Skoda Scala 2019 Review - AZH-CARS

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Skoda Scala 2019 Review

Å koda has completely redefined its compact car segment with the Scala. As the name suggests the brand is aiming high with the new Å koda Scala: the word 'Scala' comes from Latin and means 'stairs', 'ladder' or 'scale'. By incorporating new technology, an emotive design, a high degree of functionality and state-of-the-art connectivity, the new Å koda Scala is taking more than just one development step at a time - and is also setting new benchmarks in the compact segment. The Scala is available with a selection of five engine variants featuring power outputs from 66 kW (90 PS) to 110 kW (150 PS), a high level of active and passive safety, as well as full LED headlights and tail lights. Added to this is plenty of space for luggage and passengers as well as a wealth of Simply Clever features - making it a true Å koda.
Exterior
The Scala's headlights are narrow and tapered and, together with the striking upright radiator grille, the large air inlet positioned beneath it and the side Air Curtains, shape the compact model's front. Featuring a sporty, elegant design, the Å koda Scala is packed with emotive appeal and, in addition to the KAMIQ, is the first Å koda production model in Europe bearing the Å koda lettering on its tailgate instead of the brand's logo. The block lettering particularly comes into its own on the extended rear window that is included in the Emotion and Image packages. Full LED headlights and tail lights as well as dynamic rear indicators add to the car's striking appearance, as do the aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels measuring up to 18 inches and the twelve available body colours.
The Scala's new interior concept combines ergonomics and emotiveness with plenty of space, a plethora of storage compartments and the largest boot in the segment (467 l), which increases to 1,410 l with the split back seats folded down (60:40), and offers numerous Simply Clever features. A wheelbase of 2,649 mm allows for a generous 73 mm of kneeroom in the rear and the 982 mm of rear headroom sets benchmarks in the segment. On the redesigned dashboard, a character line echoes the lines of the bonnet and flows around the free-standing screen measuring up to 9.2 inches, which is positioned high up and in clear view of the driver.
At the same time, the character line forms an ergonomic rest for the hand operating the touchscreen. The front door trims come with a high-quality, soft surface. Warm colours, individual decorative trims, ambient lighting and coloured contrasting stitching on the seats (now available with exquisite Suedia microfibre covers as an option) create a pleasant atmosphere. As options, the heated windscreen and heated steering wheel provide additional comfort.
MQB platform and body
The new Scala is the first Å koda based on Volkswagen Group's modern modular MQB-A0 platform. The Scala is 4,362 mm long, 1,793 mm wide and has a height of 1,471 mm. In addition to a generous amount of space, the Å koda Scala also possesses great aerodynamics with a drag coefficient (cd) from 0.29. This has been achieved thanks to the streamlined bodywork which has been developed using advanced numerical simulations and a virtual wind tunnel. All of the Å koda Scala's body components have been aerodynamically optimised. Most notably, these include the roof spoiler with finlets, optimised air-guiding parts for engine cooling, Air Curtains, aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels and underbody covers, as well as smaller details, such as the defined separation edges on the tail lights and water channels on the windscreen.
Engines and chassis
The optional Sport Chassis Control makes its debut at Å koda in the new Scala; the sporty chassis is 15 mm lower than the standard version and can be set to Normal or Sport using Driving Mode Select. Three TSI petrol engines with cylinder capacities of 1.0 or 1.5 l and a 1.6-litre TDI offer power outputs from 70 to 110 kW (95 to 150 PS); a 1.0 G-TEC producing 66 kW (90 PS) is set to follow in the fourth quarter of 2019 and is designed to run on environmentally friendly natural gas (CNG). They all fulfil the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard and can be coupled with a manual gearbox (5- or 6-speed) or a 7-speed DSG. All of the petrol engines are equipped with a petrol particulate filter. The 1.6 TDI is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.
