[Gannu_1]

Team-BHP was invited for the world premiere of the Skoda Scala held in Tel Aviv, Israel:


Some key takeaways:

• The Scala is the first Skoda car based on the VW Group's MQB A0 platform.
• Will be assembled at Skoda's Mlada Boleslav factory located in Czech Republic.
• The design of the Scala is based on the Vision RS concept showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
• Chronologically, the Scala is the successor to the Rapid's hatchback variant marketed as the Rapid Spaceback.
• Goes on sale during Q2 2019. Indian launch? Time will tell. Just the fact that we were invited for the global unveiling makes me think it might come here.
• Designed and developed completely from the ground up incorporating Skoda's new emotive design language.
• The Scala is the first Skoda car to offer dynamic rear indicators and the first European Skoda with the 'S K O D A' badging located on the rear windshield.
• The Scala offers a segment-best 467L boot space and a whopping 1410L space when the rear seats are folded down.
• Offered with 4 different engines:
  • A 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine producing 94 BHP/175 Nm and 113 BHP/200 Nm
  • A 4-cylinder 1.5 TSI engine producing 148 BHP/250 Nm
  • A 4-cylinder 1.6 TDI engine producing 113 BHP/250 Nm and
  • A 1.0 3-cylinder G-TEC CNG engine producing 89 BHP/145 Nm
• The top-end variant offers up to 9 airbags and a host of driver assistance systems seen only in higher segments such as Lane Assist, Front Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control upto 210 kph.
• The name Scala means 'stairs' or 'ladder' in Latin.
• Skoda chose Israel as the location for the global unveil broadly due to two reasons - the harsh winters prevailing in Europe at the moment and, Skoda is the #1 European car brand in Israel. Besides, Skoda CEO Mr. Bernhard Maier added, "Special occasions call for special locations!".

Skoda had showcased the Vision RS concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, which offered the first glimpse of a compact car and design cues for their future sporty RS models:

Pic courtesy: Skoda

Oliver Stefani took charge as Skoda's Head of Design replacing Josef Kaban from September 2017. Oliver said, "Architecture is very important for cars. We call it proportions":


Viewed from the front, the Scala looks very aggressive with the cuts and triangular facets adding to the sharp styling cues:


With those massive 18" wheels and the lower GC meant for the European markets, the Scala sits low with a more planted and proportionate stance:


A closer look at the front bumper showing the signature Skoda butterfly front grille flanked by the angular headlamps and the honeycomb-patterned massive lower bumper insert with the central air dam and vertical slits at the corners to permit air flow. The subtle use of chrome throughout the design looks real classy and doesn't draw unwanted attention:


Like most Skoda designs, the car's well proportioned and aggressive styling adds to its character:


The hood gets tasteful creases at the sides with a central bulge seamlessly terminating at the front grille:


The trademark Skoda front grille with vertical slats and a chrome border. The flat central portion houses the radar used for Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake:


A cutaway section from the Kodiaq's front grille which shows the radar unit:

Pic courtesy: Skoda

The narrow and tapered headlight incorporates unique design elements. In what is a segment-first, the Scala gets LED lights for dipped beam and DRLs as a standard fitment. In the optional full-LED version of the headlights available as a part of the Emotion package, a bi-LED projector unit is used for the dipped and high beam, while three additional LEDs serve as the cornering lights:


The narrow LED DRL strip doubles up as an indicator and the needle-like crystalline LED structures along the bottom of the unit illuminates itself à la the Octavia, Superb, Karoq and Kodiaq:


The headlight gets the 'SKODA CRYSTAL LIGHTING' lettering on the outer edge of the DRL, showcasing the brand's typical crystalline features:


The DRL dims itself when the headlights are turned on:


Halogen fog lights placed above the lower bumper insert get gloss black surrounds. Don't miss the vertical slit behind the glossy black insert, that acts as an air curtain aiding in the air flow and overall aerodynamics:


The hood features a dual-hinged mechanism similar to the Superb, which slides forward and up as it opens:


