The new Skoda Scala hatchback has been previewed in new teaser photos released by the brand, with new information also given about the car before its full reveal before the end of the year. Based on the same MQB-A0 platform as the Volkswagen Polo, the Scala will instead compete with the larger Golf, as well as the established small hatchback competitors such as the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3.
Loosely translated to stairs or ladders in Latin, the Scala is to be a big step up in the C-segment for the brand, which is replacing the more budget-focused Rapid.
Bernhard Maier, Skoda CEO, said, “With the new Skoda Scala we are opening a new chapter in the Skoda compact car segment. It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design.” he said.
“The Scala perfectly embodies the Skoda‑typical smart understatement. We are convinced that the Scala has the best chance to redefine Skoda’s C-car segment.”
Partially revealed as a prototype with camouflage, the Skoda Scala’s overall shape and some details such as LED lighting can be seen. Clearly taking influence from the Vision RS concept car from the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the Scala appears shapely and modern – a big contrast from the car’s predecessor, the Rapid. Exterior technology includes LED lighting with scrolling rear indicators, an electrically-retracting tow bar and an electric tailgate with kick-to-open functionality.
Measuring 4,362mm long, 1,793mm wide, 1,471mm tall and with a 2,649mm long wheelbase, the Skoda Scala is quite large in the hatchback class – it’s 104mm longer, 19mm taller and with a 29mm longer wheelbase than the Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf. Bootspace is one of the largest in the segment at 467-litres, or 1,410-litres with the rear seats folded – 87-litres larger than the Golf with the seats upright, and 140-litres larger with them folded.
Being built on the new MQB-A0 platform has allowed the Skoda Scala to offer much more technology than the Rapid it replaces. Available technology will include autonomous emergency braking with lane assist, blind-spot monitoring with a 70 metre range – larger than most systems – and rear traffic alert, as well as adaptive cruise control, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, infotainment screens up to 9.2-inches in size and automatic parking.
Under the bonnet of the Skoda Scala will be a range of three- and four-cylinder TSI and TDI engines ranging from 66kW to 110kW in output. When the Skoda Scala arrives in Australia, expect the 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol to be the only option until a rumoured RS version arrives.
The Skoda Scala is as yet unconfirmed for Australia, though we’d expect it to arrive in the latter half of 2019.
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more Skoda news and reviews.