Infotainment
The Swing, Bolero and Amundsen systems from the third generation of the modular infotainment matrix are being used for the first time within Volkswagen Group and have displays measuring from 6.5 to 9.2 inches - the latter is amongst the largest in the segment - and can be equipped with the Å koda Sound System featuring ten speakers as an optional extra. Thanks to its integrated LTE eSIM, the Scala is always online and, in addition to the eCall, provides access to Å koda Connect's mobile online services such as Infotainment Online with Infotainment Apps that can be downloaded from the Shop or Care Connect with remote vehicle access and the Proactive Service feature. Wireless SmartLink+ technology, a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-C ports and a Phone Box with inductive charging are also available. The Å koda Scala also features enhanced voice control.
Safety
In addition to LED headlights and tail lights as standard and up to nine airbags - with a driver knee airbag and, for the first time in the segment, optional side air bags in the rear - the Scala offers numerous assistance systems that up until now could only be found in higher vehicle segments. Side Assist, which shows vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car's blind spot up to 70 m away, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) at speeds of up to 210 km/h and Park Assist are all optional. Lane Assist and Front Assist, which includes the City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian Protection functions, come as standard. In the event of an impending collision, the optional proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist automatically closes any open windows and tensions the front seat belts.
Simply Clever
Of course, the popular Simply Clever features that make everyday life that little bit easier are also available in the new Scala. The electric tailgate incl. Tip-To-Close function and the electrically retractable tow bar both make their debut in the segment. The ice scraper with a tyre tread depth gauge and the integrated funnel in the lid of the windscreen washer tank are both new as well.
Emotive and dynamic: the new Å koda design language and refined aerodynamics
The Å koda Scala showcases the next stage of development in Å koda's new design language that the brand has dubbed 'Simply Surprising'. Clear-cut lines and crystalline design features lend the car an even more dynamic appearance and create emotive appeal. The Scala is Å koda's first production vehicle to mark its bold identity by bearing 'Å koda' in block lettering on its tailgate. This is a debut for a model in Europe.
Oliver Stefani, Head of Å koda Design, explained, "The Scala is an important step in the development of Å koda's design language. It is not just practical and affordable for everyone which has been characteristic for our vehicles. Visually, the Scala is also particularly powerful, sporty and highly emotive."
At first glance, the new Å koda Scala impresses with perfect proportions, defined surfaces and flowing lines. Thanks to its refined aerodynamics, it comes across as modern and sporty, and has completely redefined the compact car segment between the FABIA and OCTAVIA for Å koda. The Scala is the perfect blend of dynamism, emotiveness and Å koda's typical user-friendliness, making it 'Simply Surprising' - the next step in Å koda's design language. The use of 'Å koda' in block letters at the rear, making its debut on a Å koda model in Europe, emphasises this development in particular.
Optional Emotion package for even more elegance and dynamism
The new lettering is shown off to its fullest on the dark glass of the extended rear window. As part of the optional Emotion package, the rear window blends seamlessly into the large panoramic glass roof and the black roof spoiler. The glass roof has an electrically retractable sunblind that - innovatively - opens from back to front, thereby providing passengers in the rear with increased headroom and impressive views. The wing-mirror housings in the Emotion package come in black, and the package also includes full LED headlights and tail lights. The Image package also includes the extended rear window, full LED tail lights and black wing-mirror housings; the roof spoiler is body-coloured.
Crystalline headlights with LED technology create visual highlights
In addition to their technical functions, the Scala's innovative LED headlights and tail lights are also important for the design. The headlights are narrow and tapered and, together with the striking upright radiator grille, the large air inlet positioned beneath it and the side Air Curtains, shape the compact model's front. The headlight units feature the brand-typical crystalline elements. The signature 'Å koda Crystal Lighting' on the headlights and the razor-sharp tail lights emphasise the link to the tradition of Bohemian crystal glass art. In conjunction with the rear fog lights and reflectors, the tail lights form the typical 'C' shape. The Scala is the first Å koda to offer the option of dynamic rear indicators. They are an ideal addition to the wide rear, which boasts an aerodynamically optimised roof spoiler and a sporty diffuser underneath the bumper. The side view is dominated by the Å koda-specific tornado line, which makes the car appear longer and is in perfect harmony with the dynamic roofline.
