I have a Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo, which I bought new last year, had I not done that I would have undoubtably chosen a Scala, it embodies everything which Škoda has always represented, reliability, practicality, traditional value for money, and of course, no nonsense simply clever touches!!.
I have the 1.5 EVO SEL DSG on loan at the moment, fantastic car. Engine and suspension are smooth considering the roads I drive on. Gearbox is so-so, but I've just been so impressed how smooth the car drives I can forgive the gearbox. Spec is fantastic for the money. I'd give the Scala an 8.5 out of 10.
@@dj_efk and in that 6 years the car didn't change much. However, attitudes and possibly sponsorship/kickbacks have. That's how I'm reading the original comment.
I agree, I just tried to configurate it on the website with that beautiful metallic blue, the dashing rims and sporty package make it like worlds apart from this one, I'm not sure why the reviewer thought it was a good idea to accept this model which has the most bland options in color and rims and really don't make justice to this car model, a shame really.
It makes sense to get one considering what you get for the spec but it just looks like such a moose. I saw one drive by me yesterday, the headlights are nice...that's about it.
I can confirm this as my friend works at Skoda. The Scala is actually inspired by a Vision RS concept car presented a few years ago. It featured the same 1.5 TSI (150HP) engine as the top-end Scala as well as a 102 HP electric engine which allegedly had an autonomy of about 70 km. I suppose the market for such a car was deemed too limited, on which I can't really disagree. But would have been a fun drive nonetheless.
would be nice but in my country with lots of camera's and distance camera's there is no way to use that power unless for short sprints. Thats why i have a motorcycle for short quick adrenaline rush :)
The Octavia is not a Golf. Only the motoring press say so because the share the same platform. It's a much larger car and no buyers would consider the two comparable. Hence Skoda now have the Scala, a much more comparable model for this segment.
Im looking at either one of these or a kamiq to replace my fiesta as they are great value for money,I saw a scala 115 bhp for £16500 with adaptive cruise,power tailgate,digital dashboard,keyless entry etc yet you wouldnt get a focus for that with all that on,ford dont even offer a power tailgate on hatchbacks for some reason
First I was split between the Kia Stonic and this the Kamiq...but that was clearly explained that the Skoda was better...but then new problem was revealed...the Kamiq or the Scala ( cut the later one is more spacious surprisingly)...any opinions?
Just checked and there currently is no 1.5 Petrol; also while it starts out cheap once you add a few needed options on you start pushing towards 29k+ :( seems poor value
I don't know what you consider 'needed options' but I went on the Škoda website and configured it with the most expensive drivetrain, most expensive paint, most expensive wheels and then started adding options and I had to start adding unnecessary options like power seats, power tailgate etc. to get it over 29k.
@@shroomyesc for some those are no unnecessary options.. It has to be acknowledged Skoda is not the cheap brand anymore. The only thing it is lacking (but cheaper overall) is the material used inside the cabin and the soundproofing. Besides that it is just as high on the ladder as the other brands. It's a new era and now with the Enyaq which is brilliant, it will be ahead of its competitors. VW only cutting them on technology otherwise it would leave VW far behind
It replaces Rapid, but costs like current gen octavia, while next gen octavia that launches in 2020 will cost more near to superb's price.... Nice move skoda, but for 25k euros for fully equiped scala i would rather buy new mazda 3 or fors focus in st trim. There is octavia ofc.
Skoda’s are very good these days, but, I don’t know, I’d feel like I’d given up on life a little if I chose that car. Has the same emotional draw as a bar of soap.
I kind of agree, but also doesn't this kind of apply to all cars in this class if you go for a base (or close to) model? The focus (for example) is still good to drive, yes in base form but it looks dreadful and has the atmosphere of an unused garbage can.
@@shroomyesc Really agree here ... not sure what kind of spec they had, but it looked dull as a pile of ashes, yet if you spec the car correctly it can look quite modern and attractive. I think base models exist just so they can brag about affordability not much more.