The windshield gets water channels on either side which Skoda claims, aids in the aerodynamics. A heated windshield is available as an optional upgrade for the cold countries. Windshield washers are neatly hidden under the hood:


Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs get integrated LED indicators but no puddle lights. Additionally, as a part of the optional Side Assist package, the mirror housing on either side gets blind-spot LED warning lights hidden behind the black patches as seen below. This, I believe, is a much better implementation of the warning light instead of integrating it within the mirror lens, which may not be visible to the driver due to the glare. When a vehicle is detected within a 70 m radius by the radars located within the rear bumper corner, the LEDs light up warning the driver:


The warning light as seen on the Audi Q5:

Pic courtesy: kufatec.de

The shut line of the hood wraps around the edges and seamlessly integrates with the crease which Skoda refers to as the 'tornado line', that runs from the front fender all the way till the end:


The Scala measures 4,362 mm overall with a wheelbase of 2,649 mm (for the sake of comparison, the Octavia has a wheelbase of 2,688 mm). The extended rear overhang that adds to the car's overall length is clearly visible in the snap below:


B-pillars are finished in gloss black trims. Notice the difference in the darkness of the factory tints applied for the driver and rear passenger window glasses:


Coming to the rear, the panoramic tinted glass roof (available as a part of the Emotion package) extends itself towards the rear hatch along with the gloss black roof spoiler. The 'S K O D A' lettering on the rear windshield is also a first for European Skoda cars (reminds us of V O L V O):


The gloss black spoiler also houses the rear LED HMSL:


The result is a seamless, all-black floating roof that's beautifully executed and looks the part, especially on cars with lighter shades:


The split LED tail lights incorporate crystalline design elements inside, but lose out on Skoda's trademark C-motif. Full LED tail lights are a part of the Emotion package (along with full-LED headlights):


A closer look at the crystalline design inserts and the 'SKODA CRYSTAL LIGHTING' lettering:


The Scala is also the first Skoda car to offer dynamic rear indicators as an optional extra:


LED plate lights and the backup camera are tucked away beneath the rear windshield:


The tailgate is electrically operated and opens a long way up!


The tailgate can be closed by the press of a button provided in the hatch or manually. The motion of the tailgate can be momentarily paused using the button:


The lower portion of the rear bumper houses large reflectors on the sides and a diffuser with fake exhaust cutouts. The six parking sensors are placed higher up above the diffuser. The radars for the blind-spot detection are also located in the corners beneath the bumper:


A cutaway section of the Kodiaq's rear bumper corner showing the radar unit (green colored part):


The rear diffuser also houses an electrically retractable tow bar at the center which can be unfolded by the press of a button in the boot:


The tow bar comes with an integrated 13-pin socket to power the tail lights of the attachment such as a bike carrier, trailer, caravan, boat trailer etc.:


Skoda has also bundled an adapter to convert the 13-pin socket to a 7-pin socket:


The exhaust tips are hidden from sight underneath the diffuser. No more of those chrome tips. The TDI variant gets a single exhaust pipe...


...while the TSI variant gets twin pipes:


The range of wheels starts with 15" and 16" steel wheels. The display cars wore the top-end 18" wheels with 205/45 section rubber:


A multi-spoke alloy wheel variant:


The aerodynamically optimised variant with gloss black and machined finish:


A flap in front of the rear wheel aids in aerodynamics. Pretty much a standard fitment in most Skoda cars retailing today:


The 4-cylinder, 1.5L TSI engine from the newer EA211 series leaves the engine bay packed! It outputs 148 BHP of power and 250 Nm of torque and is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed DSG:


The 4-cylinder, 1.6L TDI engine puts out 113 BHP of power and 250 Nm of torque and is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed DSG. Installed with an SCR (catalytic converter with AdBlue injection) and a DPF as standard, it fulfills the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. The pre-production engine cover lacks the 'TDI' badging:


The bolt ahead of the fuse box - screwed to the chassis - is provided for jump-starting the car in the event of a dead battery:

[Gannu_1]

Nice dash & steering. Like most cars, Skoda has got the ergonomics and practicality spot on with the Scala as well. All the displays and switchgear are within the reach of the driver. Solid build quality and the overall fit & finish is impressive:


