New Skoda Scala priced for Australia to rival Volkswagen Golf

For the first time, Skoda is bringing its Golf competitor, the Scala, Downunder. The Czech brand promises feature-packed specifications with its three variant line-up, all using the familiar 110TSI four-cylinder engine.

Of course, it’s a Golf competitor, but that means Skoda’s small car has to thwart the Mazda 3 and offer a compelling value proposition to compete with the stalwart Toyota Corolla and soon-to-be-facelifted Hyundai i30.

To our eyes the Scala looks sharp, if a little long in profile. You won’t mistake that distinctive grille for another brand. In the upmarket trims, the Scala gains a hint of aggression with its black grille, too.

Inside the Scala expect to find a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit and centrally mounted touchscreen across the range, and Skoda’s usual pragmatic approach to interior design. There’s nothing’s out of place, and it’s hard to ignore the cool convenience of hidden umbrellas.

As mentioned, the trio of variants at launch employs the well-known 110TSI powertrain with outputs of 110kW and 250Nm sent to the front wheels. Buyers will be able to choose between a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual, too.

As it sits there has been no announcement of a Scala RS, but we can see serious potential given the Golf GTI’s popularity among punters.

As for specification, the Scala manual starts at a very agreeable $26,990 driveaway – add an extra $2,000 for a DSG transmission. 

For that outlay, Skoda includes an 8-inch touchscreen, excellent virtual cockpit, wireless charging, power lift boot, a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, Android Auto and – a first for Skoda – wireless Apple CarPlay.

Safety is impressive, too, all models get adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane-keep assist and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Moving up, the $33,990 driveaway Monte Carlo gets standard inclusion of DSG, black 18-inch alloys and front grille, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and LED fog lights. 

The Monte Carlo name is lifted from Skoda’s rallying heritage, as such this Scala gets a sportier suspension tune with 15mm lower ride-height, sports seats and a more prominent rear diffuser.

An aptly-named Launch Edition will be available initially for $35,990 driveaway. It’s a more premium trim with a different set of ‘aero’ 18-inch wheels, heated and electrically adjustable leather/suede appointed seats, larger 9.2-inch touchscreen and auto-park function.

Skoda is offering a host of option packs for the Scala. On the base model, buyers will be able to option the driver support pack for $4,300; this includes auto-park, leather-appointed heated seats and rear cross-traffic alert. 

If you want a larger touchscreen, the $3,900 tech pack adds the 9.2-inch unit from the launch edition, LED headlights, premium sound system and a keyless entry system.

As for the Monte Carlo Skoda offers the $4,300 travel pack which includes wheel-mounted paddles (available separately for $300), 9.2-inch touchscreen, premium sound system, heated front seats and rear cross-traffic alert.

Skoda’s ethos of offering “more car for the money” has carried across to the Scala. It’s rare in the current marketplace for the entry-level variant to provide everything you need but, on paper at least, the Scala does so for a reasonable asking price.

The Scala is available to order now and will be arriving in mid-June alongside it’s small SUV twin, the Kamiq.

2020 Skoda Scala Prices
All prices are driveaway

110 TSI Manual $26,990
110 TSI DSG $28,990
110 TSI Monte Carlo DSG $33,990
110 TSI Launch Edition DSG $35,990