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 108bhp 1.0-litre TSI model returns a combined WLTP figure of 54.2mpg if you stick with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, or approximately 50.2mpg when equipped with the seven-speed DSG automatic.

We managed an impressive 54.7mpg when we drove this version of the Scala against a Volkswagen Golf and Kia Ceed, and that's without the use of any hybrid technology. It was notably more efficient than the Golf and Ceed in that test too, which returned 49mpg and 42.9mpg, respectively.

The lower-powered 94bhp uses the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine to deliver up to 54.9mpg, while customers opting for the punchier 1.5-litre TSI model in top-spec Scalas will see economy fall slightly to around 51.7mpg. Although after covering over 11,000 miles in our Scala 1.5 TSI long-term test car, we averaged 41mpg.

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 a little more, with 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.

Insurance groups

The Scala’s low running costs should extend to insurance too – the entry-level 94bhp model in SE trim sits in group 10, while the more powerful 108bhp version occupies group 13 and the top-spec 1.5-litre petrol in Monte Carlo trim is in group 18.

You can get personalised car insurance quotes fast with our comparison tool powered by Quotezone...

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the Skoda Scala will be competitive in the retained value stakes, holding on to 49 per cent of its original its 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 42 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 on a specific model check out our valuation tool...