A large free-standing 9.2" touchscreen display is positioned high on the dual-tone dashboard in clear view of the driver. A thin chrome insert runs from one end to the other wrapping the AC vents - neat touch:


The perforated flat-bottomed steering wheel with sculpted thumb contours is a delight to hold. The DSG variant comes with paddle shifts, and a heated steering wheel is an optional add-on. The placement of rollers and buttons makes it easy to navigate through the several views and options on the virtual cockpit display:


The 10.25" digital instrument cluster which Skoda refers to as the virtual cockpit display is an optional upgrade (already available in the Octavia L&K in India). The TFT display is super sharp and reproduces crisp graphics in vivid colors with exceptional clarity. At the heart of the system is a quadcore Nvidia Tegra 30 chip which enables the content to be displayed quickly and vibrantly, improving the way drivers interact with both their car and the road. Drivers can customise the layout of the display based on five different options available, which can further be fine-tuned to suit the individual needs:


The 9.2" touchscreen display is a part of the top-of-the-range Amundsen infotainment system:


The glossy glass front, as you can notice, will turn out to be a dust and fingerprint magnet! The response to touch is fluid just like the smartphones in the market today. It also features a proximity sensor which displays additional menus as you bring your hand closer to the display. Other features include e-SIM support (physical SIM cards are passé!), 3D navigation, internet access, a 64-GB SSD hard drive used for maps, and an optional Wi-Fi hotspot. The installation of additional apps and updating the software for the infotainment system and the navigation maps can be done OTA (over the air). There are no tactile buttons anywhere on the unit.

The vents get a subtle chrome outline at the bottom. The Scala gets a dual-zone climatronic unit with a white backlit display and knurled chrome dials for adjusting the temperature. Seat heating is available as an optional fitment:


The gear knob loses out on the DSG inscription (probably not a production-ready unit?). In the background, located below the climatronic unit, is a storage space for the smartphone which gets an optional inductive charging system and two USB-C ports:


Below the gear lever are an array of buttons viz. the drive mode selector for the Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual modes, Auto Engine Start/Stop button, the Park Assist and the ParkPilot toggles:


Behind the gear lever console is a removable storage unit for your smartphone and the keyfob, an ashtray and the 12V receptacle. The leather-wrapped handbrake is biased towards the driver-side:


The center speaker on the dashboard is available as a part of the optional Skoda Sound System:


The felt-lined glovebox is cooled and illuminated, and the door opens gradually with a damped action:


A unique design element - the side A/C vents protrude out of the dashboard...


...and blend with the patterned cavity on the doorpad when the door is closed:


The front doorpads get a 6.5" speaker, storage space for a 1.5L bottle with a removable waste bin and ambient lighting (with switchable red and white options). Shown here is the sporty all-black interior:


With the two-tone interior option:


The large roof-mounted center console integrates the controls for the panoramic roof's sun-blind and the cabin lights, the security system's interior motion detectors, the buttons for the Emergency Call and Proactive Service functions, the passenger airbag deactivation warning light and the IRVM:


The Emergency Call button, which is mandatory in the EU, automatically makes an emergency call in the event of an accident and can also be activated manually at any time. If an accident occurs, the Proactive Service relays the vehicle’s position as well as information about its status. Additionally, it can archive information about the car’s status as a one-off or at regular intervals and it keeps the car in contact with the garage, allowing service notifications to be relayed or service appointments to be scheduled.

