Skoda Scala Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
Advertisement
BBC TopGear
BBC TopGear
The Latest US News & Reviews
USA News
Saturday 2nd December
Advertisement

Driving

What is it like to drive?

In terms of an innocuous, practical family hatch, the Scala does a very solid job. It rides well on the smaller wheels, goes, stops and steers exactly as you’d like it to. It’s quiet enough, the steering is light and slightly numb, the brakes strong. 

It’s even pretty good fun if you want it to be (in context, people), though none of the engines or suspensions are really set up for on-the-limit thrills, even with the optional Sport chassis electronics package which can fettle damping, throttle and engine response. Money pointlessly spent, that. In Sport the ride becomes a bit all over the place anyway.

Advertisement - Page continues below

WHICH ENGINE IS BEST?

The 147bhp four-cylinder with a DSG feels sprightly rather than fast – even if it sounds bland – and the DSG is slick enough, but honestly it’s not really the point of something like the Scala, adding cost and complexity to a relatively simple recipe.

In fact, we reckon the best variants in the range are either of the three-cylinder cars with the six-speed manual gearbox. The ‘box itself is ridiculously easy to use and the engine is gently characterful and with enough grunt to potter, even in the lowest state of tune. Excellent economy (we managed 50mpg without really trying) and general cleanliness, a relatively simple daily proposition that’s not trying to be what it’s not. 

In either of these formats, you start to understand what suits the Scala, and that’s being a rational hatch that can cover off a variety of jobs. With the three-cylinder engine thrumming away, you can keep up with motorway traffic, and with a gearbox-slash-clutch this light, town work really is a doddle. 

ANYTHING ELSE TO NOTE?

Somewhat surprisingly, the Scala still comes with an old school physical key that you have to twist in the ignition. No bad thing, mind.

Advertisement - Page continues below

Otherwise, worth mentioning that rear vision is slightly average (you may want to option rear parking sensors) but otherwise it’s a well set up, mature little car, with far more ability than power – but there’s nothing wrong with that in this sector.

Highlights from the range

the fastest

Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI SE Technology 5dr
  • 0-628.2s
  • CO2110.0g/km
  • BHP150
  • MPG58.9
  • Price£21,090

the cheapest

Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 95 S 5dr
  • 0-6210.9s
  • CO2114.0g/km
  • BHP95
  • MPG56.5
  • Price£16,715

the greenest

Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology 5dr
  • 0-6210.9s
  • CO2106.0g/km
  • BHP95
  • MPG61.4
  • Price£18,890
compare car finance
Powered byZuto Logo
more on this car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Powered byRegit Logo

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear

Try BBC Top Gear Magazine

Get your first 5 issues for £5
subscribe