Skoda announced the Rapid’s replacement in July this year, and now, the company has launched its successor under the nameplate "Scala." That was quick! Although we crib and cry when a car is teased for ages and not launched, we must admit that we missed that phase with the Scala. We saw just a couple of spy shots before the company released a few teasers and technical specs, and the car itself, all in quick succession.

2019 Skoda Scala

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Skoda Scala
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Skoda Scala Exterior Design

The name ‘Skoda’ replaces the badge at the rear to make the Scala feel more upmarket, just like the Kodiaq GT in China. It’s surprising that Skoda preferred a standalone event rather than unveiling the hatchback at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The car was showcased in Tel Aviv, Israel at a dedicated event. We guess the Scala wanted the entire spotlight to itself. Speaking of spotlight, the Scala is one smart-looking five-door compact hatchback. It better be because it is taking on hatches that have already stamped their authority in the segment – the Ford Focus, the Volkswagen Golf, and the SEAT Leon. This fresh look has been addressed by Skoda, and it says that this new design will be seen in the coming years as well. The Scala looks inspired and influenced by the Vision RS Concept to some extent.

The Scala sits on Volkswagen’s new MQB A0 platform that we have seen under many cars in the Volkswagen Group’s stable already. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,362 mm in length, 1,793 mm in width, and 1,471 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2,649 mm, which makes the cabin, especially the legroom, much more spacious. In terms of cargo space, the Scala is larger than its predecessor and now offers up 467 liters of space. Flipping the rear seats down gives you 1,410 liters of usable space.

Skoda Scala Interior Design

Inside the cabin, the Scala seems to have disassociated itself with the Rapid completely. An all-digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster can be availed as an option. A 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system makes its presence felt with support for over-the-air updates and always online functionality. Apart from these features, the Scala can be availed with full-LED headlights and taillights, and dynamic turn signals. A system called Sport Chassis Control will also be available; wherein activating the system will lower the car by 15 mm but sacrifices some comfort for extra sportiness.

Skoda Scala Drivetrain and Performance

Although the car is brand new, it borrows its mechanicals from the Volkswagen’s vast line-up of engines and transmissions. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The same engine can be had with 115 ponies on the tap and, when tuned to that level, it is offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven–speed automatic. A 1.5-liter TSI engine will also be offered, and it produces 150 horses. To cover the diesel ground, a 1.6-liter engine that produces 115 horsepower is on offer. Skoda will also be offering a 1.0-liter G-TEC with 90 hoses for those who want to own a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) mill.

Final Thoughts

Although the Scala has covered all the grounds and does not feel lacklustre in any department, it will be difficult for it to make a mark in the already-crowded Euro compact hatchback segment. The Skoda Scala is expected to hit showrooms in the second quarter of 2019. What are your thoughts on this hatchback? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Skoda Vision RS.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Skoda Rapid.

Read our full review on the 2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback.

Read our full review on the 2013 Skoda Rapid.