With a host of add-ons and a sleek, sporty look, the Skoda Scala has finally arrived, writes Mark Stone.
THE replacement for the Rapid, predominantly the Spaceback, Skoda’s Scala still seems to remain one of the brand’s least-known models. Now, it is safe to say that the Scala didn’t get off to the best start, the crashing front suspension giving the small to mid-sized estate car something of an unenviable reputation from the get-go. But, offset this occasional intrusion with a lusty, economical three-pot 1,000 cc engine, ample room, and a decent design, and the Scala’s seeming lack of presence does at times seem unfathomable.
Now benefitting from Skoda’s Monte Carlo add-ons, the latest Scala has taken on more sporting overtones. While usually little more than a specification (the Fabia, for example, still the same 110 hp as the more conventional and far cheaper versions, with the 150 hp powering it along) the Scala has finally been allowed to shine. The most notable outcome is that far younger drivers pay this Skoda increased attention, or so it seemed while the velvet red metallic example was on test. Even parked in town, the question, “What’s that? That looks really good,” came from a random collection of sub-30-year-olds. So, it at last seems that Skoda has got a handle on its small estate or longer-than-usual hatchback, as they originally described the Scala.
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Adding to the desirable degree of menace that most of the Monte Carlo models have, apart from the silver script that adorns the front wing badges, gloss black inserts dominate. Grille, splitters, additional small wings, badging, wing mirrors; they’re all black, even the swept angular LED lighting is of the darkest hue until illuminated. Combined with the now sharp edges, rising profile, tinted glass and 18” Vega alloys, it is as stylish and hot as hatches ever were.
Transfer to the cabin and the purposeful, sporting firmament continues. Blacks, greys, red stitching and racing-style seating all add to this Scala’s faux racing pedigree. The seats hug both driver and front passenger, the thick-rimmed D-wheel holds the driver’s hands in place while the variable readout instrumentation relays whatever information the user considers the most desirable, the push of a wheel-mounted button transforming the visuals in an instant. Similarly, the 9.2” central screen: all apps, nav and entertainment emanate from this low-mounted display. Elsewhere, decor strips adorn the dash roll and doors, cubbies and bins provide passable stowage, while decent cargo capacity would appear to more than double with the rear seats folded, though actual figures are unavailable. All five occupants enjoy a passable amount of head, shoulder and leg room, reasonable given the Scala’s overall size, although taller passengers might find the rear a little restrictive.
Beneath the bonnet sits Skoda’s latest mechanical offering, a 4-cylinder transverse mounted 1.5 TSI petrol engine, delivering a creditable 150 hp which, mated to the now familiar 7-speed DGS auto transmission, provides an 8.3-second 0–62 mph, a 136 mph top speed and a manageable average consumption of 37.4 mpg. The Scala’s thirst can be improved when the various electronic modes are deployed. Normal and Eco, along with gentle throttle application, do improve matters, as does steady motorway running. But if you’re going to potter about, why buy the Monte Carlo?
With 150 hp available, the Scala becomes rather useful, especially when used around the back roads, although you will have to set the car up. Neutral and flat, the Scala is virtually vice-free around the twisties even when pushed, the car flowing neatly from corner to corner and along the straights. The three turns lock to lock, electronically assisted power steering weighs up nicely in Sport mode. Grip levels are good, although the tyres as fitted did let the side down during wet weather, their ability on damp surfaces not particularly impressive. But beware, as is the habit of this now popular mode of steering assist, it’s afflicted by the unexpected twitch and an urge to tell you to hold the wheel tighter!
Similarly, in Eco and Normal the smoothness of the DSG gearbox highlights how far this system has progressed – until, that is, you punch the Scala out of tighter corners. Basically, the system becomes confused, often seeming to deliberate between two gears. The cure, with no paddles to flick, is to push the shifter over to the left and use the sequential option. It’s you, the driver, who decides on the most appropriate ratio.
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The new Scala Monte Carlo has elevated this small estate (or long hatchback) into a far more refined, usable and enjoyable car that the driver can now capitalise on. It’s a winner on looks alone given the amount of attention the car attracted during the week-long test. It’s comfortable, practical and at £26,940 with the various extras added, or £25,720 without, it falls into the affordable sector of the smaller sporting market, especially when compared to its less physically attractive and far less spacious rivals. It could be worth keeping an eye on your local Skoda dealer for any lease offers. Skoda periodically run some very attractive deals but far less frequently, while some of the monthly payments make no sense whatsoever.
Overall, even with the add-on bodily trappings that are now expected of small sports-orientated cars, the Scala has thankfully managed to retain its slippery looks without going OTT. So, even with the occasional foible, Skoda’s Scala Monte Carlo is a well-conceived package that should attract drivers looking for a small sports-orientated hatch without having to resort to the usual, now overtly boring offerings.
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