Up to 18-inch, aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels
The Å koda Scala's perfect proportions are underpinned by large wheels, which are available with diameters of up to 18 inches - such as the silver Vega and Sirius alloys. The range of wheels available for the Scala starts with 15- and 16-inch steel wheels; alloy wheels are available in diameters of 16 inches and upwards. The 16-inch Hoedus, 17-inch Propus and 18-inch Vega Aero wheels, which are all new, play a special role. They all come in gloss black and have been aerodynamically optimised to make the car more streamlined.
Twelve paint finishes
There is a choice of twelve different paint finishes for the Scala. Four are standard colours - blue, red, white and grey - and the remaining eight finishes are all metallic. These include the sporty Race Blue and Rally Green, which is well-known thanks to the brand's rally presence.
New interior concept combines space and emotiveness
In the Scala, the Czech brand's new interior concept creates the perfect blend of ergonomics and emotiveness, whilst still providing the Å koda-typical level of practicality. In the new compact model, plenty of space and a boot that at 467 l is the largest in the segment meet exquisite and pleasant materials as well as the latest in digital technology. The free-standing infotainment screen positioned high on the dashboard in clear view of the driver and the optional Virtual Cockpit feature some of the largest displays in the segment.
Oliver Stefani, Head of Å koda Design, said, "Our customers can look forward to the new Å koda interior concept, which the new Scala is the first production car to use. The centrepieces of this concept are the use of pleasant and soft materials directly around the driver and passengers as well as, most notably, the new free-standing screen. It is positioned high on the dashboard and is therefore in clear view of the driver."
Taken from the VISION RS concept study and transferred directly into a production car with barely any changes, the interior of the new Å koda Scala seamlessly continues the emotive design of the exterior. On the redesigned dashboard, a character line echoes the lines of the bonnet and flows around the free-standing screen, which is positioned high up and in clear view of the driver and boasts up to a 9.2-inch display. At the same time, the character line forms a rest for the hand operating the touchscreen. The dashboard and front door trims are characterized by high-quality, soft surfaces. Their specific texture resembles crystalline structures and will shape the Å koda brand's style in future. The low level of interior noise contributes towards the pleasant atmosphere too.
Plenty of space for passengers and luggage
In the brand's typical style, the Scala offers a very spacious interior. Its long wheelbase measuring 2,649 mm allows for a generous rear kneeroom of 73 mm - equivalent to that of the larger OCTAVIA. The headroom in the front measures in at 1,031 mm; and at 982 mm, the Scala offers the largest amount of rear headroom in this segment. The elbow room is 1,439 mm in the front and 1,425 mm in the rear.
New decorative trims and seat covers with coloured contrasting stitching
Boasting a choice of seven different, new decorative trims for the dashboard, contrasting lines in black, red, chrome and copper as well as a grey and a black roof lining, the Å koda Scala offers a wealth of customisation options. The ambient lighting with white, red or - from the second half of 2019 - copper light, the warm hues and coloured contrasting stitching on the seat covers provide a pleasant feeling of spaciousness. As an option, the seat covers are available in an exquisite Suedia microfibre with some parts in leather. The optional Dynamic package equips the car with sporty interior touches. In addition to the ambient lighting, it includes sport seats with Suedia covers and integrated headrests, a multifunction leather steering wheel featuring a sporty, flat bottom, special decorative trims, a black roof lining and pedal covers made of stainless steel.
Numerous comfort options available
A plethora of comfort options make journeys in the Scala particularly pleasant. The optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit is one of the largest displays in the segment and is particularly easy to read. Operating the Scala is made easier by various multifunction leather steering wheels, which also feature paddles when the car is fitted with a DSG. In addition to the steering wheel, the windscreen can also be heated as an option, which - particularly in winter - quickly provides an unobstructed view. Added to the heated driver and front passenger seats, the outer rear seats can also be heated. The Å koda Scala is also available with an optional, electrically adjustable driver's seat. The Style trim level is equipped with dual-zone Climatronic as standard which includes a cooled glove compartment. The electric windows come with an automatic function for opening or closing the windows with just one press of a button. As an option, a start button and the KESSY keyless entry system replace traditional keys.
