The Skoda Scala is a relatively new entrant in the crowded and competitive family hatchback segment, having debuted in 2019 as a replacement for the Rapid. The Skoda Scala aims to offer a spacious, practical, and well-equipped alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Kia Ceed, but at a more affordable price. For 2024, the Skoda Scala has received a facelift that brings some design tweaks, tech updates, and engine changes. We will take a closer look at what the 2024 Skoda Scala has to offer and how it compares to its rivals.
Design
The 2024 Skoda Scala features a revised front end that adopts a more angular and aggressive look, inspired by the Vision RS concept that previewed the model back in 2018. The grille is larger and more prominent, while the headlights are slimmer and sharper, with optional matrix LED technology. The bumper has also been redesigned with a new air intake that features a diamond-shaped mesh pattern. The rear end has received some minor changes as well, such as new taillights with dynamic indicators and L-shaped reflectors. The Scala also offers an extended rear window with black glass that stretches down to the taillights, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The 2024 Skoda Scala is available in nine exterior colors, including three solid ones and six metallic ones. The new Steel Grey color is exclusive to the Scala, while the Phoenix Orange color is shared with the Kamiq crossover. The Scala also offers a two-tone finish with black A-pillars, side mirror caps, and a roof. The alloy wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in size and feature new designs, some of which have aero inserts for improved efficiency.
The 2024 Skoda Scala measures 4362 mm in length, 1793 mm in width, and 1471 mm in height, making it slightly longer than the Golf and Ceed, but narrower and lower than both. The wheelbase is 2649 mm, which is identical to the Golf's and slightly longer than the Ceed's. The Scala boasts a generous boot space of 467 liters, which can be expanded to 1410 liters by folding the rear seats. This is more than what the Golf (380/1237 liters) and Ceed (395/1291 liters) can offer.
Interior
The interior of the 2024 Skoda Scala has been updated with more recycled and natural materials for the upholstery, mats, flooring, door cards, and headliner. The Scala uses fabrics made from recycled PET bottles or wool blends, as well as renewable materials such as hemp and kenaf. The interior also features six Design Selections, which are curated combinations of colors and trims that suit different tastes and preferences.
The dashboard of the 2024 Skoda Scala has been simplified and made more intuitive, especially for models equipped with automatic climate control. The infotainment system has been upgraded to an 8.25-inch touchscreen as standard, with the option of a larger 9.2-inch screen that comes with navigation and wireless smartphone integration. The digital instrument cluster has also been enlarged to an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.25-inch display available as an option.
The new Skoda Scala offers plenty of space and comfort for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its long wheelbase and clever packaging. The headroom is especially generous, even for tall occupants. The seats are supportive and adjustable, with integrated headrests for the front seats in the Monte Carlo trim level. The Scala also comes with various Simply Clever features that enhance its practicality and convenience, such as an umbrella in the driver's door, an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, a ticket holder on the windshield, a removable LED torch in the boot, and various storage compartments and hooks.
Engines
The mew Skoda Scala has dropped its diesel engines from its lineup, leaving only three petrol options to choose from. All of them are turbocharged units from the VW Group's TSI EVO2 family.
The entry-level engine is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit that produces 95 hp (71 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque. It is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11 seconds. It has a combined fuel consumption of 53 mpg (5.3 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 121 g/km.
The mid-range engine is also a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit, but with more power: 115 hp (85 kW) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.8 seconds with the manual or 9.6 seconds with the DSG. It has a combined fuel consumption of 51 mpg (5.5 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 125 g/km with the manual or 50 mpg (5.6 l/100 km) and 128 g/km with the DSG.
The top-of-the-range engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 150 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It can also be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.2 seconds with the manual or 8.1 seconds with the DSG. It has a combined fuel consumption of 49 mpg (5.8 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 132 g/km with the manual or 48 mpg (5.9 l/100 km) and 135 g/km with the DSG.
The 1.5-liter engine also features cylinder deactivation technology, which can shut off two of the cylinders when their power is not needed, such as during coasting or cruising, to save fuel and reduce emissions.
The 2024 Skoda Scala is not available with any hybrid or electric powertrains, unlike some of its rivals, such as the Golf and Ceed, which offer mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions.
Driving
The new Skoda Scala is a competent and comfortable car to drive, offering a good balance between ride quality and handling. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and potholes while also keeping body roll in check around corners. The steering is light and precise, making the Scala easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing good stopping power.
The Scala is not a particularly sporty or engaging car to drive, though, as it lacks some feedback and flair that some drivers might look for in a hatchback. The engines are smooth and refined but not very exciting or punchy. The manual gearbox is slick and smooth, while the DSG is quick and smooth but sometimes hesitant at low speeds.
The Scala offers two optional suspension setups that can alter its driving characteristics: a rough road suspension that increases the ground clearance by 15 mm (0.6 in), making it more suitable for uneven surfaces, and a sport suspension that lowers the car by 15 mm (0.6 in), making it more agile and dynamic.
The Scala also features various driving modes that can adjust the engine, transmission, steering, and air conditioning settings according to the driver's preferences: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual, and Snow (only available with DSG).
