Skoda Scala review
Skoda’s family hatch offers a class-leading combination of space, quality, comfort and value
Our opinion on the Skoda Scala
For family car buyers looking for value, the Skoda Scala is a great choice. It remains one of the more practical and spacious cars in its class, even though plenty of younger rivals have entered the fray since this model first arrived. The Scala gives the Volkswagen Golf a run for its money when it comes to ride, handling and build quality. Standard equipment is good across the range, too, as is the fuel economy offered by the Scala's range of petrol engines.
Value is what impresses most with the Scala, though – all of this ability comes at a price that undercuts every version of the Golf and matches most of its nearest rivals. It’s hard to recommend the Volkswagen Golf over the Skoda Scala unless you really want a little extra quality, polish and prestige; the Scala is so good that it’s more than just a viable alternative.
About the Skoda Scala
While the Skoda Octavia features a saloon-like body (albeit with a large hatchback), the Scala takes a more practical shape that allows for lots of boot and passenger space. The Scala is built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform, which is the same one that underpins the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1 and SEAT Arona. All of the Skoda’s engines are familiar Volkswagen Group units, too.
Used - available now
2023 Skoda
Scala
42,110 milesManualPetrol1.5L
Cash £13,793
2023 Skoda
Scala
10,078 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £14,867
2023 Skoda
Scala
28,965 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £13,033
2023 Skoda
Scala
39,637 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £11,500To gauge how well it holds up against key rivals we’ve tested the Scala numerous times in the UK. In 2024 we put it against the Citroen C4 in a twin test where it came out on top thanks to its strong kit list, pleasant driving experience and sheer level of practicality. We also ran a 1.5 TSI Scala on an 11,000-mile long-term test.
Make Model prices and latest deals
There are three petrol engines and three trim levels to choose for the Skoda Scala, so it’s a pretty easy line-up to get your head around. The cheapest model is the SE Edition which starts from £24,000, but choosing a more powerful engine will inevitably push this price upwards, as will opting for a fancier trim level. At the other end of the scale is the Monte Carlo Edition with the most-powerful 148bhp engine and a DSG automatic gearbox, and this sits just shy of the £32,500 mark.
You can save on any member of the line-up when you build your new Skoda Scala with the Auto Express Buy a Car service. We also have a wide range of Scala leasing deals to choose from, along with used Scala models in stock and ready to be driven away. We can also help you to sell your car.
Performance & driving experience
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The Skoda Scala occupies the same class as fellow MQB-platformed Volkswagen Group cars like the SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, but it’s actually built on the company’s smaller MQB A0 platform – the same one that underpins the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1 and SEAT Arona. Like the other cars it shares a platform with, the Scala uses torsion-beam rear suspension. This setup costs less to make and doesn’t impact rear boot space compared with more complex multi-link systems. Plus, cheaper versions of the Leon, Octavia and Golf use a similar setup anyway.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Scala 1.0 TSI 95 SE Edition | 93bhp | 10.8 seconds | 119mph |
| Scala 1.0 TSI 116 SE L Edition | 114bhp | 9.5 seconds | 126mph |
| Scala 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo Edition | 148bhp | 8.2 seconds | 137mph |
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The Skoda Scala has a fairly basic engine line-up made of two petrols, although the smallest 1.0-litre is available in two different power outputs: 93bhp or 114bhp. If you want the most powerful Scala, there’s the 1.5-litre with 148bhp.
The lower-powered 1.0-litre version needs a lengthy 10.8 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill and is only offered with a five-speed manual gearbox. The more potent 114bhp variant manages 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, has a 126mph top speed, and comes with a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic. The 1.5-litre improves on those figures with an 8.2-second 0-62mph time and a 137mph top speed in both manual and automatic forms.
Despite the punchier performance of the 1.5-litre petrol, we recommend the cheaper, yet still excellent 114bhp 1.0-litre TSI for most buyers. Performance is adequate for most everyday situations thanks to the engine’s decent torque and the Scala’s relatively lightweight.
