Skoda is getting ready to step on Volkswagen’s toes in Australia with its Golf-rivalling Scala, arriving in local showrooms this month.
Previously set to launch last June, the Scala – along with the Kamiq 110TSI – was affected by a stop-sale order.
“Skoda’s Scala and Kamiq 110TSI have been on stop sale due to an error message that appeared during initial start-up. The cause was a delay in the airbag signal reaching the engine control unit,” said a spokesperson from Skoda.
“It didn’t show on restarting the car. Even though there was no mechanical fault, Skoda would not sell the cars until the glitch was solved.”
The Skoda Scala will go head-to-head with the outgoing Mk7.5 Golf on price.
Until the Mk8 Golf arrives – another delayed vehicle, albeit for different reasons – the Skoda will pack more technology and a much more modern interior.
Even the entry-level model will get a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, while range-topping models will have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Scala represents an aggressive push from Skoda into Golf, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Hyundai i30 territory.
Although it’s built on the same MQB A0 platform as the pint-sized Volkswagen Polo, the Scala is actually larger than a Golf or Corolla – and promises to pack more into its boot than its rivals, thanks to Skoda’s famously clever packaging.
Three models will be offered in Australia, starting with the $26,990 drive-away 110TSI manual and extending to the Launch Edition, priced from $35,990 drive-away.
Pricing
- Skoda Scala 110TSI manual: $27,690 ($26,990 drive-away)
- Skoda Scala 110TSI: $28,690 ($28,990 drive-away)
- Skoda Scala Monte Carlo: $33,390 ($33,990 drive-away)
- Skoda Scala Launch Edition: $34,690 ($35,990 drive-away)
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engine
Only one engine is offered in the Scala. It’s a 1.5–litre four–cylinder petrol making 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual in the base model, or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 100km/h sprint takes a claimed 8.2 seconds.
Fuel Economy
Claimed fuel economy for the Skoda Scala is 5.0L/100km on the combined cycle.
The car does require 95 RON premium unleaded, where many of its rivals can be fuelled with cheaper 91 RON regular unleaded.
Dimensions
The Skoda Scala measures 4362mm long, 1793mm wide and 1471mm tall. That makes it 104mm longer and 19mm taller than the current Volkswagen Golf, although it’s 6mm narrower owing to its MQB A0 underpinnings.
Boot space is 467L with the rear seats in place, or 1490L with them folded.
Servicing
Skoda hasn’t yet revealed capped-price servicing costs for the Scala, however two service packages will be offered.
Three years of pre-paid servicing will set you back $800, while five years will cost $1400.
As with the wider Skoda range, the Scala is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Safety
Although it hasn’t been rated by ANCAP, Euro NCAP rated the Scala five stars during testing in 2019.
It scored 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 81 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 76 per cent for safety assist.
Lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, driver monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are standard across the range.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on the 110TSI and Monte Carlo and standard on the Launch Edition.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the base Scala 110TSI includes:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control
- 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power tailgate
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Wireless phone charging
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- LED taillights with dynamic indicators
- Two rear USB ports
- Front fog lights
- Ambient lighting
Moving to the Monte Carlo brings:
- Black exterior trim
- Unique 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic roof
- Sports seats and pedals
- Full LED headlights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and start
- Sport Chassis Control (15mm lower suspension)
Jumping to the range-topping Launch Edition brings:
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Body-coloured door mirrors
- Chrome grille, window surrounds
- Unique alloy wheels
- Leather/suede seats
- Heated seats, front and rear
- Power driver’s seat
- Satellite navigation
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Scala is available with several option packages.
The Driver Support Pack, only available on the 110TSI, costs $4300 and adds:
- Leather/suede upholstery
- Heated front and rear seats
- Power driver’s seat
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Dual-zone climate control
The Tech Pack, also limited to the 110TSI, costs $3900 and adds:
- 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Full LED headlights with adaptive front lighting system
- Skoda premium sound system
- Keyless entry and start
The Travel Pack is exclusive to the Monte Carlo and costs $4300. It adds:
- 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Paddle shifters
- Skoda premium sound system
- Heated front and rear seats
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