Test drive Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI Active: a different and very clever compact
Alvaro Avilés
28 February 2020
8 min. 
We’ve test-driven the Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI in Style trim, a car that has managed to win us over for several reasons. If you want to know which ones, keep reading
The Skoda Scala was the Czech brand’s proposal to compete in the complicated C-segment or, in other words, compact models. However, this isn’t the first time the brand has entered this fight, as it already tried in 2013 with this model’s natural predecessor: the Skoda Spaceback.
It doesn’t have it easy, because models such as the Ford Focus we tested or, just to name a few, its new cousins: the Seat León 2020 and the Volkswagen Golf 2020 are going to make things very difficult for it. Nevertheless, the Skoda Scala is a proposal that is different from all the others, and its attractive styling, compact dimensions and generous interior space are enough arguments to make it a good alternative.
Although it competes in the market with the models mentioned above, the Skoda Scala is based on the MQB-A0 platform, that is, the architecture the VAG group uses for its B-segment models. This means its structure is shared with models such as the Seat Ibiza or the Volkswagen Polo.
A family car in mini format
One of the great assets of the Skoda Scala is its styling, as it is something similar to an estate car but in a reduced format. The front presents the brand’s new design language, very similar to what the next generation of its bigger sibling, the Skoda Octavia, will debut.
Therefore, we have arrow-shaped front headlights and a striking front grille with vertical slats and a chrome surround. If we continue the visual tour along the profile, we can see fairly dynamic lines featuring two creases: one that follows the gap left by the bonnet with the front wing and another, deeper one that runs along the lower part of the doors. It also has an upward-sweeping hip line accentuated by the chrome trim that wraps around the lower part of the windows.
Without a doubt, the most eye-catching part of the exterior is the rear, which features a two-tone tailgate combining a black upper section with the body colour. This solution was already debuted on the Spaceback and, in our opinion, it suits it really well. To finish this area, there is the Skoda badge in the centre and horizontal-layout lights that end at the side of the car.
To complete the look, the unit we tested had attractive 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that made our Skoda Scala really catch the eye.
Quality “Made in Volkswagen”
When we opened the door of the Skoda Scala, we were enveloped by an atmosphere of good-to-the-touch materials that are very pleasant to look at, with very good fit and finish. There is a very simple dashboard running from side to side with a trim strip that, depending on the trim chosen, can have different finishes. In our case, we had a plastic that imitated the effect of brushed aluminium, which suited it really well.
The centre console is dominated by an eight-inch floating screen that is easy to use. However, we can raise one complaint in this regard: the touch-sensitive buttons on the frame could have been incorporated into the same screen or replaced with physical buttons, since you have to take your eyes off the road if you want to hit the right one first time.
To make up for it, we appreciate that the climate control controls are physical, as we still maintain they are much more intuitive. Behind the gear lever, there are buttons to control the driving modes, Start & Stop and the automatic parking assistant.
If we choose the trim of the Skoda Scala in our test, namely Style, the cabin is really bright thanks to the panoramic sunroof fitted as standard. In addition, this feeling was accentuated by the attractive beige leather and Alcantara upholstery fitted to our unit. However, the fabric was really dirty, and although our unit had barely 10,000 km on it, it already had stains that would drive even the tidiest people up the wall.
Much more space than it seems
The interior space of the Skoda Scala is another of its strong points, as the second row of seats offers more than enough room for two adults to travel comfortably. Not so much in the centre seat, as neither the width nor the padding of the bench helps there.
The Skoda Scala has a very spacious boot, with a capacity of no less than 467 litres. It seems incredible that, using the same platform as an Seat Ibiza, it manages to comfortably outdo models such as the Seat León or the Volkswagen Golf –both with 380 litres of capacity.
Therefore, the Skoda Scala is a perfect model for families who need a good boot for holidays but want a comfortable car for getting around the city.
In defence of diesel
The engine fitted to our test unit was the 115 hp 1.6 TDI, a 4-cylinder unit that is already an old acquaintance in the Volkswagen group. It produces 250 Nm of torque and offers very decent performance: 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and a top speed of… six gears.
It delivers more than enough power from low revs up to 3,500 rpm, making it a perfect choice for effortlessly moving the 1,324 kilos the car weighs. This unit can be paired well with a six-speed manual gearbox or the DSG automatic.
In the case of the Skoda Scala in our test, it came with a six-speed manual gearbox with a pleasant feel. With this combination, the Czech compact manages to record consumption of around 5 l/100 km, and it’s even possible to lower this average if we set our minds to it.
No matter how much petrol engines advance and how much three-cylinder turbocharged units dominate the lower end of the range in most models on the market, they will never be able to match this kind of consumption. Furthermore, the 1.6 TDI engine remains an example in terms of smoothness and low noise, so it has little or nothing to envy in the modern three-cylinder units.
The Skoda Scala has proven in our test to be a very agile car
The Skoda Scala offers very comfortable behaviour, although if you push it, its agility surprises you. This is where the architecture it is based on shows, as it has a chassis that, although not sporty, behaves very well in corners or when we take a roundabout with enthusiasm.
The steering has a good feel and is direct enough that you don’t have to turn the wheel more than desired to point the car where you want. All this sensation is enhanced by the suspension behaviour, which is calibrated halfway so that it filters road imperfections perfectly without compromising dynamic behaviour or making the body roll excessively.
If you pay for it, you can have a driving mode selector that lets you choose between four programmes: eco, normal, sport and individual. The differences between them are not very pronounced, although it is true that with eco mode activated the throttle response is slower, and with sport mode you get a more direct feel.
The Style trim offers very complete equipment
As we mentioned earlier, the Skoda Scala we tested came in Style trim, that is, the one with the most premium approach in the range. With it, you get quite complete standard equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, two-zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and keyless entry and start.
In addition, you get driver assistance systems such as driver fatigue detection, emergency brake assist or lane keeping assist.
Our unit also featured a comprehensive range of optional extras: adaptive cruise control (€415), 18-inch alloy wheels (€355), light assist (€350), driving mode selector (€105), heated seats (€395), leather and Alcantara upholstery (€1,120), LED headlights (€900), automatic parking assistant (€325) or electric tailgate (€370).
How much does the Skoda Scala cost?
The price of the Skoda Scala starts at €14,890 if we pair it with the most basic equipment level in the range –Active. If we opt for the trim our unit had, the price rises to €17,900, a more than interesting price considering the standard equipment you get.
Now, for the Skoda Scala in our test in particular, that is, with all the optional equipment we had and the 1.6 TDI engine, the price comes to €25,890 with the brand’s promotions applied. Without a doubt, it becomes one of the best alternatives in terms of value for money, so yes, the Skoda Scala has managed to earn a piece of our heart.
Technical specifications of this car
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