2023 Skoda Scala new car review

Everyone appears to want an SUV but this hatchback shows buyers that they don’t need a soft-roader if they want a roomy and comfortable small car.

The Skoda Scala was one of the best small hatchback when it launched a few years ago. We find out if a series of steep price rises and mechanical changes have sullied the experience.

The Skoda Scala was one of the best small hatchback when it launched a few years ago. We find out if a series of steep price rises and mechanical changes have sullied the experience.

The Scala is now priced from $33,490. Pic by Mark Bean

VALUE

When the Skoda Scala launched in early 2021, prices started at $28,990 drive-away for the Ambition model and that bought you a 1.5-litre four-cyilnder turbo matched to a seven-speed auto.

Fast forward two and a half years and the Ambition is now $33,490, with a less powerful 1.0-litre three-cylinder under the bonnet.

When it made the engine switch last year, Skoda also pulled equipment from the cheapest Scala, most notably wireless phone charging, an auto tailgate, blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert.

The two safety features will return as standard fare on the Scala from next quarter. It also misses out on push-button start and climate control aircon.

While it’s clearly not as good value as it once was, the Scala still stacks up well against competing hatchbacks and looks a bargain compared with similarly priced SUVs.

The seats are cloth but the fabric feels durable and the cross-patterned design on the bolsters is easy on the eye, while the centre screen has crystal clear graphics and easy to navigate menus.

The digital driver display adds a touch of class and can be configured in a number of layouts, while the perforated leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel gives the cabin a sporty feel.

Apple CarPlay can be hooked up wirelessly but Android phone owners will need to plug in a cable.

It has a classy, hi-tech cabin. Photo by Thomas Wielecki

COMFORT

A lot of people buy SUVs for their perceived space and practicality advantages but the Scala makes a mockery of that.

There’s plenty of leg and head room in the rear and the load area is bigger than many city SUVs, thanks to the Scala’s long tail. Up front, the seats are manually adjusted but snug-fitting and supportive. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Rear passengers are looked after with air vents, two USB-C ports and tinted windows.

The Skoda feels solid and comfortable on the freeway but the suspension is pretty firm, which means it will let you know about bumps and lumps on pockmarked roads. The tyres also get a little noisy on coarser road surfaces.

The Scala is roomier and has a bigger boot than many similar sized SUVs.

SAFETY

If safety is your priority, perhaps put off your Scala purchase until stock arrives with the standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.

In our opinion, they are some of the more useful driver aids. Once they arrive, the Scala will have a decent safety arsenal, including auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and fatigue detection.

The Scala was given a five-star safety rating when tested back in 2019.

That rating will expire in 2025. At the time it scored highly: 97 per cent for adult occupant protection and 87 per cent for child protection.

It’s a great driving small car and is extremely efficient.

ON THE ROAD

The Scala sits at the sportier end of the small-car spectrum.

Well tuned suspension keeps the little hatch composed and comfortable at higher speeds, while the nicely weighted steering inspires confidence through the corners.

The little three-cylinder punches above its weight and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto delivers snappy gearshifts when you press on. Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t feel lacking off the mark compared to bigger four-cylinders, although it isn’t as smooth under acceleration. Around town, the dual-clutch transmission can hesitate and lurch if asked to react quickly to throttle inputs but you learn to adapt your driving style to suit.

It’s impressively efficient on the open road, although it requires premium fuel.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Scala is fun to drive, roomy for its size and efficient. Price rises have dented its appeal, though.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport, from about $33,300 drive-away

Bigger engine is slightly thirstier but has more power. Cabin is a little basic with a much smaller luggage area. Fun to drive.

Mazda 3 Pure, from about $34,300 drive-away

Cabin feels a little dated and not as roomy, but more safety tech. Bigger, more powerful engine and nice to drive.

Hyundai i30 N-Line, from about $30,300 drive-away

Significantly cheaper with larger and more powerful but thirstier engine. Solid road manners and well equipped.

SKODA SCALA AMBITION

PRICE: $33,490 drive-away

ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo, 85kW/200Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1800 for 5 years

SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist

THIRST: 5.5L/100km

SPARE: Space saver

LUGGAGE: 467 litres

Originally published as 2023 Skoda Scala new car review