Skoda Scala

Skoda offers two different upholstery options for the Scala – all-black fabric upholstery in the Ambition variant and dual-tone black and beige leather upholstery in the Style variant. In both variants, the dashboard layout of the Scala looks the same, with an angular design for the centre console and AC vents on the dashboard corners.

The driver’s cockpit of the Skoda Scala consists of a two-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with piano black and satin silver inserts, with a full-TFT instrument console sitting behind it. In the middle, the dashboard of the Scala features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while having trapezoidal AC vents below it. The lower housing of the centre console consists of a dedicated panel, which has switches for dual-zone automatic climate control.

For its price, the Skoda Scala is decently equipped with features like push start-stop button, rear AC vents, cruise control, powered driver’s seat, and tilt and telescopic adjustability for the steering wheel.

Designed with Skoda’s traditional sharp design language, the Skoda Scala has a low-slung stance with lots of angular details all around. Some of the design details in the Scala have been shared with larger Skoda offerings, making it look in line with all of them.

The front profile of the Skoda Scala has a typical trapezoidal grille with chrome surrounds and vertical slats, which have tapered upper edges flanked by triangular headlamps. Equipped with daytime running LED strips and full-LED projectors, these triangular headlamps of the Scala give the front profile a sharp appearance. The front bumper here has a hexagonal mesh design across its width, with its upper outer corners attached with angular-looking fog lamps.

When looked from the side, the Skoda Scala impresses with its striking design, with the door panels having sharp creases, which are a part of one long crease flowing from edge to edge. The Scala has angular window panels, with the rear and lower window lines having a chrome finish for an added premium appeal. For an essence of sportiness, the rearview mirrors and roof of the Skoda Scala come with a blacked-out finish, while it also gets 16-inch Castor alloy wheels.

At the back, the Skoda Scala has a raked windscreen, which extends towards the boot lid with a glass finish on the latter’s upper half, while featuring Skoda lettering in the middle. The sides of the boot lid get quartz-cut LED tail lamps, which have a combination design. The bottom of the rear bumper has a blacked-out finish.

With a conventional suspension setup comprising of Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, the Skoda Scala offers a taut driving experience with precise steering feedback. However, the ride quality of the Skoda Scala, especially over uneven surfaces, feels a bit stiffer.

Skoda offers a 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine in both variants of the Scala hatchback. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission in both variants, the engine produces a maximum power output of 110 PS and a maximum torque output of 155 Nm. Skoda claims a top speed of 193 km and a fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl for both variants of the Scala hatchback.

The safety features offered by Skoda in the Scala include nine airbags, lane keep assist, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, ABS with EBD and brake assist, rear camera and parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system and proactive occupant protection system.

Despite its affordable pricing as a compact car, the Skoda Scala feels upmarket, thanks to the spacious and feature-rich cabin and spirited driving dynamics, making it an apt choice for first-time car buyers.