Well they are not fun cars, they never claimed to be, they were not designed to be and they are not fishing for buyers of that segment. This is obviously a young couple’s witch kids car or wife’s daily beater (you know.. shopping, taking kids to and from school etc.). Nobody is buying this to have fun in bends of the Grande Corniche in Monte Carlo ;-)
It may look tragic at the front, with the dopey headlights and protruding grille, it may have unflattering proportions, being too narrow and long, but it does one critical thing very well: It's beatifully targeted to a large demographic (families with a modest budget, specially in middle-low income countries) and it didn't put all its coins in being practical or cheap, sparing some thought for "appeal" for a lack of a better word, it takes itself seriously.
The Scala is not cheap so with dsg and some options it is for the midle to high income tho. Good price as it is a awsome car. I like the looks much more than the new golf and audi's honestly. No idea what the designers did with those brands :/
The front may not look as good as some of its contemporaries, but it is certainly not ugly or bland like the rapid was. It does greatly benefit from the monte carlo trim though.
I agree, in this color combo it looks dated, and it looks cheap inside, lots of plastic in the wrong places too, sticking a tablet on the dash isn’t good enough, still, it’s transport, if your not fussy about your daily driver and all you want is a turn key car that’s reliable and cheap to run.
Nope, this one is bigger it is to be between the Octavia (which is a bit above it's class in size) and the Fabia. Basically this is Skoda's version of the Ford Focus, while the new (will be shown this month for the first time!) Octavia will be more Passat like in size.
Yup. It's a spaceback but even MORE boring. I have a spaceback sport with much nicer interior and glass roof. Exactly the same size of interior and boot. It's a good day to day driver
@@popdufc4139 I mean you can get a sporty interior and a glass roof on the scala too if you just pay for it, it's not like it was standard on a basic rapid either.
Part of the reason the list price is so low is that basic safety features such as knee and side airbags are cost options. These should be standard in 2019.
Why is this car not known well in my country. People in my country only know Toyota,Honda,BMW,Mercy,Nissan,Mitsubisi,Daihatsu,Audi,KIA,Hyundai,Suzuki,Wolksvagen,Renault.
It does look boring beside a Mazda 3 but it wont fall apart like a Mazda 3 hence the latest recall where the rear view mirror falls out and most sensible people don't buy a car just cause it looks pretty .
That is not true. I have seat Leon ST and despite being an estate it corners well. As did the Leon hatch I had before it. What I would like more off though is steering feel. It's a bit too Keen to self centre. My SE does roll a little more than the FR I had before but I'll happily trade that for much better ride and less kickback on bumpy roads. I've had focuses and the mark 1 is still unsurpassed for driving fun, the mark 2 was no match. Leon easily beats that. Had a Mazda 3 and that handled worse but had quicker and more feelsome steering. The flip side is on motorway in side winds these MQB cars are rock solid
On the contrary...every VW product handles well...not in an exciting way perhaps bar the GTI or R models...but they always handle well. Even their MPVs and SUVs handle well.
Your review of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback was harsh and unfair. If you've not owned one and only test driven you've missed out. I've had mine se sport almost four years. It been a delight. Until the Scala considers a VRS 1.5 petrol tsi/hybrid I'm sticking with the Rapid.
I thought ‘In my mind’ meant ‘in my imagination’ whereas ‘to my mind’ means ‘in my opinion’. I’m a little concerned by the frequency of what I’d consider to be mistakes in journalism. I wonder if that frequency has actually increased, if I’m noticing them more or maybe I don’t know what is correct grammar or not; maybe usage has evolved...
Personally wouldn't recommend anyone a 1.6 diesel. Neither a manual. Not sure why these are made on models that are supposed to be sitting in traffic and driven around the city.
@@christianronn5301 Exactly! I've driven a fair number of cars and less and less of them are manual ... for my personal daily use I really don't see a point in a manual. Cost is probably a considerable factor in this equation as well as small cars are supposed to be cheaper and auto adds a bit to the cost.
I have a Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo, which I bought new last year, had I not done that I would have undoubtably chosen a Scala, it embodies everything which Škoda has always represented, reliability, practicality, traditional value for money, and of course, no nonsense simply clever touches!!.
