Great review Tom, I just bought the Launch Edition Scala in Quartz Grey with the panoramic sunroof just waiting on delivery now. My partner and I test drove all the competitors that you mentioned plus a few more and narrowed it down to this and the Corolla. Went with this for the extra space and practicality plus with the sunroof option still turned out to be $4k cheaper than the top spec Corolla ZR Hybrid and as it was on stop-sale Skoda gave us 5 years free servicing and roadside. Couldn't say no to a deal that good. Such a great little car.
@@NathanGreenway After 18 months and 25,000kms it hasn't missed a beat. Averaged 5.5l / 100km in that time too which has impressed me the most despite it needing 95. Would recommend 100% and it's a pretty engaging drive on a back road too. Only gripe is the radar cruise control will slow down for a car going slower in the lanes next to you but that's pretty much it
In Germany or Switzerland, you can upgrade the 1.5 litres 150 ps / 250 Nm to a 1.5 litres 190 ps / 290 Nm engine. It’s an official preparation from ABT Tuning, an official tuning company from VAG group. Yes, it’s not as good as the 2.0 engine 200 ps from the Polo GTi. Furthermore, the 1.5 litres 190 ps preparation sadly requires premium fuel (SP98) whereas all other versions can use all fuel available in Europe (E85, SP95, SP98, etc...).
I enjoyed reading / watching your review on the new Skoda Scala, Tom, as I intend to purchase a new small/ compact SUV at the end of this year. The Skoda Kamiq & Karoq are high on my list. Now comes the Skoda Scala (which is not an SUV) to consider. The choice would boil down to whichever offers the better driving experience plus my other priorities being having rear air vents, a very quiet cabin and good ride comfort, especially on country roads
Been driving the 1.0l 115hp Scala for a few months now. It drives like a skoda, or to say a VW group car, with decent rear seating and a solid boot for what is essentially a stretched out hatchback. It's comfortable, easy to drive. Slightly larger than a hatchback but drives like one. For me and my family of 3 it's tight, couldn't recommend it enough. Little bit noisier than I'd like on motorways but it's a negative among many positives. Lane Guidance being on automatically is shite though, I hate it. Muscle memorised turning it off quickly.
I test drove the base Scala today and gotta say it was quite nice! Also sat in the Launch Edition and noticed one thing. The steering wheel in the base was much nicer with the chrome selector wheels, whereas the Launch Edition had the same steering wheel as that in your video. I think the difference was the MY20 vs MY21.
Fan control in the touch screen is not a big deal. My '91 Toyota Soarer and 2008 Lexus GS300 both have theirs in the touch screen menu and it never bothers me. Although theirs are mapped to large buttons rather than a little slider thing which I guess could be a bit fiddly whilst driving.
I don't like the idea about the climate controls being in the infotainment screen. I believe the VW group are trying to save money by pushing everything into the infotainment screen and making you touch certain buttons 3 times to get the function you want. I think it could be a safety issue if they keep on cutting costs. I'm a bit old-school. I prefer all functions to have their own dials.
You have basically the automatic climate controls on buttons and the manual one on infotainment. As I use only the automatic one, I never use the infotainment for the climate. I agree, that’s a stupid idea to have climate on computer.
Thanks for the overview. With tiny cupholders, fiddly fan speed controls, no rear arm rest/cupholders and hard rear door plastics, the top model doesn't seem be decked well enough to justify its premium over the lower grade model.
Tom, how does it drive compared to Kamiq? Seems the Kamiq doesn't cop the SUV "tax" as it's priced (more or less) the same as the Scala. I actually prefer the style and look of the Kamiq over the Scala. Does the lower ride height produce a better handling vehicle or do the Kamiq and Scala drive the same.
Scala rides and handles better than Kamiq - usually the case for hatchbacks compared to small SUVs as the suspension doesn't need to be as stiff to contain the larger body motions of an SUV.
How come Skoda can give us the newer 1.5 engine but VW give us the older 1.4 because of Australian fuel quality? Anyhoo, another super review. The car seems a bit dowdy to me, but I do like the blacked out rear glass. It reminds me of the Volvo C30.
