Skoda says that with a new character, new technology and a new name, the Scala “completely redefines the compact car segment” for the Czech brand. The name ‘Scala’ comes from the Latin for ‘stairs’ or ‘ladder’. The hatchback transfers the design language of the VISION RS concept study into a production vehicle for the first time. A selection of five engine variants is available. The Scala will be launched onto the market in the first half of 2019.

Skoda CEO, Bernhard Maier, said, “We are starting a new chapter in Skoda’s compact car range with the new Skoda Scala. It is an all-new model that sets benchmarks within its segment in terms of technology, safety and design. The Scala perfectly embodies the Skoda-typical ‘smart understatement’. We’re convinced that the Scala has the best chance of redefining the A segment for Skoda.”

The Scala is the first Skoda to implement the next development stage of the brand’s design language, and the first production vehicle in Europe to bear ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering across its tailgate instead of the Skoda logo. The new interior is based on the VISION RS concept study.

There are three 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre TSI engines and a 1.6-litre TDI. The 1.0 G-TEC, which is designed to run on environmentally friendly natural gas (CNG), will follow later in 2019. The five turbo engines fulfil the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.

The Sport Chassis Control is available as an option – a chassis that can be switched between ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes via Driving Mode Select.

Skoda Head of Design, Oliver Stefani, said, “The Scala is an important step in the further development of the Skoda design language. Not only is it a car that is practical and within reach for everybody – as you’ve come to expect from our cars – but it’s also visually extremely powerful, sporty and very emotive.”

As an alternative to the standard tailgate, the car can be ordered with an extended rear window. In this case, the ‘Skoda’ lettering is featured on the window itself. In addition to the extended rear window, the Emotion package comes with a large panoramic glass roof including an electrically retractable sunblind as well as full-LED headlights and tail lights.

Skoda says the Scala offers a very spacious interior, which comes close to that of the Octavia. This is thanks to its long wheelbase measuring 2,649 mm, which allows for a generous rear kneeroom of 73 mm. The elbowroom in the rear is 1,425 mm; at 982 mm, the rear headroom is the most spacious in this segment. The Scala has a boot capacity of 467 l – also giving it the largest boot in its segment. This increases to 1,410 l with the rear seats folded down.

The new Scala is the first Skoda based on Volkswagen Group’s state-of-the-art MQB A0 platform. The MQB is a uniform basis for numerous different cars. The company says the modular transverse matrix makes extremely flexible and efficient production possible, thus allowing numerous innovative assistance systems from higher vehicle segments to also be offered in the compact car segment.

A feature of the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) is that the installation position of the transverse engines, which are tilted slightly forward, and the distance from the middle of the front wheels to the pedals are always the same. This allows for uniformity in the front end across all models and plenty of space in the interior’s front section. Other dimensions such as wheelbases, track widths, wheel sizes and seat positions are variable. Engines, transmissions, steering and chassis components can all be used in a modular way and combined in various ways. The MQB significantly contributes to keeping the weight down thanks to its use of modern designs and high-strength steel.

Skoda says that thanks to the large number of MQB models, it is possible to not only offer innovative assistance and safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control or proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist in higher vehicle segments, but also in smaller models. Skoda has made comprehensive adjustments to the platform for the new Scala, which include using the longest possible wheelbase and rear overhang.

The new Skoda Scala comes with a choice of five different engines. They all feature direct injection as well as a turbocharger and, of course, fulfil the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. For the Scala, Skoda is offering three petrol engines with a cylinder capacity of 1.0 or 1.5 litres as well as a 1.6-litre diesel. A 1.0 G-TEC that is designed to run on environmentally friendly natural gas (CNG) will follow later in 2019. All engines come with brake energy recovery and Stop/Start technology; the 1.5 TSI is also equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT).

The four-cylinder 1.6 TDI has a power output of 85 kW (113 bhp) and generates 184 ft lb of torque. Fitted with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and a diesel particulate filter as standard, it fulfils the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. In this efficient diesel engine, a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard controls the traction; a 7-speed DSG is available as an option.