2023 Skoda Scala assessment | CarExpert


Within the midst of a large Australian pandemic scare and rolling lockdowns, an excellent small hatchback got here onto the scene in Australia.

The Skoda Scala launched with a improbable array of normal gear, an ideal turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and an excellent sensible cabin. And let’s not neglect the value. This factor was a discount again then.

Then got here (and went) the spectacular Scala Monte Carlo, which was a corker of a automobile. A disgrace it isn’t round anymore.

Proper now, there may be nonetheless a really reasonably priced Skoda Scala mannequin, this one right here – the 85TSI Ambition – which is a relative cheapie contemplating market actions. 

However it’s got just a few cut-price issues that it is best to have in mind, and it’s not simply that it has misplaced a cylinder alongside the best way. Let’s go over it intimately.

How a lot does the Skoda Scala Ambition value?

On check now we have the entry-level Scala Ambition with the 85kW 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, priced from $32,790 plus on-road prices or a fairly sharp $33,490 drive-away.

There’s a rundown on what every of the grades comes with under, however that form of pricing pits the entry-level Scala towards the likes of the Kia Cerato Sport+, which at $31,440 stacks up fairly properly on customary spec, and I believe it’s the closest rival when it comes to practicality for a hatchback of this dimension.

Different rival hatches – neither of that are almost as sensible – embody the Toyota Corolla SX petrol hatch ($31,780) and the Mazda 3 G20 Evolve auto ($31,870).

Then there’s the Volkswagen Golf, which shares lots however doesn’t include a three-cylinder base engine, and consequently its 110TSI base mannequin is $35,190 earlier than on-roads.

2023 Skoda Scala pricing:

MSRP

  • Skoda Scala 85TSI Ambition: $32,790
  • Skoda Scala 110TSI Signature: $40,990

Drive-Away

  • Skoda Scala 85TSI Ambition: $33,490 D/A
  • Skoda Scala 110TSI Signature: $41,490 D/A

What’s the Skoda Scala Ambition like on the within?

There are some components of the Scala Ambition’s inside that really feel actually plush, whereas different components aren’t fairly as excessive finish for 2023 and past – just like the turn-key ignition.

The trim, material and supplies are of a excessive perceived high quality, with the bottom mannequin’s material trim trying actually good-looking as it’s highlighted by some copper (Cupra-inspired?) stitching.

Plus there are two digital screens to assist the vibe really feel a bit spesh, together with an 8.0-inch touchscreen (with buttons and dials for controls, fortunately) in addition to a vibrant and configurable 10.25-inch digital driver data show, too.

It has a flat-bottomed steering wheel with some chrome dials and easy-to-learn buttons, that are higher than among the haptic/touchy-feely controls on the steering wheels of different VAG merchandise.

On the subject of controls, there are handbook dials for the air-con, which normally makes me assume  ‘ooh, pov’, however in comparison with the opposite possibility utilized to newer Skoda fashions – fan pace and different A/C components through the touchscreen or touch-capacitive controls – the fundamental method is healthier, I reckon.

There’s a fan-speed controller, a temperature dial, buttons for recirculation and entrance and rear demisters. Easy, however efficient.

The media display screen is a bit fundamental with out your cellphone connected through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however it’s easy to get your head across the panel of controls for the stereo.

Identical to within the Kamiq, the cup holder scenario isn’t nice. There are two-and-a-half cup spots between the entrance seats, none of which can match a KeepCup, and a take-away cup mightn’t match properly in there, both.

There are bottle holders within the doorways, a coated centre console bin, and a storage part in entrance of the shifter, too. Within the driver’s door there’s a hidden umbrella, and one of many unsung heroes of Skoda smarts – a parking ticket holder on the driving force’s aspect A-pillar.

I’m 182cm or 6’0” tall, and a good few rival small hatches available on the market don’t have sufficient house for me to be snug behind my very own driving place; however within the Scala, that’s not the case.

