Skoda Scala


Debut: 2019
Maker: Skoda
Predecessor: Rapid



 Published on 6 Jun 2019
All rights reserved. 


Skoda supersizes MQB A0 platform to make a C-segment car, but it brings some compromises.


Spacious, comfortable and practical are the traditional virtues of Volvo. In recent years, they are copied by the Skoda arm of Volkswagen group. In addition to affordability, it is not difficult to understand why the Czech car maker gained a lot of ground on sales, which tripled over the last 15 years to 1.2 million units last year.

However, not all Skoda models are successful. The outgoing Rapid was an exception. Born in 2012, it was boring to look and to drive, and it even felt a bit cheap and outdated beside the smaller Fabia. As expected, its name is to disappear. Replacing it is a new nameplate, Scala, which means stairs or ladder in Latin. The car is also an all-new design. Although it is not exactly sexy, it has gentler lines and more sense of refinement than the current styling theme of Skoda. It even copies the tailgate design of Volvo V40, including the brand letters. Hopefully it will set a template for upcoming Skoda models.

The Scala is built on the MQB A0 platform of Volkswagen group's small cars, such as Polo, Ibiza and A1, but it is supersized to be a C-segment car. In fact, at 4362mm long, it exceeds Volkswagen Golf by 100mm! Likewise, its 2649mm wheelbase is also longer than that of Golf (2637mm). It is nearly as wide and taller than the Golf by 20mm. Skoda said its wheelbase and rear overhang have been stretched to the maximum possible for the MQB A0 platform. This means it has a roomy cabin. Rear headroom is claimed to be the best of the segment. Ditto the class-leading luggage space of 467 liters, which is not surprising to me considering its semi-estate look. The MQB A0 platform should keep weight under control by using high-strength steel. Meanwhile, aerodynamics is good, too, with a Cd of 0.29.



It even copies the tailgate design of Volvo V40, including the brand letters.


The MQB A0 platform also provides the Skoda all the good engines enjoyed by VW, Seat and Audi. These include the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo with 95hp or 115hp, or the very advanced EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI engine with ACT cylinder deactivation technology. It is good for 150hp, like the case of Golf. The 95hp engine is paired with 5-speed manual, while 115hp and 150hp engines can be partnered with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG. Oil-burner fans have a sole choice of 115hp 1.6TDI.

Predictably, the MQB A0 car rides on strut suspension up front and torsion-beam axle at the rear. However, it can be opted with sport suspension, which lowers the ride height by 15mm, and available with 2-mode switchable (not adaptive) dampers.

Actually, the Scala is very upscaled, not only in terms of size but also in terms of equipment. Can you believe it has upmarket equipment like a 10.25-inch reconfigurable TFT instrument (Virtual Cockpit)? or a center touchscreen of up to 9.2-inch? or advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist? Volkswagen group no longer limits its Czech brand to avoid threatening its German ones. Only the sky will be the limit for the prospect of Skoda.



The spacious cabin finally has some style to speak of.


On the Road

Open the doors and drop into the driver seat, you will find remarkable headroom, although you sit closer to the passenger and more likely to brush elbows, a reminder of its MQB A0 roots. Longitudinal-wise, it is more flexible. A 6-footer can sit comfortably behind another 6-footer, while headroom is generous. The boot is huge and the tailgate opening is large and deep. As for the dashboard, it looks more stylish than most other VW group products. The ergonomics are strong, thanks to the high-mounted touchscreen and intuitive software. Look closer though, you will find a lot of hard plastics lower down and some outdated switches. The perception of build quality is a match to the class norm, but nowhere comparable with a Golf.

To drive, it is a mixed bag. There is nothing wrong with the fine range of Volkswagen engines and transmissions. The 1.0TSI might offer marginal performance, but it is eager and reasonably refined on cruise, while the 6-speed manual gearbox has slick gearshifts. The 1.5TSI is less characterful, but stronger and quieter. More problems lie on the chassis. Supersizing a B-segment platform to serve the purpose of C-segment car leads to some compromises. One of them is refinement. The suspension seems to be unable to smooth out bumps as good as a modern family hatch should. At speed, the A-pillars let a lot of wind noise getting into the cabin. As for handling, it looks competent when not driven hard, as roadholding and roll control are good enough. However, drive harder the twisty and you will complain for a light and numb steering, or a rear axle that bounces over bumps and hampers stability. The Skoda is not a driver’s car, unquestionably. It may attract plenty of buyers looking for a spacious and reasonably priced family car, but its uninspiring dynamics, harsh ride and lack of refinement cannot be overlooked. A more competitive car than the Rapid for sure, but it is still not good enough to challenge the best cars in its class.
Verdict:
Specifications





Year
Layout
Chassis
Body
Length / width / height
Wheelbase
Engine
Capacity
Valve gears
Induction
Other engine features
Max power
Max torque
Transmission
Suspension layout

Suspension features
Tires
Kerb weight
Top speed
0-60 mph (sec)
0-100 mph (sec)
Scala 1.0TSI
2019
Front-engined, FWD
Steel monocoque
Mainly steel
4362 / 1793 / 1471 mm
2649 mm
Inline-3
999 cc
DOHC 12 valves, DVVT
Turbo
DI
115 hp
148 lbft
6-speed manual
F: strut
R: torsion-beam
-
205/55R16
1165 kg
125 mph (c)
9.2 (c)
-
Scala 1.5TSI
2019
Front-engined, FWD
Steel monocoque
Mainly steel
4362 / 1793 / 1471 mm
2649 mm
Inline-4, Miller-cycle
1498 cc
DOHC 16 valves, DVVT
VTG turbo
DI, cylinder-deactivation.
150 hp
184 lbft
7-speed twin-clutch
F: strut
R: torsion-beam
-
205/50R17
1225 kg
136 mph (c)
7.7 (c)
-



























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