@@chasingcars oh wow. I wasn't expecting that. I'd love to hear the reply. I think the Karoq has also had the 1.5 since it launched. Cheers and thanks.
Great video Tom! Definitely something to keep on my list as I'm looking for a new hatch just for myself. I've always wanted a Golf and didn't mind the mk7 however they've stopped production since April-May 2020 I believe. I just find it really annoying that they've stopped production but there's no replacement or new model coming in until April this year for Australia! It's so annoying, as I've been in many mk 7's and it just is something I see myself in and am comfortable with and would like to purchase NOW! What makes me angrier is that coming out of lockdown in NSW, probably to recoup the loss of sales, VW was selling these golf's for sooooo cheap and it was flying out the door, therefore there's nothing to offer now. Nothing to offer unless you pay a deposit and wait for the new one to come in a couple months. How stupid, a deposit for something you don't know what's inside and what all the features are and if it works/ suits you. I was really set on the mk 7 but all gone and it's not like the new one is on our shores yet. AT LEAST SKODA GOT THEIR'S HERE EARLIER/ WAS SET TO BRING THE CAR EARLIER THAN THE NEW GOLF.
What would you choose between Opel Astra Skoda scala skoda kamiq vw golf Seat Leon kia ceed kia stonic Renault captur Hyundai Elantra hyundai kona Opel Crossland x suzuki vitara ?:) thanks
Great review! We just bought an MY21 Scala and everything is great so far, however it didn't come with the boot nets. The dealer said the nets were a feature on MY20 but have since been removed in 2021. Can you confirm this?
It is very good review. You just missed few nice touches that Skoda offers: Ice scraper and parking ticket holder on windscreen. I'm looking forward for your review of vw golf mk8. If you don't like scala design with soft touch buttons and screen, you will probably not like vw golf mk8. Vw took this design to next level. I don't understand vw Australia why they are bringing vw mk8 with existing 1.4 engine with 8 speed automatic, while mk8 Europe same as scala 1.5 with DSG and drive tra has a new 1.5 engine with DSG.
I agree with you! However, having test driven a golf and been in many of my friends, I'm still confident with the 1.4L engine. Still has better efficiency than most cars nowadays. Also, even if the engine is 1.5L my suggestion would be more of maybe a little bit more power instead of still the 110kW and 250Nm outputs.
The 1.5 has had a few reliability issues overseas, no such problems with the tried and tested 1.4. Add the torque converter and it's a bulletproof combination (which isn't a phrase you'd normally associate with a vag product)!
Hi Tom, great review. Any further thoughts on the highway? Engine rpm at 100/110? How's the tyre roar at those speeds? Is the 1.5 peppy enough for overtaking trucks on B roads etc..
At 120 kph (max speed on Swiss highway), this engine is about 2200 rpm with the DSG7. It’s quite powerful until 180 kph when you drive on German highway. Consumption are also really low, about 5.5 litres / 100 km at that speed. Soundproofing (tyre, wind, engine) is pretty decent. It’s not the best in the segment, but it’s still pretty decent.
just wondering if this is on conventional transmission or DSG? if so, how are the two compared, in terms of take of and gear change. I like the DSG shift between gears on gen6 Golf but really wish there’s smoother take off. Or if the Auto still able to translate a similar punch from the engines, because the engine is only marginally better than old 1.4 or so...
Thanks, Chris. It's the DSG. At this point I believe the DSG is the better gearbox in these cars - the VW Group's torque converter auto for small engines isn't a great one, which makes sense - it's the B team gearbox! The new DSGs are crisp and are way less quirky than 15 years ago (as you'd expect). Reliability is much better these days, too.
