Skoda Scala was renewed in the first test: Is Scala better than Golf?

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The Scala has been one of the ten best-selling cars in Europe since its debut in the so-called Golf class in 2019. In Switzerland, the compact car based on its sibling, the VW Golf, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is not one of the Czech automaker’s best-selling cars: Skoda sold only 677 units of the 4.36-metre-long Scala last year. For comparison: The best-selling Skoda of 2023 was the all-electric Enyaq with 5,159 units. The model renewal aims to make the compact car suitable for the second half of its life.

Subtle visual changes

Optical interventions are limited. Scala features redesigned front and rear bumpers. Skoda has also redesigned the headlights and now offers optional Matrix LED headlights. The Czechs also increased the light intensity and made the headlights thinner.

There are no major changes inside as well as outside. The 8.25-inch touchscreen now shines above the center console as standard; 9.2 inches in size with optional navigation package. The customer can order virtual instruments in eight inches as standard or optionally in ten inches. The familiar ice scraper on the fuel filler cap is now made from recycled plastic, and there are also smartphone pockets behind the front seats and a removable storage bin in the center tunnel.

Electric? None!

The only engines available are a one-liter gasoline engine with 115 hp (85 kW) and 200 Newton meters of torque, or a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 150 hp (110 kW) and 250 Newton meters; There is no electrification. Both engines can be ordered in the sporty Monte Carlo equipment range on request. The biggest changes come to the 115bhp one-litre petrol engine that we were able to test in the Scala (see box for Kamiq). But you won’t find diesel or all-wheel drive on it; traction is always provided by the front wheels. With the smaller engine, customers can choose between a manual six-speed transmission or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). The larger engine is only available on the DSG.

We jump into the automated 115bhp Scala, which sits between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia in the Skoda model range. Skoda has revised the one-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, making it more efficient and powerful (+5 hp). The Czechs were able to achieve this thanks, among other things, to variable control of the intake and exhaust valves and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

Price starts from around 30,000 francs

Scala can convince us down the road. Of course, you can’t break any records with 115 hp; The compact car reaches 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and is electrically limited to 202 km/h. But the Scala doesn’t want to be a sports car; Its performance is definitely enough to keep up with traffic. Common to the seven-speed DSG: Turbo lag when taking off requires a proactive driving style depending on the situation. Even though the chassis is tightly tuned, it filters out strong bumps well. Skoda states that consumption is 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers; After our test drive in Frankfurt, a German metropolis with a high proportion of motorways, the display shows almost 6.0 liters.

The 2.65 meter wheelbase provides plenty of legroom both front and rear. Boot space is also generous, offering much more space at 467 to 1410 liters than the VW Golf (381 to 1237 litres). Headroom in the rear seats is a bit limited, but if the Skoda driver chooses the optional panoramic glass roof, the feeling of space in the rear increases. You can order the Scala now, prices start from 30,820 francs for the 115 hp version with manual switch. The machine starts at 32,570 francs. For comparison: prices for the VW Golf start from 32,800 francs – but with 110 hp and a manual transmission. Therefore, for us, Skoda Scala is a good and cheaper alternative to its corporate sibling.

Source: Blick