Skoda’s new hatchback arrives in time for 192 registrations
The new Skoda compact hatchback has been named Scala. The name Scala is derived from the Latin word for steps and represents Skoda’s recent progress and success.
The Scala is a spiritual successor to the Skoda Rapid that concluded production earlier this year. While the Rapid was offered in saloon and hatchback body styles, the Scala is exclusively offered as a hatchback.
The vehicles share very little in common, with the Scala showcasing some of the most advanced technologies available in the Volkswagen Group.
The wide and low stance and protruding front grille hide the fact that the Scala is one of the largest cars in its segment measuring 4.4 metres in length. These dimensions deliver serious interior spaciousness, particularly for rear seat passengers.
Boot capacity is not sacrificed with 467 litres of capacity with unfolded seats. Low fuel consumption is assured with a turbocharged line up of TSI petrol engines including a 1.0 TSI 115hp and a 1.5 TSI 150hp; a frugal 1.6 TDI 115hp diesel is also available with both manual and DSG automatic transmissions. A lower powered 1.0 TSI 95hp petrol unit will be offered at a later date.
The Skoda brand has been leading the way in terms of infotainment and connectivity. The Scala will be the first brand in the Volkswagen Group to receive the third and most advanced generation of infotainment systems known internally as MIB3.
The benefits of the new MIB3 units include a much cleaner cock-pit as former infotainment, and air-conditioning buttons move to controls operating from 6.5 inch, 8.0 inch or 9.2 inch colour touch screens.
Other benefits include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless phone charging capability. USB-c ports are only starting to come on stream with many customers still operating devices from standard USB leads.
The Scala is future proofed with the use of USB-c ports for superior phone charging and data transfer capabilities. The Scala is the most connected car ever launched by Skoda with built-in SIM cards offering access to Skoda Connected Services. Emergency call functionality is offered as standard equipment.
The Scala will be offered, initially with Ambition and Style specifications with an Active entry version to be added by year-end.
The Ambition equipment includes 16 inch alloy wheels; dynamic rear LED indicators, air-conditioning and a 6.5 inch colour touch screen unit. The Image package, which consists of the glass rear fifth door or tailgate, will be provided as standard from Ambition.
The Style model receives 17 inch alloy wheels and full LED headlights as well as the Bolero eight inch infotainment unit.
Starting from €23,650 for the 1.0 TSI 115hp, Skoda expect the Scala to be an instant success attracting a younger and more affluent demographic to the brand. Skoda is also offering an introductory 1.9 per cent PCP to make the Scala even more appealing.
Commenting at the launch of the Scala, Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing & Product, said: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Scala. The Skoda brand has tremendous momentum in Ireland with the brand entering the top-five best-selling brands for the first time.
“We are confident the new Scala will fuel further success. The product is priced competitively with excellent exterior design and quality interiors.”