Škoda Scala, first official data of the brand's new hatchback

[Akrapovic]

The Czech manufacturer unveiled its new compact model. Its characteristics in design and technology will be a reference for other vehicles of the brand.

After announcing some images with camouflage, Škoda finally presented the new Scala, a model for the European C segment that will take the place of Rapid Spaceback in the manufacturer's offer. Its appearance and some features were anticipated by the Vision RS concept that was shown a few months ago.

Something striking is that the design of the Škoda Scala is not as sober as that of other models of the firm, but it transmits a more sporty image, which configures a body of 4.36 meters in length, which is mounted on the platform MQB A0, the same as subcompact models such as Seat Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo.

Due to this, the interior of the Škoda Scala is quite spacious and according to the brand, the back is as wide as in a Škoda Octavia (it can have air-conditioning outlets and USB ports), while the trunk declares a capacity of 467 liters, the highest among its direct rivals and even higher than several larger sedans.

Some curiosities are the presence of a tray that allows to divide the cargo space into two compartments and a panoramic glass roof, which is completely fixed, as it is not sliding. On the other hand, emergency braking and lane maintenance assistant are standard, while parking assistance is optional.
Škoda also makes a leap in terms of equipment and announces that the Scala will come as standard with LED headlights and stops (with cornering function) and its equipment also includes electric operation tailgate, digital instrument panel (10.2 inches), multimedia systems with screens of 6.5 to 9.2 inches and radios of four or eight speakers.

At least in Europe, the range of Škoda Scala engines will be composed of three petrol (1.0 TSI 95 hp or 115 hp and 1.5 TSI 150 hp), the diesel 1.6 TDI 115 hp and the 1.0 G-TEC 90 hp, which is already prepared to use CNG natural gas. The mechanical box comes standard and for the most powerful there will be option to request DSG transmission.
As usual in the VAG group, the undercarriage contemplates wheels of 15 to 18 inches and in option it will be possible to mount variable hardness damping and the Preset sports chassis, which also includes stiffer springs and a lower ground clearance in 15 millimeters, all in order to make it more effective in curves.

Although the brand has already announced its main features, Škoda Scala will only be on sale in the old continent from May 2019 and some of its main rivals will be models such as Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus, Opel Astra or Renault Megáne.