Skoda has chosen the Tel Aviv, Israel, to unveil a brand new hatchback called Scala. Apparently, the name has been inspired by the Latin noun ‘scala’, meaning a stairway or ladder, and Skoda hopes the new hatchback will scale the brand to new heights.
Which is why the Scala is Skoda’s first production car in Europe to confidently spell out the Skoda name in letters on the fifth door instead of just a logo. Rest of the design as you might have guessed, has been taken from the Vision RS concept. The Scala also marks the debut of Skoda’s updated design language, and the first Skoda to be based on VW Group’s MQB A0 platform.
The hatchback measures 4,362 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width (including mirrors) and 1,471 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2,649 mm.
Exterior design highlights include air curtains in the front bumper, water channels on the windscreen, plastic roof spoiler with finlets, aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels, and underbody covers. The streamlined body has resulted in a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd. The Scala features LED headlights and taillights as standard, while full-LED versions are available as an option and – for the first time in a Skoda – comes with dynamic rear indicators.
The interior layout too draws heavily from the Vision RS, and looks elegant with the usage of high quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. Feature list includes infotainment systems with up to 9.2-inch display, optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit – claimed to be the largest in the segment, LED ambient lighting with two colors, and built-in eSIM with LTE connection.
Options list also includes a 10-speaker audio system, Suedia microfibre seat upholstery, heated windscreen and heated steering wheel as well.
Boot space measures 467 litres which can be expanded to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded down. The fifth door is electrically operated with Tip-To-Close.
As for the assistance systems, Lane Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake come as standard, while the Side Assist function which shows if a vehicle is approaching from behind and wants to overtake or if it is in the blind spot, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Park Assist are all optional.
The car features up to 9 airbags, including a driver knee airbag and, for the first time in the segment, optional rear side airbags. In the event of an impending collision, the optional Crew Protect Assist automatically closes the windows and tensions the front seat belts in good time.
Powertrains
Powering the Scala is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine in two states of tune – 70 kW/95 PS and 175 Nm, and 85 kW/115 PS and 200 Nm of torque. The latter is paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG, while the former gets a 5-speed manual.
There is also a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TSI on offer, which produces 110 kW/150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.
On the diesel side, there is a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder TDI, developing 85 kW/115 PS and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.
At a later date, Skoda will offer a 1.0 3-cylinder G-Tec CNG as well, which develops 66 kW/90 PS and 145 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual.
The Sport Chassis Control is available as an option – a chassis that can be switched between ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes via Driving Mode Select.
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