The forward facing camera aids in the optional 'Lane Assist' feature and the 'Auto Light Assist' feature which uses the camera to detect oncoming traffic and automatically dips the car's high beam. The rain sensor is located below the camera:


The front seats are well-contoured with good side bolsters, lumbar support and under-thigh support which is just about adequate. Tall drivers may find the under-thigh support lacking. As an option, the seats are available in suede microfibre with contrasting stitching. The front passenger seat gets ISOFIX tethers for mounting child safety seats:


The amplifier available as a part of the optional Skoda Sound System is located below the driver's seat:


The co-driver seat gets a storage compartment beneath which is primarily used for storing the safety vest:


The front center armrest is adequately wide and offers a firm support base:


It can slide forward, but isn't adjustable for height:


A deep felt-bottomed storage space is provided below the armrest:


The seatbelt buckle gets felt lining to prevent chafing against the center console:


The pedal cluster on the automatic variant is standard Skoda fare. A dead pedal is also provided (covered by the floor carpet). The brushed aluminium pedals with the rubber inserts (link) would have complemented the car nicely:


Weirdly, the passenger sunvisor loses out on the mirror light. Seems to be an oversight rather than a cost-cutting measure:


The large panoramic tinted glass roof with an electrically retractable sunblind is a part of the optional Emotion package. Don't miss the adjustable front seat-belt in this image:


Both the sides get damped grab handles, a reading light and a slot for the coat hanger:


The rear seat folds in a 60:40 ratio and gets a contoured base on the sides, while the middle seat gets a slightly shorter seat base and a flat seat-back. All three passengers get head restraints and a 3-point seatbelt. The under-thigh support is adequate. A foldable center armrest with cupholders is also provided, but there's no ski-hatch to access the boot. Shown here are the seats with black suede upholstery and contrasting white stitching:


A reference image for depicting the legroom and headroom with me (5'8") seated at the rear. The driver seat has been moved to the AFT-most position and there is a clearance of approximately 3" between the knee and seatback. The long wheelbase contributes to this generous legroom. The seatbacks are also scooped in to liberate more legroom:


The rear bench gets an A/C unit with adjustable sliders and two USB-C sockets. Standard USB sockets would have been more useful IMO:


Threaded mounts for roof rack installation:


The boot has a flat floor with a small loading lip. The Scala offers a segment-best 467L boot and a whopping 1410L with the rear seats folded down. The boot has several baggage hooks and tethers at the front and rear for securing loose items. An adjustable false boot floor and a boot net are bundled as well. The buttons for the retractable tow bar and the boot light are also visible:


There is a 12V socket in the boot:


The large rear parcel tray bends into two parts - one part raises up with the tailgate, while the other remains stationary. A net has been provided on the underside of the parcel tray:


Spare wheel is a steel rim. With the optional Skoda Sound System, the spare wheel gets a subwoofer which the display cars had. The tools are neatly stored in a styrofoam casing strapped to the rear wheel to prevent them from moving. The flat pieces of plastic strips on either side are cargo fasteners which are stuck on the boot floor with the attached Velcro strips to secure the items from sliding around:

[Gannu_1]

Other Points

• The display cars wore four shades. In addition to the metallic blue in the opening post, the metallic red:
  
  
  
• Standard white:
  
  
  
• Metallic green:
  
  
  
• The current generation of Skoda cars come with a host of Simply Clever details. The Scala is no different - Skoda had listed about 31 features in the press release document. A few are particularly nifty such as:
  
  
  • The umbrella on the driver-side doorpad. A wet umbrella? No problem. The umbrella compartment has a drain that leads to the bottom of the doorpad to the outside:
    
    
    
  • Storage pockets on the inside edges of the front seats:
    
    
    
  • The ice scraper v2.0 with a tyre tread depth gauge (inset):
    
  
  
• The drag coefficient is reported to be 0.29. Just like the other Skoda cars based on the MQB platform, the new compact car also uses underbody covers for better air flow. In addition, there’s a choice of three newly developed alloy wheels that come with air-directing vanes. Additional components integrated within the vehicle body help reduce the air resistance such as the air curtains located on the sides of the front bumper, water channels located on the sides of the front windshield, the built-in finlets on the roof spoiler and the air-guiding parts to improve engine cooling:
  
  Pic courtesy: Skoda
  
  
• All the significant dimensions of the car:
  
  Pic courtesy: Skoda
  
  
• The Scala comes with a choice of four different direct injection, turbocharged engines. All the engines are Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard compliant, come with brake energy recovery and Stop/Start tech. The 1.5L TSI is also equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which disables the two central cylinders when engine load is low, thereby reducing fuel consumption:
  
  Pic courtesy: Skoda
  
  
• Sport Chassis Control is optional. The cars sits 15 mm lower and it gets a Sport mode with firmer shock absorbers.
  