First Å koda model based on MQB-A0 platform
The new Scala is the first Å koda model to be based on Volkswagen Group's modern MQB-A0 platform. This uniform yet variable platform allows a wealth of different vehicles to be produced in an extremely flexible and efficient manner. The MQB-A0 platform thus allows numerous innovative assistance systems from higher vehicle segments to also be offered in the compact car segment.
For all cars built based on Volkswagen Group's modular transverse matrix (MQB), 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 the same. This allows for uniformity in the front end and plenty of space in the interior's front section. In contrast, other dimensions such as wheelbases, track widths, wheel sizes and seat positions are variable. Steering and chassis components as well as the latest engines and transmissions can all be combined in a modular way. Modern designs and the use of high-strength steels significantly reduce the weight. The large number of models built based on the MQB platform make it possible to offer innovative assistance and safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist not only in higher vehicle segments, but also in more compact models.
Specially adapted MQB platform for the Å koda Scala
For the new Scala, Å koda has extensively modified the MQB platform - choosing the largest possible wheelbase and rear overhang, for example. The result is a typical Å koda: a compact vehicle with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. This is predominantly thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,649 mm. The total length of the Å koda Scala is 4,362 mm. The new compact car has a width of 1,793 mm; its height is 1,471 mm.
Great aerodynamics thanks to numerous details
By using the modular transverse matrix and many details in the exterior design, Å koda has made the Scala a car with great aerodynamics and an excellent drag coefficient (cd) which can be as little as 0.29. This has a positive effect on driving performance and fuel consumption. Like other Å koda models based on the MQB platform, the new Scala also comes with the majority of its underbody covered to direct the air flowing underneath the vehicle as efficiently and as streamlined as possible. The large air-guiding parts optimise cooling of the engine and their effect is balanced in such a way that they improve the car's aerodynamics too.
The extensive collaboration between aerodynamics engineers and designers can be seen in the streamlined bodywork of the Scala, for example, which has been developed using advanced numerical simulations and a virtual wind tunnel. To improve its aerodynamics, the body has been made slightly narrower and slimmer at the rear - aiming to achieve a so-called boat tail - and yet, the Å koda Scala still offers outstanding head and elbow room in the rear. With a lot of refinement and using numerous details, Å koda has significantly reduced drag even further. Some of these details immediately catch the eye, such as the Air Curtains in the front bumper and the optional Aero alloy wheels. The Air Curtains direct air through the sides of the front bumper as well as through the front wheels in a controlled manner and reduce air vortices and unwanted airflow. This effect is supported by the special, newly developed 16-inch Hoedus, 17-inch Propus and 18-inch Vega Aero wheels. Their spokes have been widened using aerodynamically optimised vanes that provide smoother airflow along the outside of the wheels whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Other measures are not immediately noticeable; however, they emphasise just how much attention to detail has been paid to this field of technology. The roof spoiler has been stretched and comes with finlets that are also used in aeronautical engineering, for example. Both of these features improve the car's aerodynamics and specifically split the air behind the vehicle. That also applies for the special separation edges incorporated into the tail lights. Intelligently designed and discreet water channels on either side of the windscreen, which allow the rainwater to drain optimally, also contribute to the lowest amount of drag possible.
Five engines and three chassis available
Å koda is offering the new Scala with a choice of five modern turbocharged direct-injection engines, which all fulfil the strictest Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. Customers have a choice of three petrol engines with cylinder capacities of 1.0 or 1.5 l, a 1.6-litre diesel as well as a 1.0 G-TEC that is set to follow in the fourth quarter of 2019 and designed to run on eco-friendly natural gas (CNG). In addition to the standard chassis, Å koda is offering the Scala with a Rough-Road package, which provides greater ground clearance, as well as with Sport Chassis Control, which allows the driver to switch between two chassis settings at the touch of a button.