Town driving, visibility and parking
The ride on the test cars we’ve tried with 17-inch wheels can send shudders through to the interior when going over bigger pot holes, but it generally copes well with urban speed bumps. However, the smaller 16-inch wheels fitted to the entry-level SE Edition are even better at soaking up the bumps.
The Scala is easy to drive with light steering to help when manoeuvring into a tight car parking space. Good all-round visibility should mean you won’t have to rely as heavily on the standard-fit rear parking sensors and reversing camera as you do in the Mazda 3.
You’ll need to call on the slick manual gearbox quite often in the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol, because it has just enough pace to keep up with traffic. Don’t expect to be winning the traffic light Grand Prix with it, though.
Country road driving and handling
The Scala’s suspension, when specced with 16-inch wheels, is very well judged at higher speeds and rides just as well as an equivalent Volkswagen Golf. The suspension makes a bit more noise over bumps than its German counterpart, but it provides an impressively comfortable ride for a car of this price.
It also provides greater control of body movements over undulating roads or during cornering than the softer Citroen C4. The springs and dampers of the Scala can even handle a mid-corner bump without losing its composure like its C4 rival, helping the Scala to feel stable and sure-footed at higher speeds.
The light steering of the Scala feels precise enough for what most family hatchback buyers require. Those looking for more fun behind the wheel will be better served by the Mazda 3, although you will have to pay more for that privilege.
We recommend upgrading to the more potent 114bhp 1.0-litre petrol compared with the 94bhp version, because the former has the extra performance needed to cope with a car load of people without having to work the engine or gearbox hard.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
Stability is excellent at higher speeds, and refinement is up to the class standards. Following on from our earlier advice, we’d recommend going for the 114bhp 1.0-litre because it comes with a six-speed manual rather than the five-speed of the 94bhp version. That extra gear helps keep the revs down and further improve refinement.
The more potent 148bhp 1.5 has little trouble getting up to speed when merging onto a busy motorway and is flexible enough to pass slower-moving lorries without having to change down a gear.
“The steering offers limited feedback, but while grip is good, the Scala is firmly biased to understeer and washes out sooner than the Skoda when you explore its limits.” - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
MPG & running costs
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The Scala’s light weight helps to make it one of the most efficient cars in its class – our preferred 114bhp 1.0-litre TSI model returns a combined WLTP figure of 55.2mpg if you stick with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, or 53.2mpg when equipped with the seven-speed DSG automatic.
The lower-powered 94bhp uses the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine to deliver up to 55.5mpg, while customers opting for the punchier 1.5-litre TSI model in top-spec Scalas will see economy fall slightly to around 51.4mpg. However, we only managed an average of 41mpg in our Scala 1.5 TSI long-term test car after a total of six months and 11,000 miles of driving.
When we tested the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre Scala against a Citroen C4 in a twin test, we saw an average of 47.2mpg, which again falls short of Skoda’s official WLTP figure.
| Model | MPG | CO2 | Insurance group |
| Scala 1.0 TSI 95 SE Edition | 54.8mpg | 117g/km | 12 |
| Scala 1.0 TSI 116 SE L Edition | 52.3mpg | 121g/km | 15 |
| Scala 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo Edition | 50.7mpg | 126g/km | 21 |
Insurance groups
The Skoda Scala is light on fuel, and you shouldn’t find yourself forking out a fortune on insurance cover, either. The base models go as low as insurance group 12 (out of 50) but even the poshest and most powerful Monte Carlo only sits in group 21.
In comparison, the closely-related Volkswagen Golf resides in groups 17 to 31, although the most expensive premiums here will be for the hot GTI and R, both of which are far more powerful than any Scala.
Tax
Every Skoda Scala owner faces the standard annual VED road tax rate, but the car’s sensible pricing means it avoids the luxury car tax levy.
The lack of hybrid or electric variants means there’s virtually no incentive for business buyers to look towards this hatchback. Instead, fully electric models like the Peugeot E-308 and Vauxhall Astra Electric offer the very lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax rates.
Depreciation
Our market data shows that the Scala is one of the better-performing hatchbacks when it comes to maintaining its original value. After a period of three years or 36,000 miles, this family hatchback is expected to retain only 40 to 41 per cent.
