Published
on 6
Jun 2019
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All rights reserved.
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Skoda
supersizes MQB A0 platform to make a C-segment car, but it brings some
compromises.
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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even felt a bit cheap and outdated beside the smaller Fabia.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.
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It even copies
the tailgate design of Volvo V40, including the brand letters.
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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.
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The spacious
cabin finally has some style to speak of.
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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.
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Verdict:  |
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