1.0 G-TEC is the eco-friendliest option
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the particularly efficient and eco-friendly 1.0 G-TEC option will complete the Å koda Scala's range of engines. The latest version of this three-cylinder engine has a power output of 66 kW (90 PS), a maximum torque of 160 Nm and is designed to run on natural gas (CNG). This generates lower CO2 and NOx emissions compared to conventional fuels. The 1.0 G-TEC can, however, also run on petrol; power is transmitted via a manual 6-speed gearbox.
Sport Chassis Control with two chassis settings
Boasting a MacPherson front axle and a torsion-beam axle with trailing arms at the rear even in the standard version, the chassis of the new Å koda Scala provides safe and balanced driving characteristics. In addition to the Rough-Road package, which offers 12 mm more ground clearance, different springs and shock absorbers as well as additional protection for the chassis and underbody, Sport Chassis Control is also available as an option for all cars fitted with the 15-mm-lower sport chassis - regardless of engine variant.
Drivers can switch between both chassis settings of the Sport Chassis Control via the menu for Driving Mode Select. The chosen setting also affects the responsiveness of the electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering as well as of the engine and gearbox. The driver can choose between four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.
Brake discs with a diameter of up to 276 mm
The Scala features a high-performance braking system, the dimensions of which are adapted to the different engine variants. Depending on the engine output, the front wheels have brake discs with a single-piston floating calliper and a diameter of 256 or 276 mm. For the rear wheels, the brake discs have a diameter of 230 mm; here, models with three-cylinder engines have 9-inch drum brakes. The handbrake can be operated easily using a classic handbrake lever.
Always online with eSIM, Å koda Connect, Infotainment Apps and enhanced voice control
The new Å koda interior concept making its debut in the Scala also includes state-of the art digital technology as well as innovative applications and mobile services. At 10.25 inches and 9.2 inches respectively, the displays for the optional Virtual Cockpit, which can be flexibly configured to suit the driver's needs, and for the top-of the range Amundsen infotainment system are among the largest in the compact car segment. In addition to using touch control and gesture command, navigation, infotainment and telephone services can now also be operated with enhanced voice control. New Infotainment Apps include weather reports and news. Fitted with a built-in eSIM as standard, the Scala is the first Å koda to be always online and offers all of its customers eCall and Proactive Service.
In the Å koda Scala, the individually customisable Virtual Cockpit, which is available as an option to replace the round, analogue instruments and the 3.5-inch monochrome multifunctional Maxi DOT display, offers the driver a choice of five different views. The Classic layout displays both a large speedo and rev counter, whilst the Extended layout integrates the map from the Amundsen navigation system on a large scale. The view can also be set to the Basic, Modern and Sport layouts. Just like the Virtual Cockpit with its 10.25-inch display, the Amundsen infotainment system boasts one of the largest screens in the segment - a 9.2-inch touchscreen with a glass front. In addition to 3D navigation, it offers a 64-GB SSD hard drive for storing maps and an optional Wi Fi hotspot. Amundsen is always combined with the Virtual Cockpit. All of the system's functions can be controlled using the touchscreen, gesture commands or enhanced voice control.
Enhanced voice control understands fluently spoken, entire sentences
Enhanced voice control can be activated by simply addressing it; no need to push a button or do anything else. The enhanced voice control feature understands fluently spoken, entire sentences, and can assign them to topics and take action accordingly. When asked, it can navigate the user to a specific destination, pick out their favourite music or write out text messages dictated to it. This already works in six languages - English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Czech. Enhanced voice control is supported online when necessary, allowing it to even understand difficult dialects. To answer the driver's questions, the system accesses existing information provided by Å koda, as well as from external providers.
The driver can interrupt a dialogue at any time or ask a new question without having to wait for a full answer. This means the system can process requests more quickly. To create an atmosphere resembling that of natural speech as much as possible, the sound of the radio or media player is not completely muted during a dialogue - the volume is just turned down.
