Skoda Scala: carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender
Wacky Skoda takes a turn for the mainstream and Car of the Year contention with the Scala hatch
Why is the Skoda Scala a carsales COTY contender?
Volkswagen’s Czech division has had a mixed history when it comes to entry-level passenger cars. The over-sized Octavia has attracted a small but loyal following in Australia, while the curious Rapid failed to ignite much interest.
Enter the Skoda Scala, a right-sized, right-priced hatchback based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Polo’s architecture. Despite that starting point, it’s actually bigger than the outgoing Golf 7.
The Scala launches in Australia with a single 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine offering two transmissions and three equipment grades priced in a $10K range from about $27,000 drive-away.
All up, the Scala represents a concerted effort by Skoda to lift its small car game and that makes it a worthy contender for 2020 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.
Who will the Skoda Scala appeal to?
Small passenger cars are still popular in Australia but they aren’t the sales force they once were. The shift to SUVs and the rise in price of the most popular models such as the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 have seen to that.
In some ways the segment has come to the Scala because those rising prices for other models make it more competitive.
It could well be that the orthodoxy and attractiveness of the Scala package will make it more appealing to more small car buyers, who are often young families and couples.
They will be added to the usual group of Skoda supporters who have always appreciated the access to VW tech without the typically more expensive VW badge.
How much does the Skoda Scala cost?
Back in April, Skoda announced initial drive-away pricing for the three-model Scala range that started at $26,990 for the entry-level 110TSI manual (+$2000 for the auto) and progressed to the $33,990 Monte Carlo and the $34,690 Launch Edition.
These prices are only slightly higher than the recommended retail markers, which are set at $27,690 plus on-road costs for the 110TSI (with auto adding only $1000 to the 110TSI RRP), $33,390 for the Monte Carlo and $34,690 for the Launch Edition.
The base 110TSI is the only model with a choice between a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The other two come standard with the DSG.
All models feature the same 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels. The manual averages fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km and the DSG comes in at 5.5L/100km.
Standard equipment levels are extensive, running to full LED tail-lights with dynamic (strobing) rear indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and an automatic tailgate. The safety list follows suit with front assist, lane assist and adaptive cruise control all included.
Cabin highlights include red ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, Volkswagen Group’s Virtual Cockpit (with 10.25-inch digital instrument display) and 8.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
What have we already said about the Skoda Scala?
Our exposure to the Scala has so far been limited to the international launch by carsales managing editor Marton Pettendy and a lap of Spain by editor-in-chief Mike Sinclair.
Both know not to get carried away about a car before testing it on Aussie roads, but they came away impressed.
Marton summed it all up this way: “Skoda’s second-generation small car ticks all the boxes, bringing a huge leap in design, technology, quality, performance and space, which could well make it the best example yet of the Skoda promise: VW engineering at a lower price.”
We’ll see if that promise pans out at carsales Car of the Year 2020, proudly presented by Bingle.
Skoda Scala 110TSI Monte Carlo at a glance:
Price: From $33,390
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)
Related: 2020 carsales Car of the Year starts here
Related: Skoda Scala pricing announced
Related: Skoda Scala 2019 Review – International
Related: Skoda Scala 2019 Video Review
Related: My Vuelta Espana
Related: Skoda Scala finally revealed
Related: Skoda Scala Monte Carlo to debut
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