I have the 1.5 EVO SEL DSG on loan at the moment, fantastic car. Engine and suspension are smooth considering the roads I drive on. Gearbox is so-so, but I've just been so impressed how smooth the car drives I can forgive the gearbox. Spec is fantastic for the money. I'd give the Scala an 8.5 out of 10.
Was going to go for the Kamiq , but the more comfortable ride of the Scala has made me think again.
Carwow on Rapid in 2013: "Ticks all the right boxes".
Carwow on Rapid in 2019: "Hatefully dull".
emilrux - Your point doesn’t make sense to me at least - Times change - 6 years is a long time in the car world.
@@dj_efk and in that 6 years the car didn't change much. However, attitudes and possibly sponsorship/kickbacks have.
That's how I'm reading the original comment.
This to me looks like a direct replacement for the Rapid
it was dull at the time but good enough. since then plenty of new models have come along and left the Rapid in the dust.
Wanted the new Audi RS6 Avant, but probably getting this.
Smort
r/thathappened
Smart choice! If you can affort and maintenance an Audi RS6 Avant Nice! But for a better economy Skoda Scala, or Octavia
Probably looks quite fine in colour, but In gray it looks like a car you loose in empty parking lot.
Lose
GRAY GREY its SILVER
It looks like a hire car from a budget agency in low spec and in a dull color.
Just plane white looks great
So much hate in the comments wow. This car looks amazing in blue with full LED headlights added!
I agree, I just tried to configurate it on the website with that beautiful metallic blue, the dashing rims and sporty package make it like worlds apart from this one, I'm not sure why the reviewer thought it was a good idea to accept this model which has the most bland options in color and rims and really don't make justice to this car model, a shame really.
5:32 FINALLY someone shows what can i put in a trunk its valuable information to see that ! Thank you 🙂
I'm heavily considering one in rallye green with the vega aero wheels. Looks really good when you spec it right.
Why do you insist in getting the dullest colors in almost all test cars?
@@rocketdreamer Was this aimed at carbuyer or is bright green dull to you
I love bright green, BRG, forest green, Oxfordshire landfields green.
..
Useful review, but I what way does the accessible iso-fix points compensate for having no armrest? I don’t understand the logic.
Skōda really have come on in leaps and bounds . It is the manufacturer to beat .
Great review!! Keep on the great work!
It makes sense to get one considering what you get for the spec but it just looks like such a moose. I saw one drive by me yesterday, the headlights are nice...that's about it.
When they release a VRS version then I'll be interested.
Skoda Scala R with 300bhp. I would
@@yeongsuma there will be no RS version of Scala. the Chassis wasn't designed to withstand RS speeds
I can confirm this as my friend works at Skoda. The Scala is actually inspired by a Vision RS concept car presented a few years ago. It featured the same 1.5 TSI (150HP) engine as the top-end Scala as well as a 102 HP electric engine which allegedly had an autonomy of about 70 km. I suppose the market for such a car was deemed too limited, on which I can't really disagree. But would have been a fun drive nonetheless.
would be nice but in my country with lots of camera's and distance camera's there is no way to use that power unless for short sprints. Thats why i have a motorcycle for short quick adrenaline rush :)
7:04 "I would actually STICK with this"
nice car, but if I wanted something that's almost a golf but it isn't, but still reasonably volkswageny, I'd go for the seat Leon.
really liked the Leon, too bad it's more poorly made than the Scala
The leon is smaller, harsher ride, and less reliable (statistically). It looks sportier though.
Seat does not offer a heated steering wheel, at least not in Sweden where they are very useful.
The Octavia is not a Golf. Only the motoring press say so because the share the same platform. It's a much larger car and no buyers would consider the two comparable. Hence Skoda now have the Scala, a much more comparable model for this segment.
Skoda with this car invented new category in auto industry: Station Wagon 5-door hatchback! :0)
My Scala is in a category "station wagon 5-door hatchback crossover " because I also have the +15mm height package.