The enhanced voice control's capabilities are continuously being improved and expanded. In future for example, it will be able to set some vehicle functions or respond even more flexibly to entire sentences, even making a sort of digital small talk possible. What's more, it is conceivable that in future the enhanced voice control feature can also be used outside of the vehicle in other Å koda domains such as in mobile or web applications or in the online configurator.
Latest generation of infotainment systems
Just like the Amundsen, the Bolero and Swing infotainment systems stem from the latest generation of the modular infotainment matrix as well. Bolero, featuring an 8-inch glass display, comes with Bluetooth and SmartLink+ technology just like the larger Amundsen. A wireless SmartLink+ version is available as an option. The Swing system is part of the Å koda Scala's standard equipment and offers a 6.5-inch display; Bluetooth and SmartLink+ are optional extras. Four speakers in the front doors come as standard; Bolero and Amundsen have another four speakers in the rear doors, giving a total of eight. The Å koda Sound System, which is available if desired for Bolero and Amundsen, has an output of 405 watts, a central speaker on the instrument panel and a subwoofer in the boot.
Supreme connectivity
The Scala provides state-of-the-art - wired or wireless - connectivity. One example is the optional Phone Box with inductive charging. When a smartphone is placed there, it connects to the car's external aerial and can be charged inductively. Two USB-C ports in the front, and as an optional extra also in the rear, provide a conventional way of pairing smartphones or other electronic devices. The SmartLink+ technology provides a classic, wired as well as wireless connection via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink™. The new wireless SmartLink+ technology based on Bluetooth is available for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink™. All passengers can access the Internet via the optional Wi-Fi hotspot.
Always online with an eSIM as standard
The Scala is the first Å koda to be always online thanks to an eSIM built-in as standard; it is also the first of the brand's cars to come with the latest generation of mobile online services, including individual Infotainment Apps for various online options and extra functions. Using the eSIM, the Scala establishes a high-speed, LTE Internet connection, meaning there is no longer any need for an additional SIM card or a tethered connection via a smartphone. In the Å koda Scala, the eSIM supports the functionality of eCall and Proactive Service. Mandatory in the EU, eCall automatically makes an emergency call in the event of an accident, but it can also be activated manually at any time. If an accident occurs, Proactive Service relays the vehicle's position as well as information about its status, for example. Apart from that, it can keep the Å koda Scala in contact with the garage, allowing service notifications to be relayed, service appointments to be scheduled or relevant data to be transmitted in the event of a breakdown. Each time the ignition is switched off; the Vehicle Health Report function now automatically saves all of the information about the condition of the Scala, which can be accessed via the Å koda Connect app. There is no limit to the number of reports that can be accessed each month. Via Info Call, a Å koda hotline can be reached at any time for questions about the car. The navigation maps can now also be updated automatically 'over the air', as frequently as desired. There is therefore no need to visit a garage.
Remote vehicle access via the Å koda Connect app or web portal
Every owner benefits from remote access to their Scala via the redesigned Å koda Connect app for mobiles and smartwatches or the Å koda Connect web portal. They can use the Lock & Unlock function to lock and unlock the car and check whether all of the car's windows are closed - all from a distance. The redesigned Å koda Connect app offers more personalisation. The user can, for instance, set up shortcuts or change the order of services. While on the go or from their own living room, car owners can find out how much fuel is left in the tank, or view and archive other vehicle and driving data such as the car's mileage or the speeds it has travelled at.
Furthermore, modern connectivity enables the Scala to send the owner a push notification if it has been stolen, leaves a predefined area or exceeds a certain speed. Remote access also provides information about where the car is parked or makes it possible to activate the Å koda Scala's horn and indicators at the touch of a button - very handy for finding the car in a large car park. Should the Time Manager function detect unfavourable traffic conditions before the planned journey begins, it recommends setting off earlier to reach the destination in time. The system also calculates any necessary refuelling stops. From the second half of 2019, the owner of the car can activate five other users in addition to themselves who can link the Scala to their own Å koda Connect accounts. Owners can even specify in detail what data their car transmits and passes on; only eCall cannot be deactivated.
