Skoda Scala 2021 Review

Pricing for the 2021 Skoda Scala range starts from $27,690 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 110TSI model in six-speed manual form.

With a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Scala 110TSI is priced from $28,690 plus ORCs, while the upper-level Monte Carlo with DSG only is set at $33,390 plus ORCs.

We’re testing the feature-packed, top-spec, limited-run Launch Edition, priced from $34,690 plus ORCs, or $35,990 with Skoda’s current drive-away deals.

And if there’s one thing that really stands out on this auto-only flagship model, it’s the generous list of equipment you get for your money.

Special gear reserved for the Scala Launch Edition includes 18-inch VEGA alloy wheels and super-plush leather-appointed seats with suede-like inserts all-round.

There’s also body-coloured door mirror caps, chrome accents, heated front and rear seats, a larger 9.2-inch infotainment unit with navigation and voice control, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless Android Auto is not available from launch.

What’s more, the large touch-screen is responsive and clear, with quality graphics that really stand out compared to others in this segment.

Four USB-C cables are located throughout the cabin, in addition to a 12-volt socket up front, while other equipment found in mid-range Monte Carlo variant and beyond includes dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, and adaptive high beams.

There’s also a few of Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ features on board, including an umbrella in the driver’s door, a parking ticket holder on the front windscreen, electric tailgate and plenty of storage facilities in the boot.

The only options on the Scala Launch Edition are a panoramic sunroof ($1300) and metallic or pearl-effect paint ($550).

All up, our metallic Race Blue Launch Edition Scala tester’s price comes out at $36,540, with Skoda’s current drive-away pricing.

That puts it at the pointy end of the small hatch segment, competing with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf Highline, Hyundai i30 N-Line Premium and, perhaps most notably, the top-selling Toyota Corolla ZR – most of which the Scala outdoes in the features department.

Servicing won’t cost an arm or a leg either, with Skoda offering a three- or five-year Service Package, priced at $800 and $1400 respectively. Those visits are due at the regular 12-month or 15,000km periods and are fully transferrable if you decide to sell the car.

The 2021 Skoda Scala Launch Edition comes fitted with segment-topping driver assistance aids including low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and more.

The on-board driver aids – notably lane assist – are much less intrusive than other vehicles with the same tech we’ve recently tested, yet the systems are still there when you need them. Similarly, adaptive cruise control takes the strain off longer drives.

Other equipment, found on every example of the Skoda Scala, includes fatigue detection, hill hold control, tyre pressure monitoring, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (‘virtual cockpit’) with customisable viewing options and a ton of information, rain-sensing wipers, tinted windows, a flat-bottom steering wheel and wireless phone charging.

Parking aids include front and rear sensors and a reversing camera, while seven airbags are fitted standard as well. Other markets have different airbag configurations, up to nine in some cases, which was the reason behind the software glitch that saw Australian-spec models displaying an error message upon start-up and prompted the stop-sale. Skoda advises that this has now been fixed.

The Scala also comes with ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, based on testing in 2019 which also points to the fact that the model has been around for a couple of years before finally landing here.

Every Aussie-delivered Skoda Scala is powered by the same Volkswagen Group 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

All are front-wheel drive and aside from the entry-grade 110TSI which can be optioned with a six-speed manual transmission, all come standard with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.

This DSG is the same unit we’ve tested in other Volkswagen Group models. It’s sluggish during low-speed driving and slow to engage reverse or drive, which can be troublesome at times like manoeuvring a hasty three-point turn.

On the move, the turbocharged four-pot provides more than enough grunt for the small Scala and the DSG auto feels much better at speed. Gear changes are sharp, even when using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the gear lever in manual mode.

Skoda doesn’t officially provide a 0-100km/h sprint time, and despite its sharp dynamics the Scala is no hot hatch. Attempting a clean getaway from a standing start produces a fair amount of wheel spin and a little bit of torque steer.

That aside, there’s some cool technology on board that sees the Scala deactivate two cylinders at times to conserve fuel, such as when cruising on a highway. Or, when coasting down a hill, the Scala can enter ‘zero-cylinder’ mode, using – according to the instrument cluster’s fuel consumption reading – zero fuel.

Skoda’s official combined-cycle fuel consumption claim is 5.5 litres per 100km, but along the way we saw the Czech brand’s new hatch delivering anywhere between 2.0L/100km (in two-cylinder mode) or as much as 12.0L/100km, depending on the type of driving you’re doing.

Our fuel consumption average after a week (and close to 1000km) of driving on highways, country and suburban roads was an impressive 5.4L/100km.

Also worth noting is that the Scala needs to be run on minimum 95 RON petrol.

The experience behind the wheel of the 2021 Skoda Scala is mostly positive. The hatchback’s ride is firm, with a sporty suspension feel, meaning it’s great for tackling twisting mountain passes and roads that encourage more enthusiastic driving.

Responsive shift paddles on the steering wheel and a selection of driving modes (normal, sport, eco and individual) make you feel more in control.

Larger potholes and bumps send a jolt through the cabin and can unsettle the Scala ever so slightly, however smaller road imperfections are taken in its stride.

Vision is good all round, there’s plenty of seat adjustment (electric for the driver) and rear passengers are treated to their own niceties – air-vents, two USB-C ports and heating for the outboard seats, something you’d be hard-pressed to find in this segment.

Furthermore, despite the fact it’s built off the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo, the cabin is generous in size, with enough space to keep four adults (or large teenagers) happy. It feels every bit as roomy, if not more so, than a Golf or a Corolla.

The outer rear seats are each fitted with a child seat ISOFIX point, while map pockets and large rear door pockets can store other items. There’s no centre arm rest in the top-spec Scala, however there is enough space for two adults to travel in comfort – three in the rear seat would be a tight fit.

The Scala also comes with a decent amount of cargo space for the small car category. It’ll hold 467 litres of gear with the rear seats in place, or 1410L once folded. There’s also a plethora of storage nets and hooks as well as a double-sided boot mat.

One uncomfortable aspect we noted is the Scala’s lack of cabin cooling ability. On a hot day (upwards of 35 degrees Celsius), the air-con struggles. With the fan on its highest setting, you can barely feel air coming out of the vents and turning the climate control temperature up to 21 degrees (from 17) to try and take load off the system makes no difference.

You get the choice of either sitting in a pool of your own sweat or driving with the windows down and letting the humid air dry the beads of sweat rolling down your forehead. Not ideal.

Despite Australian buyers abandoning passenger cars in droves, preferring SUVs instead, the traditional small car segment remains one of the biggest market categories and holds plenty of promise for those brands with strong contenders.

Is the long-awaited new Skoda Scala one of these?

It’s clearly more inspiring and impressive than the previous Rapid, and although priced at the higher end of the scale, the Scala – in top-spec Launch Edition form tested here – is jam-packed with equipment and carries a quality feel throughout.

I hate to use Skoda’s marketing jargon, but the Scala’s really clever features also leave a positive lasting impression.

A Corolla beater? We’re not sure about that. But it’s certainly a fighter, and if you’re looking for a hatchback that’s a little different to the rest, the new Skoda Scala could be the one for you.

How much does the 2021 Skoda Scala Launch Edition cost?
Price: $34,690 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 127g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)