We’ve got a new long-termer on our fleet – and it’s big on space and practicality but small when it comes to list price.

The Scala sits between the Fabia and Octavia, and delivers on space, value and practicality

Model: Škoda Scala SE Technology 1.0 TSI 110PS

P11d (BiK) £22,030 (29%) Economy 53.4mpg CO2 emissions 120g/km  On Fleet N/A

Report 1:

Following the departure of the Karoq midsize SUV, we’ve stayed with Škoda but switched to the C-segment for our Scala longtermer. And as with all our Škoda test drives of late, it’s proving a pleasant surprise already.

Launched in 2019, the Scala sits between the Fabia and Octavia, replacing the Rapid to bring a more direct challenger to main players such as the Focus and Astra. Since then, it’s won plaudits and awards aplenty for its space, practicality and value – all of which have been clear from the start of our test.

It’s based on the MQB-AO platform, an evolution of the modular MQB architecture used for the VW Golf and Škoda Octavia in the same class as the Scala but actually developed for smaller vehicles such as the SEAT Ibiza and VW Polo. Despite this, the Scala is actually larger than many of its C-segment rivals – delivering boot space of 467 litres up to 1,410 litres (VDA) with the rear seats folded. Rear leg and headroom are also benchmarks in the segment – six-footers needn’t worry about space here.

Such attributes are of course key components of the Octavia proposition too but the Scala is positioned to sit nicely under its larger family car sibling – both in terms of size and price – to provide a complementary compact option. It’s also only available as a hatchback, unlike the Octavia. OTR prices start from £20,800 – slotting it above the £18,600 entry point of the smaller Fabia and below the £24,540 of the Octavia hatch but also positioning it very attractively compared to rivals.

Engine line-up focuses solely on conventional petrols; there’s no hybrids nor a fully electric option and the sole diesel at launch has since been dropped. The three petrols are familiar Volkswagen Group units and span a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder with 95 or 110hp and a four-cylinder 1.5 TSI motor with 150hp.

Ours is the 110hp three-cylinder married up with the six-speed manual that comes as standard, rather than the optional DSG. It’s a combo that we’ve tested in other models and found to nicely straddle the line between economy and performance. Official fuel consumption is 53.4mpg.

We’re also in the fleet-focused SE Technology spec, preceded by the SE and topped by the Monte Carlo and bringing a lengthy list of equipment.

Already the Scala has shown that it’s a competent, comfortable and likeable addition to the fleet, delivering many merits to support six months of work and family transport.