Online navigation and Infotainment Apps
In the new Scala, the transition between online and offline services is smooth and subtle - passengers do not have to manually switch between the two. The integration of Online Traffic Information in real time allows the Amundsen navigation system to provide more accurate, more reliable and more quickly calculated route suggestions and estimated journey times compared to its previous generation. In the event of a traffic jam, alternative routes are calculated and continuously updated in real time. The Parking Places and Petrol Stations functions, which display available spaces or current fuel prices, are now also backed by online data.
For the first time in a Å koda, the Scala is available with new Infotainment Apps that can be selected in the shop directly from the vehicle using the Amundsen infotainment system's central display. These include a weather app displaying weather conditions for the whole of Europe, and a news app, which allows users to set up a news feed subscription from the Scala's infotainment screen. In future, other apps will be developed, which will also be backward compatible. Last but not least, customers can select additional data bundles in the shop. These allow passengers to be provided with a data allowance via a Wi-Fi hotspot, for example, or for it to be used for future streaming services.
New assistance systems and high level of passive safety
By offering a high-strength steel body, many passive safety features and a wealth of assistance systems previously only available in higher segments, Å koda has made the new Å koda Scala one of the safest vehicles in the compact car segment. It is the first Å koda model range to always be equipped with Lane Assist and Front Assist, and the first model in the segment to boast LED technology as standard for the headlights and tail lights - and with the option of full LED versions.
Volkswagen Group's MQB-A0 platform builds the foundation for making the Scala one of the safest cars in the compact car segment, as it enables the latest assistance systems to be used. At the same time, a robust body gives the Scala a high degree of torsional stiffness and great stability. Å koda uses hot-formed steels for this, almost 70 per cent of which are high-strength or hardened. These are used in the A- and B-pillars, the bulkhead and the tunnel, for example.
Airbags to protect the occupants
Should an accident occur, the Scala's occupants are protected by up to nine airbags. In addition to the standard driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as the front side airbags, there are also - unique to this segment - the options of a driver knee airbag and rear side airbags. The optional proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist quickly closes any open windows and tensions the front seat belts automatically in the case of an impending collision. Multi-Collision Brake prevents the car from rolling any further in an uncontrolled manner following a collision. ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points on the back seats as well as on the front passenger seat improve the protection of the youngest passengers.
Headlights and tail lights with innovative LED technology
Modern LED headlights last longer, are less sensitive to shocks and vibrations and save more energy than traditional halogen lights. What's more, their light temperature is very similar to that of daylight and therefore less tiring for the driver's eyes. The Scala is the first in its segment to come equipped with LED technology for the dipped beam and daytime running lights as well as for the tail, brake and rear fog lights as standard. Full LED options are an optional extra, including adaptive functions for the cornering, motorway or adverse weather lights, for example. In the full LED configuration, the headlights feature a bi-LED module for the dipped and high beam; three additional LEDs are used for the cornering lights. The daytime running lights and indicators are provided by a clear-cut, narrow LED strip in the upper part of the headlight unit; in the bottom part, illuminated needle-like crystalline LED structures catch the eye. The full LED version of the tail lights also comprises the reversing light as well as - for the first time in a Å koda - dynamic indicators, in which individual LEDs illuminate in an outward sweeping motion. These dynamic indicators are easily noticeable by other road users, even in bad weather. The brake lights with LED technology also contribute significantly to improving road traffic safety. These are considerably brighter than traditional lights and react more quickly.
Lane Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake as standard
For the Scala, Å koda is equipping an entire model range with Lane Assist and Front Assist including City Emergency Brake as standard for the first time. Using a camera, Lane Assist recognises lane markings and helps the driver to keep the car in its lane. Front Assist, which includes the City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian Protection functions, monitors the area in front of the car while driving in the city, thereby helping to prevent accidents or minimise their consequences.
