Test Car Specifications
Model: 2024 Skoda Scala SE 1.0 TSI 95PS
Price: £22,905 as tested
Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power: 95hp
Torque: 175Nm
Emissions: 117g/km
Economy: 50.7-55.4mpg
0-62mph: 10.8 seconds
Top speed: 119mph
Boot space: 467-1,410 litres
Styling
The Scala's exterior has only had a mild tweak compared with the pre-facelift car, but there are changes of note. New front and rear aprons have been added, and there's a redesigned front grille. LED matrix headlights are also available for the first time on the Scala, although they only come as standard on top-spec models, unlike our bargain basement SE-specification test car. Anyway, the updates have given it a slightly more modern twist, and they have kept the Scala looking surprisingly handsome in an understated kind of way. It doesn't jump out at you, but when you look closely you realise it's actually pretty easy on the eye.
Interior
Skoda hasn't changed the Scala's cabin too much, but minor tweaks have been introduced. For a kick-off, you get an eight-inch digital instrument display as standard, providing a modern look and a degree of configurability, although the 10-inch screen fitted to more upmarket models offers a little more on that front. But the eight-inch screen offers everything you need, and it looks the part alongside the standard 8.2-inch touchscreen, which comes complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
In truth, the tech isn't all that clever or exciting, but it makes the car feel fresh and modern, as do the new interior ambience options, with their new colour schemes and materials. Each car feels really well built and well considered, and the inclusion of physical switches for climate control makes it feel well considered. Even in this basic SE trim.
Practicality
Practicality is one of the key pillars of the Skoda brand, differentiating the Czech company's cars from sister models from Seat, VW and Audi, and the Scala scores very highly on that front. The 467-litre boot is almost 100 litres larger than that of the VW Golf, and even that doesn't come at the cost of rear passenger space. Those in the rear are amply catered for in terms of legroom and headroom, even for the tallest adults. Kids will have acres of room in which to stretch out, but the Scala can carry four six-foot adults without complaint.
Performance
The Scala engine range is pretty simple, with a straight choice of three different petrol engines available, all of which drive the front wheels. The base option tested here is the 95hp 1.0-litre petrol, which combines a three-cylinder, turbocharged engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s sufficient, and you never feel too hard done by on the power front, but the extra grunt of the 116hp option might be more appealing to some customers.
That more powerful engine, which still uses a turbocharged three-cylinder engine block, also offers customers a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes, as does the range-topping 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor, which is the more performance-orientated option thanks to its 150hp output.
But neither of those are quite as efficient as the 95hp engine, which can return well over 50mpg on the official economy test and will get close to that figure on a long run. However, the 116hp engine, with its extra gears and extra punch, might well prove more efficient in the real world – especially as it’s only fractionally less economical on paper. As a result of that, and a second’s improvement in the 0-62mph time (10.8 seconds in the 95hp car and 9.5 seconds in the 116hp version), it’s probably the one we’d go for, but we have few complaints about the 95hp motor’s refinement and frugality.
Ride & Handling
Dynamically, the Scala hasn't really changed very much, but there's nothing wrong with the car's chassis, so we aren't complaining about that. Admittedly, it isn't the most engaging car on the road, but though the Skoda is quite neutral and inert, it handles tidily enough. It feels safe, but you can throw it into corners without complaint, albeit without that much reward. It seems at its happiest at about seven tenths of its limit.
But while the handling is sufficient, rather than spectacular, the comfort is much more appealing. The ride is supple and mature, particularly on the motorway, where it makes very smooth and stable process. But even around town, it's good enough to round the worst edges of the lumps and bumps in the road, and it feels very grown up in its manner.
Combine that with decent refinement and a very smooth five-speed manual gearbox, and it's even quite a relaxing car in which to cover the miles. We're also fans of the little switch on the steering wheel that allows easy access to the driver assistance technology, making it easier to turn off the irritating lane departure and speed limit warning tech that has to be fitted by law.
Value
With prices starting at a fraction over £22,000, the Scala is considerably cheaper than most of its rivals. A VW Golf, for example, will cost you at least £27,000, and a Focus will set you back £28,500. That's a considerable saving, and the Scala is reasonably equipped. Sure, the basic SE model tested here does without heated seats (available as part of a £295 option pack), but you still get touchscreen infotainment, a digital instrument display and two-zone climate control, as well as rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and 'keyless' engine start. With a couple of choice options, you could still have a very well-equipped car for less than £24,000.
But if you want some more kit, you can have the SE L with its slightly larger alloys, larger touchscreen and instrument display, and its automatic lights and wipers. It gets satellite navigation, too, and some chrome window surrounds, but that's pretty much it. Or you can have the £27,805 Monte Carlo, with its sportier image, keyless entry and rear-view camera (a £1,000 option on other models). Yet it's still cheaper than a base-spec Focus.
Verdict
The Scala has not changed dramatically, but then it didn't need to. The updates Skoda has made are well judged and properly thought through, adding appeal without detracting from what is, and always has been, a great family hatchback. Incredibly well priced, very comfortable and extremely spacious, it's an incredibly easy car to live with. Whether this upgrade will bring Skoda the attention the Scala deserves remains to be seen, however.