While you might be expecting the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf to be a stronger investment here, this Scala rival only clings on to 39 to 44 per cent. None of these numbers are particularly great, but they do at least outshine the Vauxhall Astra, which achieves a meagre 32 to 41 per cent.
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Interior, design & technology
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Form has followed function in most aspects of the Skoda Scala’s design – it’s a large hatchback for the class that doesn’t skimp on interior space by using a sloping roofline. The exterior looks sharp and modern, but rivals like the Mazda 3 do highlight the relatively plain design of the Scala. That’s not to say there aren’t some nice touches, such as the extended glass window of Monte Carlo models.
Interior and dashboard design
Inside, the sensible no-frills approach continues with a dashboard that’s straightforward rather than overtly stylish.
It’s easy to find an acceptable driving position in the comfortable seats, and adjustable lumbar support is standard across the range. The cabin’s ergonomics are easy to get to grips with very quickly, and we appreciate that the brand has resisted the temptation to put frequently used features – such as the air-con temperature controls – into the infotainment screen. Much like the rest of the Scala’s agreeable traits, this further helps its case as a no-fuss, easy-to-own family car.
Materials and build quality
As is usually the case with Skoda’s cars, everything inside the Scala is very well put together, and there are good quality materials and soft-touch plastics in all the right places. However, the Mazda 3 and Peugeot 308 do look and feel that bit more upmarket.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
All versions of Skoda Scala come with a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The recent trim level changes have also seen all models benefiting from the smart-looking and intuitive-to-use 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and built-in sat-nav.
Skoda's infotainment system uses a neat user interface, and we found the touchscreen was quick to respond to our commands, plus the smartphone integration works well. The screen is sharp and looks modern, but we would prefer some more physical buttons to access menus more easily.
“The Enyaq-inspired two-spoke steering wheel is a nice touch, as is the fabric dashboard that’s different from the usual faux-leather or dull plastics. The idea is to make the cabin feel more like a living room, although the black Alcantara-esque material in our test car didn’t do the best job at illustrating this.” - Ellis Hyde, news reporter.
Boot space & practicality
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The Skoda Scala majors on practicality – those looking to get the most space for their money will be hard pressed to find a better hatchback in the class. There are five seats, with those in the rear big enough for adults. Interior space is impressive generally – Skoda has done wonders with packaging. Visibility is great thanks to a large glasshouse.
The boot is large, and there’s the usual smattering of practical storage areas, including large door bins, a cooled glovebox, under-seat storage in the front, and a sunglasses cubby overhead. Other practical touches include electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a space-saver spare (rather than a rescue foam kit).
The Skoda Octavia is a good alternative if you need even more space, but the Scala’s shape makes it a more flexible proposition overall.
Dimensions and size
The Scala is both longer and around 510kg lighter than the Volkswagen Golf, and it’s also more spacious inside.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Skoda Scala | Volkswagen Golf | Vauxhall Astra |
| Length | 4,362mm | 4,282mm | 4,374mm |
| Width | 1,793mm | 1,789mm | 1,860mm |
| Height | 1,474mm | 1,483mm | 1,441mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650mm | 2,620mm | 2,680mm |
| Boot space | 467 litres | 381 litres | 422 litres |
Seats & passenger space
There’s loads of room for a pair of six-foot adults in the front, and the seats are very comfortable, with each getting height and lumbar adjustment as standard. A standard centre armrest also features, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A common trait of the Skoda brand is that its cars come with numerous thoughtful storage and convenience features, such as the umbrella in the driver’s door should you encounter a sudden downpour.
The front door bins are a useful size, as is the glovebox. There is space inside the centre armrest to store items out of sight, while three cupholders provide a place for various sizes of coffee cups or bottles of water. There’s also a spot for your smartphone, along with two USB-C charging ports ahead of the gearlever.
