Skoda drops more Scala details

SKODA has revealed more details of its forthcoming Toyota Corolla-rivalling Scala hatchback, including the initial engine line-up and some of the safety and onboard technology that will be fitted to the all-new small car that replaces the Rapid. 

 

The Volkswagen Group-owned car-maker has also released its own images of a camouflaged Scala undergoing testing, revealing the basic shape of the production model.

 

As reported, the Scala will take its styling cues from the Vision RS concept that was revealed at the Paris motor show earlier this month. 

 

While Skoda chief executive Bernhard Maier told GoAuto at the Paris show that the final design of the production hatch was “only a fingerprint away” from the sexy concept, it appears to have been toned down to ensure it has mass-market appeal. 

 

The Scala measures 4362mm long, 1793mm wide and 1471mm high with a 2649mm wheelbase, making it longer (+107mm), higher (+19mm) and with a longer wheelbase (+12mm) than the Volkswagen Mk7 Golf.

 

Based on the same scalable VW Group MQB platform that underpins the Golf, Passat, Octavia and Superb, the Scala has a boot capacity of 467 litres – 1410L with the rear seats folded – which, if it is in line with Australian measurements, would make it easily one of the largest boots in its class. 

 

Skoda also says that the interior dimensions are getting close to its Octavia small/mid-size offering, with the same 73mm kneeroom as its large sibling, while the 982mm headroom is 2mm more.

 

Five turbocharged Euro 6d-TEMP engine choices will be offered in Europe from launch, including a 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit delivering 70kW and paired with a five-speed manual transmission and an 85kW version of the same donk with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

 

The flagship petrol engine is a 110kW 1.5-litre unit with a six-speed manual or the seven-speed dual clutch. An 85kW diesel unit is also available with the same transmission choices.

 

Scala will be offered with a Sport Chassis Preset that lowers the chassis by 15mm and comes with Normal and Sport modes, with the latter of featuring valve-adjustable shock absorbers for a sportier ride.

 

The Scala is unlikely to be offered with all of the engine choices when it hits Australian showrooms in late-2019, but the higher-powered petrol unit expected to be available.

 

As reported, the concept previewed a future RS variant powered by a high-performance petrol-electric plug-in hybrid setup that could become a production reality and top the Scala range.

 

Skoda has upped the tech offerings compared with the slow-selling Rapid, with a virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster offered as an option with a 10.25-inch display and an infotainment system display that measures up to 9.2 inches – the biggest in the segment, according to Skoda.

 

Owners can lock and unlock their Scala remotely via a mobile phone app if they opt for the Skoda Connect mobile online service. It will also have a built-in e-SIM for high-speed internet connection.

 

The Scala will be offered with full LED head and tail-lights, with rear dynamic indicators as an option. It will also feature an optional electrically retractable tow bar that can be extended via a button in the boot.

 

Other features include the very Skoda umbrella compartment in the driver’s door and an ice scraper behind the fuel filler flap.

 

As well as the usual suite of optional active safety gear, the Scala will be offered with a brake that prevents the car from rolling away after a crash, Emergency Call that calls for assistance when the airbags or seatbelt pretensioners have been deployed, and Crew Protect Assist that automatically shuts the windows if a collision is imminent.

 

Skoda chief executive officer Bernhard Maier said the Scala is a big opportunity for the brand in the busy small-car segment.

 

“With the new Skoda Scala we are opening a new chapter in the Skoda compact-car segment,” he said. “It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design.

 

“The Scala perfectly embodies the Skoda-typical smart understatement. We are convinced that the Scala has the best chance to redefine Skoda’s A-car segment.”

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