I had ample knee, foot, and headroom within the second row, although needless to say if you wish to match three grown-ups throughout the again seat, there’s fairly a big transmission tunnel intrusion to deal with.

There’s no fold-down armrest and subsequently no rear-seat cupholders, however there are bottle holders within the doorways, map pockets, and a small storage tray down under the directional rear-seat air vents. These are a pleasant family-friendly contact, as are the dual USB-C cost ports within the again which enhance the 2 up entrance.

Mother and father, take observe – there are ISOFIX factors within the outboard rear seats (with useful detachable covers over them) and three top-tether factors as properly. I slot in a forward-facing seat for my daughter, and there was ample house for her to swing her toes and nonetheless have a grown-up sitting comfortably up entrance.

The Scala’s finest practicality trait is behind the again seats although, with an enormous boot capability of 467 litres, which expands to 1410L with the rears folded down. 

There isn’t a electrical boot opening (the associated Kamiq SUV has it), however there’s a space-saver spare wheel beneath the boot ground. 

Now, in contrast to a bunch of different Skoda merchandise in years passed by, this base grade doesn’t get any of the neat netting that permits you to safe your stuff.

There are just a few choices for bag hooks although, and useful spots rear of the wheel arches to retailer free gadgets (like milk or bread, to cease it flying round within the boot on the drive dwelling).

What’s beneath the bonnet?

As talked about, the Ambition will get the much less highly effective engine, known as the 85TSI.

It’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol, with 85kW (5500rpm) and 200Nm (2000-3500rpm). It has a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automated transmission as customary, and is front-wheel drive.

For a little bit of context, the 110TSI scores a punchier 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 110kW (6000rpm) and 250Nm (1500-3500rpm).

How does the Skoda Scala Ambition drive?

I like three-cylinder turbo-petrol engines, however I may completely see why some folks may choose the extra refined and relaxed 110kW 1.5 TSI within the Scala Signature.

It’s a a lot smoother and quieter engine, and has extra easy energy and torque accessible to the driving force.

However if you’re okay with a bit extra gruff and grumble, then you definately may love the three-pot 85TSI engine which is a keen and pokey factor. It has extra grunt than you may assume, and it will get alongside properly with a fairly thrummy warble to it at occasions, too.

The principle consideration with this powertrain is anxious with low-speed commuting or stop-start driving, whereby the engine’s start-stop system – teamed with a seven-speed DSG and the inherent lag it provides to the combo, plus the turbo lag from the little petrol engine – makes for at occasions irritating lurchiness from a standing begin

My driving sometimes doesn’t contain an entire heap of that site visitors treachery, however after I was caught in just a few snarls over the week, I discovered myself pondering “I ought to most likely simply swap off the start-stop”.

I don’t normally, so I persevered; but when I wanted to, there’s a pleasant little button down close to the shifter – some automobiles have it buried in menus on a display screen and it’s a must to swap it off every time you begin the automobile.

I had one significantly alarming second; when performing a three-point activate a decent road, the automobile seemingly didn’t need to interact reverse, and it had a second or two of ‘useless’ earlier than lunging backwards means sooner than anticipated. It solely occurred as soon as, however fortunately there was nothing/no-one in the best way.

For somebody like me, who does extra freeway driving than city grind driving, these frustrations may properly be missed as a result of the transmission is superb at pace, providing snappy shifts and never shying away from letting the engine’s torque do the work both.

I preferred the steering too, which may be very simple to guage, and has a pleasant weighting to it.

And it will probably deal with itself within the flexible bits. Positive, there’s a little bit of physique roll for those who push it arduous, however it held on properly after I hustled by means of some corners, and it supplied good physique management as properly.

The suspension is mostly a bit on the firmer aspect, which I’m completely okay with for a Euro hatchback like this, and it by no means felt too arduous or punishing over the roads I drove it on.

