Skoda Scala refreshed, repriced, and re-equipped

TAKING another swing at the Small passenger car segment, Skoda has launched a revised (mild facelift) version of the handsome Scala five-door hatchback in two variants: Select from $32,490 and Monte Carlo from $43,990 both national drive-away priced.

They replace the previous Scala Ambition and Signature models that were listed from $33,990 and $42,400 driveaway respectively.

Skoda describes the “new” model that slots in between the Light segment Fabia and the Medium segment Octavia as “urbane warriors” that have been renewed, re-equipped and re-priced for MY24.

The Scala competes against strong segment sellers like the Toyota Corolla (from $29,610), Kia Cerato (from $27,060), Hyundai i30 (from $24,000), Subaru Impreza (from $31,490) and Volkswagen Golf (from $39,190) all excluding on-road costs.

Scala sales year to date of 262 units pale into insignificance compared to the likes of the Corolla at 17,722, Cerato at 11,217 and i30 at 8276, albeit all with much bigger line ups.

Nothing is new under the bonnet with the Scala Select 85TSI driven by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 85kW/200Nm and driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Scala Monte Carlo gains a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 110kW/250Nm and again driving the front wheels via a seven-speed DCT.

Fuel consumption on the ADR Combined cycle is listed at 5.4 litres per 100km and 5.6 litres per 100km respectively using premium 95RON unleaded petrol.

Skoda lists the 1295kg Scala Select as capable of a 10.1-second 0-100km/h sprint with the sportier 1325kg Monte Carlo clocking 8.2 seconds.

Standard equipment on the entry level Select grade includes 17-inch alloys, six airbags, advanced driver fatigue detection, front assist with city/pedestrian/cyclist detention, lane assist, side assist with rear traffic alert, rear view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, drive mode selection, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear-view mirror and rain-sensing wipers.

In addition to or supplanting the above, the Scala Monte Carlo rocks 18-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, lane assist with adaptive lane guidance, park assist, sports chassis control, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated sports comfort front seats with side bolsters and integrated headrests, power tailgate with virtual pedal.

The Scala is available in a choice of seven hues: Candy White (no cost option on Select) and Steel Grey (no cost option on Monte Carlo). Other colours attract a $550 charge for Magic Black, Moon White, Brilliant Silver, Graphite Grey or Race Blue with Velvet Red premium paint at an $1100 premium.

Assuaging potential buyer concerns, Skoda offers the Scala with GFV (guaranteed future value) on Skoda Choice finance.

The model, and every Skoda is covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and pre-paid service plans for $2450 (five-year/75,000km) or $2750 (seven-year/105,000km).

2025 Skoda Scala pricing:

*National drive-away price.