@@chasingcars appreciate for the reply, whether it’s from Tom or others. I did had a chance to Olga on the newer DSG from VW, and the Auto on newer Karoq(on test drive which I held my back and worry about damaging it). I found the DSG is indeed a lot smoother on take off, and the auto maybe more smooth but the shift between gears is somewhat lack of the punch or “directness” of a DSG. However my test drive failed to discover the gear ratio and shifting logics behind. Speaking of gear ratio, I still found that the Auto used on modern Kia kinda hold on to the 4th a bit too much... In further addition, despite many said Subaru’s CVT isn’t too bad I did find some jerkiness between different slots such as from P to D, or even just from D to N. As a small suggestion, I believe the gear shifting logic and ratio on non-manual car are also important when reviewing a gearbox/transmission. As more and more new buyers buying non-manual cars. (But I do agree that manufactures should kept their engines or the entire car to be compatible with manual gearbox)
@@chris2favip I have the 1.5L Karoq with dsg. Engine and transmission are first rate. The 1.5 is very responsive and is a pleasure to drive. The dsg is smooth and well matched to the engine. If flicked ito 'S' it flys.
Speaking of the upcoming Octavia Mk IV - do you have any insight you can share as to when we're likely to see it? The Facebook ads are growing in intensity recently so I'm hoping it's just around the corner.
Please Chasing Cars when you review any car could youtell us if a car has a spare tyre if any and what size. for me this is a deal breaker when i am looking at cars.
Theres no glare or tint, also the fan controls are not really needed, just leave it on AUTO and set the temp. I never feel the need to touch the fan controls.
Like the look of Skoda but there's the elephant in the room..DSG transmission recalls? Hence why the latest golf has used torque converter transmission, I used to be a appraiser in the car industry and Skoda really isn't popular when resale value comes into it where Volkswagen is ok, but a hell of a roll of the dice of your money on a worldwide known issue
The DSG really isn’t an issue anymore. Some early versions had reliability problems and were subject to recalls but the modern versions of the transmissions are really quite good! The Golf does not have a torque converter because of recalls. It has one because Volkswagen Germany refuse to build the latest petrol engines and DSGs for markets with poor fuel quality, like Australia. Skoda does not have that hang-up.
@@chasingcars fair enough. For me I would like to have a car like the Golf but without the Golf or VW badge. I've noticed a lot of Golfs are being driven by the same type of people who drove Nissan Pulsars or Imprezas 10 years ago and just don't like the image.
Skoda, Skoda what a shame. The beauty of Skoda is taking VW products and making them better. The Octavia is a hugely more functional car than a Golf. The Superb was so good VW copied it (Arteon). The Scout was waaaay better than the Golf Allroad. But a Golf competitor based on inferior underpinnings for not much cheaper? Ummmm?? (Note I've owned all three, Octavia, Scout, Superb).
Yep. Agree there isn’t the same value quotient here. Kodiaq over Tiguan, to me, is the biggest example of where Skoda hugely outclasses a Volkswagen product.
This is a Golf-sized Polo, and not a cheaper Golf. The Golf (and Octavia) get access to higher trim lines, more power and a slew of new technical gizmos, all of which the Polo-Class doesn't get. The Scala does manage to sneak in some nice options into the range though: the power tailgate (not availlable on the golf afaik), heated front screen (same, i think) and the glass roof are some examples here. A fully decked out Polo is about as expensive as the Scala, though in fairness it has it's unique pros like matrix LEDs. THen again, at least here in europe, the Polo doesn't get the 1.5l 110kw unless you buy a GTI! So from that perspective, the Scala is a better Polo, which by the way is already as large as the Golf IV was.
This feels like a hatchback that was made to fill a gap in Skoda's lineup rather than making a consumer buy it. I wouldn't even put this on a list for cross shopping hatchbacks.
This has same platform with golf, passat, tiguan, octavia and many other models. Doesnt make it the same car though. Golf interior is much more solid, better materials, is much quieter on the road and road bumps dont penetrate the cabin compared to the scala. Less refined car.
The Scala actually based on MQB A0 platform which share with the Polo (as mentioned in this very nice review). The Golf is on a MQB EVO version. So Scala is more like a Polo XtraLarge just like the Octavia is big Golf. More or less standard Skoda's business model within the VGA group - more space for your buck. In UK Scala price similar to Polo, much cheaper than the Golf.