Nonetheless, simply needless to say like most smaller VAG merchandise, it’s vulnerable to a good bit of street noise intrusion on coarse-chip roads.

What do you get?

Scala Ambition highlights:

  • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)
  • 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
  • 8-speaker sound system
  • 18-inch ‘Vega’ alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • LED daytime operating lights
  • Entrance fog lights 
  • LED tail lights 
  • LED rear fog lights
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Reversing digicam
  • Tyre stress monitoring
  • Inside ambient lighting
  • Wi-fi cellphone charging
  • Twin-zone local weather management
  • Keyless entry/begin
  • Peak-adjustable entrance seats with lumbar assist
  • Electrical boot opening and shutting
  • Multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel
  • Computerized headlights
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Electrical mirrors, heated/folding, driver auto-dimming
  • Alarm
  • Double-sided boot mat
  • Driver’s door-mounted hidden umbrella
  • Flooring mats
  • Privateness glass
  • Black window surrounds
  • Silver roof rails

Scala Signature provides:

  • LED adaptive entrance lighting system
  • LED inside lighting
  • Leather-based/’Suedia’ upholstery
  • 9.2-inch ‘Amundsen’ touchscreen media system
  • Satellite tv for pc navigation
  • Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Wi-fi cellphone charging pad
  • Twin-zone local weather management
  • Heated steering wheel with paddle-shifters
  • Heated entrance seats
  • Energy adjustable driver’s seat
  • Heated rear seats
  • Ambient lighting
  • Keyless entry
  • Push-button begin
  • Double-sided boot ground mat
  • Entrance parking sensors
  • Semi-autonomous parking (Park Help)
  • Chrome exterior components

Is the Skoda Scala Ambition protected?

The Skoda Scala was awarded a five-star ANCAP score in 2019.

It managed 97 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupants, 81 per cent for susceptible street customers and 76 per cent for security help.

Okay, so that you don’t want to supply blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to attain a excessive ANCAP rating. And on the time of writing, that tech is just not accessible – whilst an possibility – on the bottom Scala.

You may possibility it on the top-spec – you bloody properly shouldn’t must, for those who ask me – for $1250.

Customary security options embody:

  • 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
  • Adaptive cruise management
  • AEB incl. Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Driver fatigue detection
  • Lane-keep help
  • Multi-collision brake
    • If you happen to crash, it’ll apply the brakes to cease you crashing once more
  • Rear manoeuvre braking help
    • Brakes for obstacles, not pedestrians

How a lot does the Skoda Scala Ambition value to run?

The possession expertise – on paper, a minimum of – ought to be higher now than when the Scala launched in Australia.

Skoda now affords a seven-year, limitless kilometre guarantee, which is pretty much as good as you’ll get with out having to learn the tremendous print. 

Skoda additionally affords a few actually interesting pay as you go service packs, together with a five-year/75,000km plan at $1800, or a seven-year/105,000km possibility for $2500. That’s reasonably priced European small automobile upkeep. The service intervals, for those who didn’t do the maths, are 12 months or 15,000km.

Additional, the 85TSI Ambition model of the Scala has a mixed gas economic system determine of 5.3L/100km, whereas 110TSI variants declare 5.5L/100km.

Over per week of testing the 85TSI Ambition throughout a mixture of city, open street, freeway and freeway driving, I noticed a powerful 5.9L/100km. Perhaps leaving that start-stop know-how switched on is useful, in any case.

It requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, and has a 50-litre gas tank capability.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Scala Ambition

It has just a few lacking gadgets, and some issues you’ll be able to’t even possibility if you need them, and that might be sufficient for you to consider a special choice to the Scala 85TSI Ambition.

However I reckon it’s a fairly stable possibility for consumers on a price range who’re wanting to have one thing European of their driveway, and need a well packaged and trendy small automobile.

Click on the photographs for the complete gallery

MORE: All the things Skoda Scala



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