With the ŠKODA SCALA the Czech manufacturer has opened a new chapter in ŠKODA’s compact class.The compact model was developed from scratch and sets new standards in this class in terms of technology, safety and design. The SCALA is the brand’s first model based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform, which enables the use of innovative assistance systems from higher vehicle segments, thus ensuring even more safety and comfort in the compact class.
The SCALA’s front headlights are flat and arrow-shaped and, along with its distinctive upright radiator grille, large air intake below it and air curtains on the sides, characterise the front end of the compact model. With its sporty, elegant design, the SCALA evokes powerful emotions. Full-LED headlights and taillights and dynamic rear indicators create accents, as do the up to 18-inch aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels and twelve exterior colours.
The SCALA’s new interior concept combines ergonomics and emotion with generous space, many storage compartments and the largest boot in the class at 467 litres, which increases to 1,410 litres by folding down the divided rear seat (60:40) and also offers many Simply Clever ideas. Its wheelbase of 2,649 millimetres allows for a generous 73 millimetres of legroom in the rear, while the 982 millimetres of headroom for rear passangers sets a new benchmark in the segment.
On the all-new dashboard, the character line surrounding the freestanding, up to 9.2-inch screen positioned high in the driver’s field of vision reflects the lines of the bonnet. At the same time, it provides an ergonomic rest for the hand that operates the touch screen. The front door panels have high-quality, soft surfaces. Warm colours, customised décors, ambient lighting and contrasting colour seams on the new seats, which come with optional Suedia microfibre upholstery, create a pleasant atmosphere. For additional comfort, a heated windscreen and steering wheel heating are available on request.
The new SCALA is the first ŠKODA to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s modern MQB-A0 Modular Transverse Toolkit. It is 4,362 millimetres long, 1,793 millimetres wide and 1,471 millimetres high. In addition to offering plenty of space, it is characterised by excellent aerodynamics with a cw from 0.29. This is achieved thanks to the development of a streamlined body using advanced numerical simulations and a virtual wind tunnel. All the body parts of the ŠKODA SCALA have been aerodynamically optimised. These include, in particular, roof spoilers with finlets, optimised air ducts for cooling the engine, air curtains, aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels and underbody panels, including small details such as defined tear-off edges on the rear lights and water collecting strips on the windscreen.
The optional Sport Chassis Control – a 15-millimetre lower, sports chassis with Normal and Sport modes, which can be activated via the Driving Mode Select driving profile selection – makes its debut at ŠKODA in the new SCALA. Three TSI petrol engines with 1.0 or 1.5-litre displacement and a 1.6-litre TDI deliver 70 to 110 kW (95 to 150 PS), while the 1.0 G-TEC with 66 kW (90 PS), which followed in the fourth quarter of 2019, is designed to run on eco-friendly natural gas (CNG). All engines meet the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard. The petrol engines are equipped with a petrol particulate filter, the 1.6-litre TDI with a diesel particulate filter. The transmissions available include manual (5 or 6 gears) or automatic 7-speed DSG.
Appearing for the first time in the Volkswagen Group, the Swing, Bolero and Amundsen systems from the third generation of the modular infotainment toolkit have a screen diagonal from 6.5 to 9.2 inches, making them among the largest in the segment. A ŠKODA sound system with ten speakers is available on request. The SCALA is always online thanks to an integrated LTE-eSIM. This offers access to the ŠKODA Connect mobile online services including Infotainment Online with infotainment apps for download in the shop or Care Connect with remote vehicle access and the Proactive Service in addition to eCall. Additional extras include wireless SmartLink+ technology, WLAN hotspot, USB-C connections and the Phone Box with inductive charging. The SCALA also offers advanced voice control.
In addition to standard LED headlights and rear lights and up to nine airbags – with driver knee airbag and, for the first time in the segment, optional rear side airbags – the SCALA offers many assistance systems that until now have only been found in higher classes. Optional features include Side Assist, which detects vehicles approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot up to a distance of 70 metres, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) up to 210 km/h and Parking Steering Assist. Lane Keep Assist and Front-Wheel Assist with City Emergency Brake function and anticipatory pedestrian protection come as standard. In the event of an impending collision, the optional Proactive Occupant Protection automatically closes the windows and tightens the front seat belts.