Great review Tom, I just bought the Launch Edition Scala in Quartz Grey with the panoramic sunroof just waiting on delivery now. My partner and I test drove all the competitors that you mentioned plus a few more and narrowed it down to this and the Corolla. Went with this for the extra space and practicality plus with the sunroof option still turned out to be $4k cheaper than the top spec Corolla ZR Hybrid and as it was on stop-sale Skoda gave us 5 years free servicing and roadside. Couldn't say no to a deal that good. Such a great little car.
Sounds like a great purchase Joshua. Let me know how the car goes.
Snap! I ordered exactly the same and also waiting. I narrowed it down to the golf wagon and this, close call but the Scala was just "nicer"
How are you finding it after one year of ownership. I'm thinking of getting a Scala now too.
@@NathanGreenway After 18 months and 25,000kms it hasn't missed a beat. Averaged 5.5l / 100km in that time too which has impressed me the most despite it needing 95. Would recommend 100% and it's a pretty engaging drive on a back road too. Only gripe is the radar cruise control will slow down for a car going slower in the lanes next to you but that's pretty much it
Partner ?
In Germany or Switzerland, you can upgrade the 1.5 litres 150 ps / 250 Nm to a 1.5 litres 190 ps / 290 Nm engine. It’s an official preparation from ABT Tuning, an official tuning company from VAG group. Yes, it’s not as good as the 2.0 engine 200 ps from the Polo GTi.
Furthermore, the 1.5 litres 190 ps preparation sadly requires premium fuel (SP98) whereas all other versions can use all fuel available in Europe (E85, SP95, SP98, etc...).
I've seen fishing trawlers go out to sea with less nets than this car
I enjoyed reading / watching your review on the new Skoda Scala, Tom, as I intend to purchase a new small/ compact SUV at the end of this year. The Skoda Kamiq & Karoq are high on my list. Now comes the Skoda Scala (which is not an SUV) to consider. The choice would boil down to whichever offers the better driving experience plus my other priorities being having rear air vents, a very quiet cabin and good ride comfort, especially on country roads
Been driving the 1.0l 115hp Scala for a few months now. It drives like a skoda, or to say a VW group car, with decent rear seating and a solid boot for what is essentially a stretched out hatchback. It's comfortable, easy to drive. Slightly larger than a hatchback but drives like one. For me and my family of 3 it's tight, couldn't recommend it enough. Little bit noisier than I'd like on motorways but it's a negative among many positives.
Lane Guidance being on automatically is shite though, I hate it. Muscle memorised turning it off quickly.
Love this model as very practical for the $ and their packaging is brilliant
Great review and I really like your intro and recent Skodas have better interiors the Volkswagen’s I reckon
Thanks very much! Agree, Skoda interiors are now a nicer place to spend time than most Volkswagens they compete with
I test drove the base Scala today and gotta say it was quite nice! Also sat in the Launch Edition and noticed one thing. The steering wheel in the base was much nicer with the chrome selector wheels, whereas the Launch Edition had the same steering wheel as that in your video. I think the difference was the MY20 vs MY21.
Fan control in the touch screen is not a big deal. My '91 Toyota Soarer and 2008 Lexus GS300 both have theirs in the touch screen menu and it never bothers me. Although theirs are mapped to large buttons rather than a little slider thing which I guess could be a bit fiddly whilst driving.
Great looking car! Do you guys know when the golf 8 launch review is happening??
I don't like the idea about the climate controls being in the infotainment screen. I believe the VW group are trying to save money by pushing everything into the infotainment screen and making you touch certain buttons 3 times to get the function you want. I think it could be a safety issue if they keep on cutting costs. I'm a bit old-school. I prefer all functions to have their own dials.
You have basically the automatic climate controls on buttons and the manual one on infotainment. As I use only the automatic one, I never use the infotainment for the climate. I agree, that’s a stupid idea to have climate on computer.
Thanks for the overview. With tiny cupholders, fiddly fan speed controls, no rear arm rest/cupholders and hard rear door plastics, the top model doesn't seem be decked well enough to justify its premium over the lower grade model.
Tiny cup handles, what are you drinking out of! Lmao
I've got an i30 Sedan N-Line on the way, getting close now, have you guys been able to try one yet?
