Skoda Scala - MPG, CO2 and running costs

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 54.9mpg if you stick with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, or 50.2mpg 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 54.8mpg, while customers opting for the punchier 1.5-litre TSI model in top-spec Scalas will see economy fall slightly to around 51.9mpg. However, we averaged 41mpg in our Scala 1.5 TSI long-term test car during our 11,000 miles with it.

We managed a respectable 47.2mpg from the entry-level 94bhp petrol when we tested the Skoda Scala against the Citroen C4.

Tax

Emissions for the 1.0-litre models range from 117g/km for the 94bhp model, to 127g/km for a DSG automatic 114bhp version. The 1.5-litre variant only emits 124g/km for both the manual and DSG auto models.

That being said, company car drivers will be better off with a hybrid car like the Toyota Corolla, which uses an electric motor to boost the efficiency of its petrol engine to get over 60mpg, and emits only 100g/km, giving it a lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bill. There are also all-electric alternatives, such as the Peugeot E-308 and Vauxhall Astra Electric, which both benefit from reduced BiK costs and free road tax, at least until 2025. 

Fortunately, the reasonable price of the Skoda Scala means that no version breaches the £40,000 threshold that would subject it to the luxury car tax.

Insurance groups

The Scala’s low running costs should extend to insurance too – the entry-level 94bhp model in SE Edition trim sits in group 12, while the more powerful 114bhp version occupies group 15 and the top-spec 1.5-litre petrol in Monte Carlo Edition trim is in group 21.

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the Skoda Scala will be competitive in the retained value stakes, holding on between 45 to 49 per cent of its original resale value come trade-in time after 36,000 miles and three years of ownership.

For comparison, the more expensive, premium-badged Volkswagen Golf is expected to retain 41 to 48 per cent of its value over the same period (excluding the high-performance R models), depending on the exact specification.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our valuation tool...