There’s more space in the back of the Scala for passengers than just about any other car in this class – great news if you need space for a growing family. Speaking of which, Isofix points are supplied on the front passenger seat, and on the outer positions of the rear bench seat, with the securing rings easily accessed under some removable plastic caps. The rear doors open wide and, in combination with the relatively high roofline, offer good access to the rear when fitting child seats.
Boot space
One of the Scala’s big selling points is its even bigger boot – a wide, square load space with an impressive 467 litres and a low load lip. The boot is usefully bigger than the Volkswagen Golf’s 380-litre offering, and it also exceeds the Vauxhall Astra’s 422 litres.
The rear bench folds in a 60/40 split to increase total load capacity to 1,410 litres – a figure that’s among the very best in this class. The seats don’t fold completely flat, but it’s still a hugely practical space. The boot also features two large pockets behind each wheel arch – great for keeping loose items from sliding around.
If there’s one criticism, it’s that there’s a bit of a lip to lift items over when loading up the boot, so we’d suggest specifying the optional adjustable height boot floor for, because that removes the lip, and the awkward step when the rear seats are folded down, making the transport of longer items a bit easier.
Towing
The Scala can be prepared for – or fitted with – a tow bar as an option, but you’ll need to make sure the former box has been ticked on the list if you want to retrospectively add a tow bar. The 94bhp 1.0-litre TSI model can tow up to 1,000kg of braked trailer weight, while the more powerful 114bhp 1.0-litre ups this to 1,200kg. The 1.5 TSI is ever so slightly stronger at 1,250kg.
If you’re looking to tow more weight than the Skoda can manage, you should consider the plug-in hybrid Vauxhall Astra with its 1,450kg braked towing limit, or a traditionally powered 2.0-litre diesel Golf, because that’ll pull up to 1,600kg.
“The Scala is broad across the back and there is room for three to sit in reasonable comfort. Rear air vents and USB sockets are fitted, while the centre seat back folds to reveal an armrest equipped with two cup-holders.” - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
Reliability & safety
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Euro NCAP crash-tested the Skoda Scala in 2019 and awarded it a full five-star rating, with excellent scores for adult and child safety of 97 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively. However, the age of this rating means it has now expired.
Regardless, it’s still encouraging to see a good amount of standard safety kit on the Scala, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) called ‘Front Assist’, lane-keep assistance, traffic sign recognition, and an emergency call function. Some safety options are available, such as the Safety Pack, which includes a driver’s knee airbag and rear side airbags. Adaptive cruise control isn’t standard, but you can add this with the Assisted drive pack on SE Edition or SE L Edition trims. A blind spot monitoring system to warn you of vehicles approaching along your side when driving down the motorway is an option that comes as part of the Assisted Drive Plus Package that’s reserved for the Monte Carlo trim.
The Scala didn't feature in the most recent Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, the brand has gradually worked its way upwards into 12th place out of 31 carmakers in the best manufacturer rankings. This places it ahead of Volkswagen (27th), SEAT (24th), and even Audi (19th).
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Five stars (2019/expired) |
| Adult occupant protection | 97% |
| Child occupant protection | 87% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 81% |
| Safety assist | 76% |
Buying and owning
- Best buy: Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 116 SE Edition
The base SE Edition offers enough of the equipment that you’ll actually use everyday but without a mega price tag. However, we recommend paying a bit more and opting for a Scala fitted with the more powerful 1.0 TSI engine, as this strikes a great balance between power and economy. It’ll prove especially useful whenever you hit the motorway.
Skoda Scala alternatives
The family hatchback market looks a bit different now than when the Scala first arrived in 2019, but the competition is just as fierce. Traditional names like the Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Peugeot 308 are still fighting for their share of this market, but there are also plenty of electric newcomers that have stepped into the ring. If you’re considering a zero-emission car, the Peugeot E-308, Vauxhall Astra Electric and Volkswagen ID.3 are three options that are well worth a look.
Key updates of the Skoda Scala review
5 March 2026: Updated with the latest trim level, pricing and powertrain information, along with more recent driving impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Skoda Scala is one of our favourite family hatchbacks, as it offers fantastic value for money, lots of space and impressive fuel economy.
Deals on the Scala and alternatives