Love Skodas, please review new Kamiq with this engine, and Skoda Superb
Driving the Kamiq 110TSI next week.
Great review, as always!!
For those who collected their Scala on 18" rims with 205/45 R18 tyres. May I know what is the brand/model of tyre provided ?
Good question...it would be good to get GY. Mine arrives mid June
It’s funny. On my Scala Style in Switzerland, I have a central armrest and 2 USB-C port for the back seats.
Tom, how does it drive compared to Kamiq? Seems the Kamiq doesn't cop the SUV "tax" as it's priced (more or less) the same as the Scala. I actually prefer the style and look of the Kamiq over the Scala. Does the lower ride height produce a better handling vehicle or do the Kamiq and Scala drive the same.
Scala rides and handles better than Kamiq - usually the case for hatchbacks compared to small SUVs as the suspension doesn't need to be as stiff to contain the larger body motions of an SUV.
How come Skoda can give us the newer 1.5 engine but VW give us the older 1.4 because of Australian fuel quality? Anyhoo, another super review. The car seems a bit dowdy to me, but I do like the blacked out rear glass. It reminds me of the Volvo C30.
Mark - I have asked the question and will come back to you when I have an answer from VW/Skoda. Cheers.
@@chasingcars oh wow. I wasn't expecting that. I'd love to hear the reply. I think the Karoq has also had the 1.5 since it launched. Cheers and thanks.
Great video Tom! Definitely something to keep on my list as I'm looking for a new hatch just for myself. I've always wanted a Golf and didn't mind the mk7 however they've stopped production since April-May 2020 I believe. I just find it really annoying that they've stopped production but there's no replacement or new model coming in until April this year for Australia! It's so annoying, as I've been in many mk 7's and it just is something I see myself in and am comfortable with and would like to purchase NOW! What makes me angrier is that coming out of lockdown in NSW, probably to recoup the loss of sales, VW was selling these golf's for sooooo cheap and it was flying out the door, therefore there's nothing to offer now. Nothing to offer unless you pay a deposit and wait for the new one to come in a couple months. How stupid, a deposit for something you don't know what's inside and what all the features are and if it works/ suits you. I was really set on the mk 7 but all gone and it's not like the new one is on our shores yet. AT LEAST SKODA GOT THEIR'S HERE EARLIER/ WAS SET TO BRING THE CAR EARLIER THAN THE NEW GOLF.
Would a greyhound/large dog fit in the boot with the parcel shelf taken off?
What would you choose between Opel Astra Skoda scala skoda kamiq vw golf Seat Leon kia ceed kia stonic Renault captur Hyundai Elantra hyundai kona Opel Crossland x suzuki vitara ?:) thanks
Great review! We just bought an MY21 Scala and everything is great so far, however it didn't come with the boot nets. The dealer said the nets were a feature on MY20 but have since been removed in 2021. Can you confirm this?
How do you find it after one year? I'm thinking of getting a Scala.
The silhouette is same the audi A3 not the golf
It is very good review. You just missed few nice touches that Skoda offers: Ice scraper and parking ticket holder on windscreen. I'm looking forward for your review of vw golf mk8. If you don't like scala design with soft touch buttons and screen, you will probably not like vw golf mk8. Vw took this design to next level. I don't understand vw Australia why they are bringing vw mk8 with existing 1.4 engine with 8 speed automatic, while mk8 Europe same as scala 1.5 with DSG and drive tra has a new 1.5 engine with DSG.
I agree with you! However, having test driven a golf and been in many of my friends, I'm still confident with the 1.4L engine. Still has better efficiency than most cars nowadays. Also, even if the engine is 1.5L my suggestion would be more of maybe a little bit more power instead of still the 110kW and 250Nm outputs.
The 1.5 has had a few reliability issues overseas, no such problems with the tried and tested 1.4. Add the torque converter and it's a bulletproof combination (which isn't a phrase you'd normally associate with a vag product)!
Strange that you only have 1 engine to choose from. In Europe we have 3 or 4 to pick from. From 95hp to 150hp.