Im looking at either one of these or a kamiq to replace my fiesta as they are great value for money,I saw a scala 115 bhp for £16500 with adaptive cruise,power tailgate,digital dashboard,keyless entry etc yet you wouldnt get a focus for that with all that on,ford dont even offer a power tailgate on hatchbacks for some reason
A foldable tow bar...awesome!!👍
First I was split between the Kia Stonic and this the Kamiq...but that was clearly explained that the Skoda was better...but then new problem was revealed...the Kamiq or the Scala ( cut the later one is more spacious surprisingly)...any opinions?
A well done review as always, I missed you guys, I hope you don’t take another 3 months to upload videos. Greetings from Madrid
Just checked and there currently is no 1.5 Petrol; also while it starts out cheap once you add a few needed options on you start pushing towards 29k+ :( seems poor value
I don't know what you consider 'needed options' but I went on the Škoda website and configured it with the most expensive drivetrain, most expensive paint, most expensive wheels and then started adding options and I had to start adding unnecessary options like power seats, power tailgate etc. to get it over 29k.
@@shroomyesc for some those are no unnecessary options.. It has to be acknowledged Skoda is not the cheap brand anymore. The only thing it is lacking (but cheaper overall) is the material used inside the cabin and the soundproofing. Besides that it is just as high on the ladder as the other brands. It's a new era and now with the Enyaq which is brilliant, it will be ahead of its competitors. VW only cutting them on technology otherwise it would leave VW far behind
I dont why you complaining about the engine 0-60 time is the same as the others diesels hatchbacks
It replaces Rapid, but costs like current gen octavia, while next gen octavia that launches in 2020 will cost more near to superb's price.... Nice move skoda, but for 25k euros for fully equiped scala i would rather buy new mazda 3 or fors focus in st trim. There is octavia ofc.
Really helpful reviews tonenhance general knowledge
Skoda’s are very good these days, but, I don’t know, I’d feel like I’d given up on life a little if I chose that car. Has the same emotional draw as a bar of soap.
I kind of agree, but also doesn't this kind of apply to all cars in this class if you go for a base (or close to) model? The focus (for example) is still good to drive, yes in base form but it looks dreadful and has the atmosphere of an unused garbage can.
@@shroomyesc Really agree here ... not sure what kind of spec they had, but it looked dull as a pile of ashes, yet if you spec the car correctly it can look quite modern and attractive.
I think base models exist just so they can brag about affordability not much more.
I think it's mostly the grey paint + somewhat cloudy day that doesn't help.
Well they are not fun cars, they never claimed to be, they were not designed to be and they are not fishing for buyers of that segment. This is obviously a young couple’s witch kids car or wife’s daily beater (you know.. shopping, taking kids to and from school etc.). Nobody is buying this to have fun in bends of the Grande Corniche in Monte Carlo ;-)
New VW and audi are looking worse tho :D
It looks like the Skoda Rapid had some one night stand with a seat ibiza.
In Ibiza.
An excellent car.
Is this actually a golf rival? Looks like a small estate rather than hatchback (I mean no reference to the SV version of the golf made here)
I really want one!!! It looks beautiful :)
Quentin Wilson's lovechild?
Why is there a handbrake in a 2020 model car?!
so we can do handbrake turns
For people who want a fail-safe in the event of electrical failure.
It may look tragic at the front, with the dopey headlights and protruding grille, it may have unflattering proportions, being too narrow and long, but it does one critical thing very well: It's beatifully targeted to a large demographic (families with a modest budget, specially in middle-low income countries) and it didn't put all its coins in being practical or cheap, sparing some thought for "appeal" for a lack of a better word, it takes itself seriously.
The Scala is not cheap so with dsg and some options it is for the midle to high income tho. Good price as it is a awsome car. I like the looks much more than the new golf and audi's honestly. No idea what the designers did with those brands :/
The front may not look as good as some of its contemporaries, but it is certainly not ugly or bland like the rapid was. It does greatly benefit from the monte carlo trim though.
I agree, in this color combo it looks dated, and it looks cheap inside, lots of plastic in the wrong places too, sticking a tablet on the dash isn’t good enough, still, it’s transport, if your not fussy about your daily driver and all you want is a turn key car that’s reliable and cheap to run.