Side Assist warns of cars approaching from behind up to 70 m away
Thanks to two radar systems at the rear of the car, the optional Side Assist detects vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car's blind spot. The driver is informed of this by an LED signal on the inner edge of the wing mirror housings. The warning is considerably more noticeable for the driver there than in the mirror's glass; the display's brightness is adjustable. While the familiar Blind Spot Detect has a range of up to 20 m, Side Assist can detect vehicles from a distance of up to 70 m away and thus also effectively warns the driver of hazardous situations on motorways and dual carriageways. The system works while accelerating at speeds of 15 km/h or more and down to a speed of 10 km/h while braking. It also improves the reaction time of the proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist. Rear Traffic Alert is an integral part of Side Assist. It warns the driver about objects moving behind the vehicle when reversing at speeds of up to 15 km/h - as well as at its sides at a speed of up to 70 km/h. Should the driver not respond to an initial visual signal, an acoustic warning is emitted, followed by an automatic emergency stop.
Further assistance systems improve safety and comfort
The optional Driver Alert fatigue detection system emits a warning when it detects that the driver's concentration is waning. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), another optional extra, is designed for use during long motorway journeys. At speeds of up to 210 km/h, it automatically adjusts the speed of the car based on the vehicles ahead and, in combination with a DSG, can even brake the vehicle until it stops. Within up to three seconds of the car coming to a halt, ACC is able to automatically make it pull away again. Furthermore, a maximum speed can be set using the Speedlimiter.
The optional rear-view camera and Park Assist, the latest version of which automatically manoeuvres the Å koda Scala into and out of parallel and bay parking spaces, lend the driver a hand when parking. This system also comes equipped with Manoeuvre Assist. If the sensors detect a dangerous obstacle in front of or behind the car, the Scala brakes automatically. Auto Light Assist can also be chosen. This uses a camera to detect oncoming traffic as well as vehicles travelling ahead of the Scala and automatically dips the headlights. At a gradient of more than 5 degrees, Hill-Hold Control prevents the car from rolling backwards or the engine from cutting out. The standard XDS+ electronic differential lock improves the traction on the front wheels, whilst the TPM+ system monitors the tyre pressure.
Simply Clever offering new features in the compact car segment
Å koda is well-known for its Simply Clever solutions. The Scala is no different - it provides a variety of intelligent features to make day-to-day life that little bit easier for its owners. In addition to the classics such as the ticket holder on the A-pillar on the driver's side and the umbrella compartment (including umbrella) in the driver's door, these also include useful new details such as the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap with a tyre tread depth gauge and an integrated funnel in the lid of the windscreen washer tank. If desired, the Å koda Scala can be equipped with an electric tailgate; the optional electrically retractable tow bar can be released using a button in the boot.
The Å koda Scala is the first in its segment to come with an optional electric tailgate, which can be opened and closed at the touch of a button, allowing easy access to the large boot. Thanks to the integrated Tip-To-Close function, it can also be closed by lightly pulling on the open tailgate. The optional electrically retractable tow bar is new to the segment too; it can be released at the touch of a button in the boot. The ice scraper in the fuel filler flap now features a tyre tread depth gauge. The integrated funnel in the lid of the windscreen washer tank allows the washer fluid to be refilled tidily.
Selected Simply Clever features

  • Electrically retractable tow bar
  • Electric tailgate incl. Tip-To-Close function
  • Integrated funnel in the lid of the windscreen washer tank
  • Ice scraper in the fuel filler flap with a tyre tread depth gauge
  • Misfuel protection
  • Two front and rear USB ports
  • Ticket holder on the A-pillar on the driver's side
  • Folding backrest of the front passenger seat
  • Folding tray tables on the front seatbacks
  • Pull-down armrest with tray function in the rear
  • Resting position for the rear seatbelts
  • Glasses compartment
  • Multimedia holder (incl. slot for keys and coins)
  • Umbrella compartment (incl. umbrella) in the driver's door
  • Storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats