5 things you need to know about the Skoda Scala

Darren is a motoring journalist who has written for Car Throttle, PA Motoring, AOL Cars and DriveTribe.

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Latin; a beautiful language at the core of much of western civilisation’s ability to communicate. It has inspired artists for centuries… and is apparently the inspiration for the nomenclature of an important new Skoda.

Of all the words the Czech team could draw from, you might be surprised that they went for the Latin word for “ladder”. Yep, say hello to the Skoda Ladder. There are other loose translations, but the idea is that this new hatchback is a step forward, another step up the rung of practical affordability in the Volkswagen Group.

It’s remit is a daunting one: take on the decent and affordable Hyundai i30, while offering an enticing, cut-price rival to behemoths like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. How does it compare? We headed to the Adriatic Coast to find out…

Affordable doesn’t mean cheap

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There are two ways to interpret that statement, and both would be accurate, so let’s tackle them one at a time.

The first is that this car is not inexpensive. Gone are the days when Skodas could be picked up with the change you find down the back of your sofa. Thanks to VW Group technology, excellent build quality and a skyrocketing reputation, the Czechs can charge more and still show growth in a market where most rivals are struggling.

It’s still brilliant value for money. The Scala starts at £16,595 for a base-spec 1.0-litre manual, but does quickly start to bother the 20-thousand-somethings. It’s a bit pricier than an i30 and a bit less expensive than a Golf. It’s similarly priced to equivalent, smaller Polos, though, which helps its case further.

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Secondly, cheap doesn’t mean it feels like a budget runaround. Our test cars were admittedly optioned up to the eyeballs, but most of the materials you touch feel of high quality, and any cheaper plastics are fairly well hidden away.

The infotainment is fast and smooth, it had the impressive ‘virtual cockpit’, as well as USB-C ports and wireless charging. So if badge appeal and spending a little extra doesn’t bother you, you can get some of the best VW technology in a slightly more affordable package than you would from Wolfsburg. There are hints of penny pinching, for example in the switchgear, but you’d have to be picky to complain.

It’s as practical as a Skoda should be

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Skoda prides itself on going the extra mile to be more practical, and with the Scala it has succeeded yet again. From the moment you drop into the driving seat, you’ll notice there’s excellent visibility all around, while the light and airy cabin makes you question if this isn’t actually from a segment above the Golf.

Some of that comes from the fact that the Scala is actually bigger than its German cousin. The wheelbase is 10cm longer and that helps interior space drastically, with four adults able to comfortably fit inside without rubbing shoulders or sitting with their knees round their ears.

The boot is massive, too. It’s like a small estate. Skoda says it’s class-leading at 467 litres with the seats up, compared with the Golf’s 380 and Focus’s 341. Impressive.

The weakest engine will be the best seller

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Skoda reckons the best-selling engine will be the 1.0-litre petrol with 115bhp. It’s an engine we’re familiar with from across VW’s products, and it’s a perfectly decent little unit that belies its modest size.

However, the Scala is a bit bigger than, say, a Golf, and it’s just enough to make the TSI work a little harder. Two-up it copes well, getting a little gruff at higher revs when getting up to speed on a motorway slip road for example, but there are signs that fully loaded with a family and associated stuff it might feel rather strained.

The diesel is punchy and when coupled with the excellent DSG automatic would be an ideal option for those who munch miles at motorway speeds, though few will buy in the current climate. The highlight though is the 1.5-litre petrol, which offers that touch of extra performance a fully loaded car is asking for, and can still be had for sub-£20k in a middling trim if you’re careful not to go mad with options.

It’s surprisingly capable in the twisties

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Let’s be honest, you’re not buying a Scala for its ability to carve up a mountain pass. However, the keen helmsmiths among you might be pleasantly surprised. The first part of our route involved lots of boring miles of mind-numbing cruise control, and here the Scala is pleasantly smooth and wafty.

I expected, therefore, that once up in the mountainous curves of Croatia its body would roll over like a dog wanting a belly rub. However, while it does take some restraint to avoid having to use the Scala as an actual ladder to climb out of the ravine you just crashed down, the latest VW suspension technology means it is surprisingly in control of itself. Fun can definitely be had.

Should I buy one?

The Scala makes for an attractive proposition. This segment is rather dominated by those who want the well-built, obvious option with an attractive badge and buy a Golf, and those who want something with a bit more personality and fun for the driver, so buy a Focus.

Everything else occupies some sort of middle ground, and the Scala is no different. Where it does carve itself out as somewhat unique is the fact that, by the segment’s standards, it’s cavernous inside without feeling like it on the road, so those who need space but don’t like big cars should take note.

We don’t do star ratings here, but if we did this is prime four-out-of-five territory. Practical, good to drive and everything you’d expect from a car that raids the VW Group parts bin. Well-rounded and affordable, if unremarkable… i.e. exactly what most of its target audience will find so appealing.