Skoda aims to attract and convert Focus and Astra customers with Scala
Škoda is getting ready to replace its popular Rapid model and has revealed further details of the much anticipated Scala compact hatchback, with which Škoda hopes to go after some of the big boys in the family car segment.
As the first Škoda to be based on Volkswagen Group’s A0 MQB platform, we are told that the Scala will arrive in Ireland in June and is longer, wider, higher and more spacious than the Rapid it replaces.
The car is also said to mark the next major development for the Czech brand in terms of design language.
And, in a true example of automotive hyperbole which is common to all manufacturers, the company has revealed that one of the ‘big’ design cues of the new car is that the Scala will be the first production model in Europe to bear ‘Škoda’ lettering on the tailgate instead of the company logo. Wow.
The design of this all-new five-door hatchback was influenced by the Vision RS study which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October. At first glance, the commanding exterior exudes confidence with clearly defined surfaces and alloy wheels up to 18” in size which have been aerodynamically optimised to make the car more streamlined.
The Scala will also feature stuff like LED headlights and tail-lights as standard (with full LED versions available as an option), a 9.2” infotainment display and an optional 10.25” customisable Virtual Cockpit display.
The interior is also influenced by the Vision RS concept and combines ergonomics, emotiveness and spaciousness. In addition, The Scala will come as standard with a host of familiar clever features including the umbrella in the driver’s door, the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and the easy open cup holder.
It will offer a very spacious interior, which comes close to that of the Octavia thanks to its long wheelbase measuring 2,649 mm. The Scala is 58mm longer, 87mm wider and 12mm higher than the Rapid Spaceback model it is replacing and it also has one of the largest boots in its class with a capacity of 467 litres, and 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded down.
There will be a choice of four EU6 engines ranging from 95 to 150 bhp which include three petrol engines and one diesel. All engines come with direct injection and a turbocharger as well as Stop/Start technology and brake energy recovery.
The 1.0TSI 95 bhp petrol engine is set to be the most popular among Irish customers and is matched with a manual 5-speed gearbox as standard. The 1.0TSI 115 bhp and 1.5 TSI 150 bhp petrol version is available with a manual 6-speed gearbox or an automatic 7-speed DSG option. The 1.6 TDI 115 bhp diesel version will only be offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
Scala will hit the Irish market in June 2019 in time for the 192 registration period. Final pricing and specification will not be confirmed until March but Scala will follow the conventional Škoda trim line structure of Active, Ambition and Style.
Cathal Kealey, PR manager at Škoda Ireland, said: “With the new Scala we are opening a new chapter in the compact hatchback segment. It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design. In 2018, the Škoda brand increased share in each segment we compete. We are very confident the Scala can attract and convert Opel Astra and Ford Focus customers.
