.

The Scala is based on the same platform as the award-winning Skoda Kamiq.

Drive-away prices start from $26,990 for the manual and $28,990 for the dual-clutch auto — $1000 less than the Kamiq.

If that seems lineball, it isn’t, because for less money the cheapest Scala has a bigger, more powerful engine: a 110kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo instead of an 85kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo. The load area is also roughly 15 per cent bigger, although it misses out on the Kamiq’s dual-zone aircon, roof rails, keyless entry and start button.

While there are significantly cheaper small hatches, the Scala is well equipped for the price. Standard features include a configurable digital display in front of the driver, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, active cruise control, a push-button auto tailgate, wireless charging and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Skoda has packed the Scala with plenty of equipment.

Our test vehicle was the fully-loaded launch edition, which costs $35,990 and adds leather and suede seats, blind-spot alert, automatic parking, a bigger touchscreen with integrated satnav, wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto will come later) and heated front and rear seats with electric adjustment for the driver.

A Monte Carlo model with adaptive suspension, a sunroof and sporty design cues sits in the middle of the range at $33,990 drive-away.

Buyers who order the base model can choose from two packs that add more comfort, entertainment and safety features.

There are plenty of tech and comfort features in the Scala.

The brand’s marketing and product manager, Beryl Thomas, says that while the hatchback market is “challenging” it’s still worth competing in.

“Despite the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers it’s still the second largest segment in Australia,” she says.

A drive of the launch model suggests it’s a serious challenger for the small-car benchmarks — and the upcoming Volkswagen Golf.

The cabin is beautifully appointed, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash, perforated leather and suede seats and a sporty, flat-bottomed steering. Red ambient lighting and twin high-resolution digital screens add to the up-market feel, while the wireless Apple CarPlay allows you to choose songs, make phone calls and enter satnav destinations via voice control.

Rear passengers have air vents, seat warmers and two USB-C ports for charging devices, while head and knee room are generous for the class. The rear load area looks capable of swallowing prams and sporting equipment and an abundance of luggage nets means cargo won’t roll around.

Thoughtful touches include an umbrella in the driver’s door, an interchangeable rubber/cloth mat in the rear and a removable bin.

While it’s an attractive showroom proposition, the Scala really excels on the road.

The combination of punchy turbocharged engine and slick-shifting dual-clutch auto makes for zippy progress off the mark in the city and impressive overtaking and hill-climbing ability on the open road.

Nicely weighted steering and well sorted suspension make for rewarding driving on winding country roads. Choose sport mode and the suspension stiffens, the throttle becomes more sensitive, the steering feels sharper and gears are held for longer. If you prefer to change gears, there are shift paddles, but the transmission is adept at finding the right gear for rapid exits from corners. It’s efficient, too, managing 5L/100km on the freeway.

The Scala looks like a mini wagon.

The only blemishes are tyre roar on rougher road surfaces, a slightly lumpy ride at low speeds on pock-marked city roads and an occasional hesitation when taking off in stop-start traffic. The adaptive cruise control will also slow for cars in the lane to the right of you, which can be frustrating.

VERDICT 4/5

Well equipped, practical and stylish, the Scala offers a refreshing alternative to vanilla city SUVs.

SKODA SCALA LAUNCH EDITION VITALS

Price: $35,990 drive-away

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

Warranty/servicing: 5-year, unl’td km/$1400 for 5 years

Safety: 5 stars, 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 5.5L/100km

Spare: Space saver

Boot: 467L

Originally published as Skoda Scala review: New small car moves to the top of the pile