John Kendall tests our long-term Škoda Scala further and finds a core part of its appeal lies under the bonnet.

Key benefits of the Scala include its spacious interior and large boot

P11d (BIK): £22,055 (28%) MPG/CO2: 50.4-42.8mpg/128-149g/km Test MPG: 49.2mpg

The Scala has had a fairly easy time of it this month, but even so, continues to impress. The 150hp 1.5-litre VW Group turbocharged engine is an impressive piece of kit.

Its secret is the cylinder de-activation system that knocks out two cylinders when their power is not needed, saving fuel and emissions. When in economy mode, which the engine management system selects automatically, two cylinders are shut down, with no fuel injected, no spark and the valves remain closed. You can quite simply exploit the performance one minute and the economy the next. Cylinder deactivation is accompanied by a change in engine note and the ‘eco’ symbol appears on the dashboard display.

Passengers like the Scala because of the spacious interior and large boot. If I’m going to be fussy, the driver’s seat is not as supportive as it could be, which shows up after a long drive, in particular. A bit more padding here and there would not go amiss.

Even so, it doesn’t alter the fact that it’s a very effective family car and one that is not dressed in SUV clothing either. If that is what you are looking for, the Scala has relatively few competitors.