@Chasing Cars: If you had to choose... Would you go for a Kamiq Monte Carlo or a Scala?
Nice little wagon. Wouldn't mind owning one, with a manual transmission.
That would be cool!
its not a wagon :D
Hi Tom, great review. Any further thoughts on the highway? Engine rpm at 100/110? How's the tyre roar at those speeds? Is the 1.5 peppy enough for overtaking trucks on B roads etc..
Update: my wife is picking up her LE next week.
At 120 kph (max speed on Swiss highway), this engine is about 2200 rpm with the DSG7. It’s quite powerful until 180 kph when you drive on German highway. Consumption are also really low, about 5.5 litres / 100 km at that speed. Soundproofing (tyre, wind, engine) is pretty decent. It’s not the best in the segment, but it’s still pretty decent.
U have to review suzuki baleno n suzuki Jimny waiting.
just wondering if this is on conventional transmission or DSG? if so, how are the two compared, in terms of take of and gear change. I like the DSG shift between gears on gen6 Golf but really wish there’s smoother take off. Or if the Auto still able to translate a similar punch from the engines, because the engine is only marginally better than old 1.4 or so...
Thanks, Chris. It's the DSG. At this point I believe the DSG is the better gearbox in these cars - the VW Group's torque converter auto for small engines isn't a great one, which makes sense - it's the B team gearbox! The new DSGs are crisp and are way less quirky than 15 years ago (as you'd expect). Reliability is much better these days, too.
@@chasingcars appreciate for the reply, whether it’s from Tom or others. I did had a chance to Olga on the newer DSG from VW, and the Auto on newer Karoq(on test drive which I held my back and worry about damaging it). I found the DSG is indeed a lot smoother on take off, and the auto maybe more smooth but the shift between gears is somewhat lack of the punch or “directness” of a DSG. However my test drive failed to discover the gear ratio and shifting logics behind. Speaking of gear ratio, I still found that the Auto used on modern Kia kinda hold on to the 4th a bit too much...
In further addition, despite many said Subaru’s CVT isn’t too bad I did find some jerkiness between different slots such as from P to D, or even just from D to N.
As a small suggestion, I believe the gear shifting logic and ratio on non-manual car are also important when reviewing a gearbox/transmission. As more and more new buyers buying non-manual cars. (But I do agree that manufactures should kept their engines or the entire car to be compatible with manual gearbox)
@@chris2favip I have the 1.5L Karoq with dsg. Engine and transmission are first rate. The 1.5 is very responsive and is a pleasure to drive. The dsg is smooth and well matched to the engine. If flicked ito 'S' it flys.
@@chasingcars I' second that. VAG no longer uses TC in it's European mid-range delivered vehicles , choice is manual or dsg.
So no umbrella in the door or under the seat?
Is the Apple Car Play and Android Auto wired or wireless? Assuming they are both standard?
Wireless for both, as standard.
Why it took so long to come it's basically a golf underneath
It isn't though. It's a long Polo, but with their own version of the VW 1.5l that the Polo doesn't get.
Octavia Ambition or Scala Signature? Or is there no wrong choice here?
Scala sig if you dont need bigger size
Scala is already 10cm longer than a Golf, just for comparison. If you need even more space, get the O.
Hi!
Whats the colour name on this car?
Thanks!
This is Race Blue
Speaking of the upcoming Octavia Mk IV - do you have any insight you can share as to when we're likely to see it? The Facebook ads are growing in intensity recently so I'm hoping it's just around the corner.
Please Chasing Cars when you review any car could youtell us if a car has a spare tyre if any and what size. for me this is a deal breaker when i am looking at cars.
Is the Scala an alternative to a GTI? No.
Skoda makes great looking cars 👍
These should make great used buys
Replacing buttons with touch screens will go the way of Piano Black: a fad. I'm also skeptical of that screen tilt and glare?
Tilt and glare weren’t a problem across our test, largely because the screen is bright with a capital B. Fan controls just dumb though.
Theres no glare or tint, also the fan controls are not really needed, just leave it on AUTO and set the temp. I never feel the need to touch the fan controls.
