Skoda Scala compact car confirmed

The Skoda Scala will be the Czech brand's new nameplate for its new micro car, a vehicle that will be revealed before the end of 2018, signaling Skoda's intent to re-energise the brand's somewhat frumpy image.

The name Scala is a Latin term that means stairs and while the Skoda Stairs would be a fairly peculiar name, the European brand says this car will be one of the most important vehicles of this era, "…a step forward" according to the PR blurb.

When the Skoda Vision RS concept broke cover at the 2018 Paris motor show, it sent shivers of excitement through the Skoda faithful by presenting a potent visual creation that could rival the best designs from Volkswagen, Hyundai and Mazda.

Shortly after that, the brand revealed the sleek silhouette of the new car and now the brand is backing up both previews of the Skoda Scala with bold statements indicating the hatchback represents a paradigm shift for the brand's design ethos.

"With the new Skoda Scala we are proposing a new chapter in the compact class of Skoda," intoned Bernhard Maier, Skoda's chairman of the board.

"It is a completely new development that sets standards in terms of technology, safety and design in this class. Thus we are confident that Scala has the best chance to redefine the A-segment for Skoda."

Originally thought to be a C-segment car like the Toyota Corolla, according to Skoda the new Scala is an A-segment vehicle. That means the car is a Mitsubishi Mirage or Volkswagen Up!-sized vehicle, a segment whose popularity is tiny compared to that of SUVs in Australia.

Nevertheless, Skoda Australia's general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger told motoring.com.au that despite its compact size the new Skoda Scala is being considered for the Aussie market.

"I think everything's all on the table at the moment. The product portfolio is open to review.

"The new design speaks of a growing confidence within the brand," added Pottinger.

Skoda will be knocking on the door of 6000 annual sales in Australia for the first time in its history and together with five-year warranties and a new structure to its servicing plans, the Czech brand's reputation is starting to improve in Australia.

Following the reveal of the production version of the Skoda Scala later in 2018, global sales will commence in 2019. The new model will also mark a new badge format for the car which will see the word 'Skoda' spelled out across the rear of the tailgate, replacing the traditional circular badge.

If the Skoda Scala does get the green light for Australia, it could arrive here as early as late 2019.