What's this then?
Didn't you read the headline? As per above, this is the all-new Skoda Scala hatchback. It replaces the Rapid Spaceback and is set to compete in the competitive C-segment hatchback market.
So, what cars will it compete with?
You are looking at the likes of the Peugeot 308, Hyundai i30, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane, Kia Ceed and Toyota Corolla. However, Skoda has said that it is hoping to "attract and convert Vauxhall Astra and especially Ford Focus customers" too.
It looks kind of familiar...
Well, it is based on the Vision RS concept car that we saw at this year's Paris Motor Show, and whilst not as striking or racy looking as the concept, some of the styling is quite similar. For example, the upright 'wing' design grille with large air inlet underneath and side 'Air Curtains' are shared with the concept, as are the distinctive angular headlights. Which, by the way, have some LED technology, but can also be had as full-LED units. Same goes for the taillights, and the full-LED rear lamps will feature dynamic indicator signals.
It looks a lot bigger than the Rapid.
That's because it is bigger in all dimensions including the wheelbase. This translates as a super spacious cabin for all passengers and a generous boot (470 to 1,410 litres) that out does many of its rivals.
Any fancy new tech?
Well, the 9.2-inch infotainment screen is new and rather fancy looking. It is recessed a bit to highlight the 'wing' design, which matches the grille. There's also the option of a 10.25-inch customisable Virtual Cockpit that replaces the standard instrument binnacle. With this, drivers can choose between five different display settings including night mode, which reduces distraction when driving at night by showing only the car's speed.
What about the oily bits?
The Scala is the first Skoda model to be built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform. This is the same as used by the SEAT Arona and Ibiza and the Volkswagen Polo - and it will also be used for the next Skoda Fabia. Sport Chassis Control will be an optional extra and this lowers the ride height by 15mm and adds adjustable dampers and the ability to adjust engine and steering responses.
What powers the new Skoda Scala?
There will be a choice of four powertrains, which all come with direct injection and a turbocharger as well as stop-start and brake energy recovery. Kicking off the range is a 95hp 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, paired with a manual five-speed gearbox. There will be a 115hp 1.0-litre TSI and 150hp 1.5-litre TSI, as well, both of which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. There is one diesel option, a 115hp 1.6-litre TDI unit, which is only offered with the seven-speed DSG automatic.
And how much does the new Skoda Scala cost?
Prices haven't been announced yet, though we do know that it will be more expensive than the Fabia but cheaper than the Octavia. The Scala will be available in S, SE and SE L trim levels when it goes on sale in the UK next year.
Melanie May - 6 Dec 2018