I quite like Skodas. European cars servicing costs and overall longevity is a worry for me though.
Does australia get the SEAT brand?
Unfortunately we do not! They have some cool models too!
No, but I wish we did.
Wish we did again after they launched around early 90’s then withdrew from our market after around ‘97 I think 🤔 great brand :) with Spanish VW flair
Like the look of Skoda but there's the elephant in the room..DSG transmission recalls? Hence why the latest golf has used torque converter transmission, I used to be a appraiser in the car industry and Skoda really isn't popular when resale value comes into it where Volkswagen is ok, but a hell of a roll of the dice of your money on a worldwide known issue
The DSG really isn’t an issue anymore. Some early versions had reliability problems and were subject to recalls but the modern versions of the transmissions are really quite good! The Golf does not have a torque converter because of recalls. It has one because Volkswagen Germany refuse to build the latest petrol engines and DSGs for markets with poor fuel quality, like Australia. Skoda does not have that hang-up.
Sounds like a good thing, pity the resale is average on Skodas in Australia
Doesn't this car just cannibalise the sale of the Golf?
Maybe, but I doubt it. Golf buyers want the Volkswagen badge, I think.
@@chasingcars fair enough. For me I would like to have a car like the Golf but without the Golf or VW badge. I've noticed a lot of Golfs are being driven by the same type of people who drove Nissan Pulsars or Imprezas 10 years ago and just don't like the image.
Skoda, Skoda what a shame. The beauty of Skoda is taking VW products and making them better. The Octavia is a hugely more functional car than a Golf. The Superb was so good VW copied it (Arteon). The Scout was waaaay better than the Golf Allroad. But a Golf competitor based on inferior underpinnings for not much cheaper? Ummmm?? (Note I've owned all three, Octavia, Scout, Superb).
Yep. Agree there isn’t the same value quotient here. Kodiaq over Tiguan, to me, is the biggest example of where Skoda hugely outclasses a Volkswagen product.
This is a Golf-sized Polo, and not a cheaper Golf. The Golf (and Octavia) get access to higher trim lines, more power and a slew of new technical gizmos, all of which the Polo-Class doesn't get. The Scala does manage to sneak in some nice options into the range though: the power tailgate (not availlable on the golf afaik), heated front screen (same, i think) and the glass roof are some examples here. A fully decked out Polo is about as expensive as the Scala, though in fairness it has it's unique pros like matrix LEDs. THen again, at least here in europe, the Polo doesn't get the 1.5l 110kw unless you buy a GTI!
So from that perspective, the Scala is a better Polo, which by the way is already as large as the Golf IV was.
This feels like a hatchback that was made to fill a gap in Skoda's lineup rather than making a consumer buy it. I wouldn't even put this on a list for cross shopping hatchbacks.
We'll see how it goes.
In person this car looks much much better than I thought, but the engine choice kills it and ofc fan in the infotainment is dumb
What's wrong with the engine? Agree on the fan in touchscreen, though.
SHMOK
I'd rather get Honda for that money
The Scala is the smart option, offers so much more and at greater quality. Honda is quite back in terms of tech, interior space and engines.
Golf rival? This is Golf itself with another name. Or did you forget that Skoda belongs to the VOLKSWAGEN group? ha ha ha
Groups often and usually do have internal competitors. Passat/A4? Touareg/Q7? Mini/1 Series? Camry/ES?
This has same platform with golf, passat, tiguan, octavia and many other models. Doesnt make it the same car though. Golf interior is much more solid, better materials, is much quieter on the road and road bumps dont penetrate the cabin compared to the scala. Less refined car.
Did you forget that Tom talks about this a number of times in the film? ha ha ha
01:24 and 09:26 might refresh your memory
@@CathodeRayNipplez yes excatly.
The Scala actually based on MQB A0 platform which share with the Polo (as mentioned in this very nice review). The Golf is on a MQB EVO version. So Scala is more like a Polo XtraLarge just like the Octavia is big Golf. More or less standard Skoda's business model within the VGA group - more space for your buck. In UK Scala price similar to Polo, much cheaper than the Golf.