Well dash my buttons , this chap seems to have modelled his presentation style on Quinten willson ?
Was thinking exactly the same with the intro at the start 😂😂
Is it not just a facelifted Rapid Spaceback with a new name?
Paul Burgess the Rapid definitely didn’t drive like a golf!
Nope, this one is bigger it is to be between the Octavia (which is a bit above it's class in size) and the Fabia. Basically this is Skoda's version of the Ford Focus, while the new (will be shown this month for the first time!) Octavia will be more Passat like in size.
Paul, no its not
Yup. It's a spaceback but even MORE boring. I have a spaceback sport with much nicer interior and glass roof. Exactly the same size of interior and boot. It's a good day to day driver
@@popdufc4139 I mean you can get a sporty interior and a glass roof on the scala too if you just pay for it, it's not like it was standard on a basic rapid either.
With the rear quarter lights makes the scala a mini estate car rather than a hatch that we know it...
Another boringly brilliant car from skoda why can't they make a bad one for a change always one step ahead of the competition.
Roof rails?
Scala has a Polo/ibiza mqo platform-NOT a golf/leon mqb
Where’s Ginny, Batch?
Another fabulous vehicle for Uber
The Peugeot 308 has a 470 litre boot which is 3 litres more than the Scala. They don't mention that!
Rob McSorley not a same class
@@vladimirart758 They are exactly the same class. Golf rival e.g C Segment
Rob McSorley not same platform
Polo ibiza scala have same platform mqb I think 🤔
See on wiki
@@vladimirart758 They are on different platforms but that doesn't mean they are a different class. Both compete squarely in the C Segment.
Rob McSorley
For sure-but still no match for golf gullia leon .... but we’ll see
Part of the reason the list price is so low is that basic safety features such as knee and side airbags are cost options. These should be standard in 2019.
A 5-star NCAP rating.
The concept showed so much promise... Skoda why oh why do you do this.
0:07 Something Batch Can’t Do! 😁
It's look like Skoda rapid spac back / Fabia wagon
In-depth review this video.is not, how about the engine issues?
The AC switches are grotesque
Holy Moly, is it the most dull interior ever made?
I just fell asleep just looking at it
The corolla's one Is a tough opponent...
That is the trend nowadays, the info tablet has everything you need!
Why is this car not known well in my country. People in my country only know Toyota,Honda,BMW,Mercy,Nissan,Mitsubisi,Daihatsu,Audi,KIA,Hyundai,Suzuki,Wolksvagen,Renault.
it looks like a broken seat
Skoda ladder in greek!
It does look boring beside a Mazda 3 but it wont fall apart like a Mazda 3 hence the latest recall where the rear view mirror falls out and most sensible people don't buy a car just cause it looks pretty .
The most sensible is to avoid to buy a new car.....
@@Harrythehun Thanks for that expert advice ha ha .
That road noise is terrible, its like im sat in the passenger seat lmao
A new car that's not an SUV....
Scala has got an SUV version called Kamiq :D just released
Cool
Has vag solved the oil consumption on the petrol engines ?
This has got to be the most boring car I have ever seen!
the Skoda special.
Couldn't agree more yawn fest Skoda
And boy is it ugly 🙈
I would not be seen dead in this car.
@@iam3mondootthis is the low spec that has that ugly bulb lights , the high spec will be leds that are better looking
James: ‘Driving the car blindfolded’
No one:
You've got it wrong way round, ya dingus
Wow, you got the cheapest trim to review and the dullest color and rims, i guess you wanted all the haters in the comments. Good job
@@Sto79Be Its all about taste. you must lack in it. its fine
@@Sto79Be that actually does all the work for any car.
read SHkoda not Skoda!!! :)
Is it me or when I heard him speaking, immediately saw Daffy Duck in my mind :)) don’t want to be rude but he’s funny
every vw group car rolls like a drunk in corners and is not composed at all
That is not true. I have seat Leon ST and despite being an estate it corners well. As did the Leon hatch I had before it. What I would like more off though is steering feel. It's a bit too Keen to self centre. My SE does roll a little more than the FR I had before but I'll happily trade that for much better ride and less kickback on bumpy roads. I've had focuses and the mark 1 is still unsurpassed for driving fun, the mark 2 was no match. Leon easily beats that. Had a Mazda 3 and that handled worse but had quicker and more feelsome steering. The flip side is on motorway in side winds these MQB cars are rock solid
On the contrary...every VW product handles well...not in an exciting way perhaps bar the GTI or R models...but they always handle well. Even their MPVs and SUVs handle well.