  
• I had a short interaction with Skoda's CEO, Mr. Bernhard Maeir. If the Scala hits Indian shores, Skoda is not planning to achieve mass market volumes with it; rather, it will be placed as a niche product above the Rapid. He is also positive about the 'India 2.0' project under the aegis of Skoda India's new MD, Mr. Gurpratap Boparai. He was particularly happy about the market reception towards the Octavia RS and the Kodiaq.
  
  
• Disclaimer: Skoda invited Team-BHP for the Scala's unveil. They covered all the travel expenses for this event.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[aniyo]

Wow that's quite a deep coverage.
Scala looks good but I am pretty sure they will not launch this in India in the same body style. May be as a sedan or a cross-over.
Any idea how it is priced in Europe.

[Rajeevraj]

Great coverage Gannu. Thanks for sharing. If Skoda is planning this as a niche product for India, hope it comes here in the current unveiled form without too much watering down. A positioning above the Rapid sounds good as currently there is a large gap between the C Segment and the D Segment. Although the market is poor for such premium hatches, may work as a niche product. A product I would definitely consider.

[Santoshbhat]

Thanks for detailed coverage! Skoda is surely moving more and more upmarket with classy designs, thoughtful features and well built cars. Don't know how relevant this car will be for India though.

Somehow the overall design doesn't gel together as well as an Octavia or a Kodiaq for me. I would still prefer the timeless Golf over this one. Guess that makes me old school. Engine options are a bit lame don't you think? Maybe the fiesty engines are saved for a vRS version for later.

[ALTIMAed]

I was thinking, how can we have two cars from different manufacturers bearing the same name. Skoda Scala and Renault Scala! Am I missing out something here.

[wrongturn]

Originally Posted by ALTIMAed

I was thinking, how can we have two cars from different manufacturers bearing the same name. Skoda Scala and Renault Scala! Am I missing out something here.

Skoda might not name it Scala here in India as that would lead to trademark/ copyright conflict with Renault India.
A similar example is the Ford Everest renamed as Ford Endeavour.

[GTO]

Thanks for sharing, Gannu! Your attention-to-detail is as impressive as all the little touches in the car . Add a driving post and this could well become a full review of the Scala! Skoda is happy being a niche luxury brand in India, and I think the Scala could fit into that strategy. Won't bring in the numbers, but will be profitable & also keep some fans of the brand happy.

[anshumandun]

Wonderful coverage Gannu!

The 1.5 TSI version seems like a worthy upgrade for people driving the GT TSI.

Right now, it's difficult to upgrade to any car after driving the GT TSI without going 2 segments above. With VW having tasted success with the GT, Skoda will most probably get this to India.

[libranof1987]

That's quite an exhaustive preview, thanks for sharing!

Skoda's designs look pretty good of late and the Scala seems to take it forward (save for the triangular headlamps, not a fan of those).

Something stood out; in the engine options, they've listed CNG. Is this stop gap (to move to a slightly better fuel than pure gasoline), until pure EVs become mainstream?

[//M6]

I so wish Skoda do launch it here in India. They should be able to price it between 13-18 lacs OTR same as current Honda City and other C segment sedans. I would love to upgrade to the 1.5 TSI DSG combo in 2020. The car looks smashing and is feature rich as well.

[Turbohead]

Thanks Gannu_1 for the very detailed preview!

Besides, are the rear seats comfortable for 3 passengers? Or is it a tight fit like the Vento/Rapid?

And would you consider upgrading to the Scala after seeing it in flesh?

[NST440]

Now that is a beautiful vehicle inside out. One of the best designs i have come across in my recent web surfing. I just wish one day Indian designers could make such neat and timeless designs and get away from the quirky one's.

Really wish this to be launched in India with minimum changes inside out, however thinking of this being in the 12-14 lakhs territory seems like wishful thinking only. Anyways lets dream on. Well done Skoda.