Review: Skoda Scala

Every time I drive the Skoda Scala I come away impressed. It’s one of those cars that quietly gets everything right, and following a recent update it’s better than ever. The changes aren’t dramatic, but a series of thoughtful refinements have made an already excellent family car even more appealing.

The Scala sits somewhere between a hatchback and a compact estate, offering generous practicality without the bulk of an SUV. It’s ideal for buyers who want plenty of space for family life but prefer the sharper handling and easier parking of a conventional car.

Its biggest strength is the boot. Capacity is an impressive 467 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,410 litres when the split-folding seats are lowered. Practical touches include cargo nets, tie-down points, shopping bag hooks and side storage bins, one with a restraining strap. While some features are standard, most come with the £505 Convenience Plus Pack, which also adds a powered tailgate with a virtual pedal. A wave of your foot under the rear bumper opens the boot – perfect when your hands are full.

Storage inside is equally well thought out. There are four large bottle holders, a huge glovebox and clever two-tier seat-back pockets that stop smaller items disappearing to the bottom.

The Scala is unmistakably a Skoda, with its upright slatted grille flowing neatly into sharp triangular headlights. Sculpted bodywork and full LED lighting give it a smart, contemporary appearance, while the rear features Skoda lettering stretched across the tailgate.

Our test car was the range-topping Monte Carlo. It adds 18-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and an upgraded 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation system. Standard equipment already includes DAB radio, air conditioning, electric windows and remote central locking, while the Monte Carlo also gains cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

There are USB-C ports front and rear, so older USB cables require an adaptor. Thankfully, Skoda includes a multi-connector lead. Smartphone connectivity is comprehensive through SmartLink, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink all supported.

Skoda’s trademark umbrella hidden in the driver’s door and the ice scraper tucked into the fuel filler flap remain charming examples of the brand’s practical thinking.

Like most modern cars, many functions are controlled through the touchscreen, but enough physical buttons remain to make operating key features while driving straightforward.

Power comes from a smooth 114bhp petrol engine paired with a slick seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. It reaches 62mph in 10.1 seconds and delivers relaxed, refined performance. The manually adjustable seats are comfortable, while heated front seats, a heated windscreen and heated washer jets are available in the £250 Winter Premium Pack.

The Monte Carlo is priced from £31,085. With the Convenience Plus and Winter Premium packs, our well-equipped test car came to £31,840.

Skoda Scala Monte Carlo

Price: £31,085 (£31,840 as tested)

Engine: 1.0 TSI

Power: 114bhp

Torque: 147lb/ft

Transmission: Seven-speed DSG

Top speed: 126mph

0-62mph: 10.1 seconds

Economy: 50.9mpg

CO2 emissions: 123-125g/km