Yeah. Mild understeer usually. Safe. Predicable. Not exciting but pleasant
@@paultasker7788 rolling in corners and over soggy suspension is not very plesant.
Your review of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback was harsh and unfair. If you've not owned one and only test driven you've missed out. I've had mine se sport almost four years. It been a delight. Until the Scala considers a VRS 1.5 petrol tsi/hybrid I'm sticking with the Rapid.
Grey plastic scratchy plastic... 😱 Plastic isn't fantastic 🤯
Carbuyer now do the best reviews . Beat Car Wow by a country mile 😊
good car but way too expensive if you consider the cheap interior...
I thought the interior looked quite cheap too.
I thought ‘In my mind’ meant ‘in my imagination’ whereas ‘to my mind’ means ‘in my opinion’. I’m a little concerned by the frequency of what I’d consider to be mistakes in journalism. I wonder if that frequency has actually increased, if I’m noticing them more or maybe I don’t know what is correct grammar or not; maybe usage has evolved...
Pretty bloody dull. It looks like Skodas of old 🤮👎
WRONG. This is NOT based on the Polo. The Polo is not based on the same platform as the Fabia. Do your research better.
The major stumbling block of this car is her price!
Which rival / equivalent car would you buy instead?
Looks horrible in comparison with the Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla
Ah but looking at the demographic of the Mazda or Toyota, I'm guessing we'll differ.
Trying too hard to be Quentin young man. Get your own style........
Looks dull and dated already
Big boot, and they will be everywhere - Perfect car for thieves. :-D
Trousers are not matching with the car, Batch! What is happening!?
Personally wouldn't recommend anyone a 1.6 diesel. Neither a manual. Not sure why these are made on models that are supposed to be sitting in traffic and driven around the city.
@@christianronn5301 Exactly! I've driven a fair number of cars and less and less of them are manual ... for my personal daily use I really don't see a point in a manual.
Cost is probably a considerable factor in this equation as well as small cars are supposed to be cheaper and auto adds a bit to the cost.
Boring, insipid, utilitarian and the car's dull as well.
I.00 engine, with a MASSIVE turbo. That screems at 70. Utter rubbish.
Kudos to Batch. To review a car this dull and maintain any enthusiasm is admirable. Keep the scummy Skoda, I’d rather catch the bus, or dysentery
Lets look at the styling .. I'm out. 🙈 🤮
So it has a ding-dong coming out of the back bumper? (Sorry Skoda)
This car is a BENGER !!!
its a Bit of HIT & MISS for me
The from looks horrible
Zzzzzzzzz, such a dull car.
I'd buy this car if I was deeply depressed.
This is the ugliest A3 sportback I have ever seen.
You can definitely easily spot a paid review. But truly its a sensible piece of dung and a dishrag has more character than this.
still take golf or focus i never listen to car buyer or auto express they have worst revers every
take a Ceed3 if you want the best
@@Ciolan ceed is not the best I still take a focus or a golf or a Corolla
@@Ciolan in no way is ceed better
@@williamdeasy7507 , You are clueless!
@@williamdeasy7507 , Way.
Generally speaking Skoda scala sucks
You suck dude.
very ugly car, should be given to Walter White
That is a really ugly, dull and boring looking car.
That is the dullest car I have ever seen.
Absolutely horrible design. Reminds me of hideous cars from the 80s
my god, the uglyest car in years. Plus, its a fucking Škoda! Lol
Crap quality interior.
Uggly car.
The word "ugly" has one "g" in it.