Used Skoda Scala 2019-present review

Size isn't everything, as the Skoda Scala proves. It's all well and good being able to fit 11 suitcases into the boot of a Skoda Octavia, but not everyone's family is that indecisive when it comes to holiday packing.

That's where the Scala comes in, which is still highly practical and excellent value for money, but doesn't have an enormous rear end that makes it difficult to park in a multi storey.

Engines & Performance: The Scala offers a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The entry-level 1.0-litre turbo, with 94bhp, is perky enough, but the 113bhp version has a bit more overtaking urge, along with a six-speed gearbox for more refined motorway cruising.

This engine was replaced by a 109bhp 1.0 TSI 110 unit in 2020. The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine is pretty swift and very refined, while the 113bhp 1.6 diesel is good for those who cover an annual mileage that would put a taxi firm to shame.

Ride & Handling: Where the Scala excels is in being a calm and competent performer on the road. It can't trouble the Ford Focus in being fun to drive, but it does do a great job of smoothing over the worst road surfaces without being bouncy. The compromise is that it can feel a little floaty over crests and dips at speed. You'll also notice more suspension noise, along with higher levels of wind and road roar than you'll find in some of its rivals, particularly when travelling along a motorway.

The Scala will lean over more in the bends due to its soft suspension, but it still grips the road well and handles very tidily, plus its steering increases in weight progressively as you turn the wheel, giving you the confidence to drive the car briskly.

Interior & Practicality: It has plenty of room in the front and plenty of adjustment in the driving position is a given for the class, but what's different about the Scala is that it has a really spacious back seat that copes well with bulky child seats and lanky teenagers.

The boot is big, too, and shouldn't have any trouble taking a pushchair. We even managed to squeeze seven carry on suitcases into it with no issues whatsoever. That's not as many as an Octavia will swallow, granted, but still much more than most other family cars can take.

Trims & Equipment: There are five trim levels to choose from, every one of which includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assistance as standard. S trim gives you have 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights and a 6.5in touchscreen with a DAB radio and Bluetooth.

Step up to SE for rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and an upgraded 8in infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mitigate the lack of in-built sat-nav, although SE Technology (added in late 2020) does include the latter, along with front parking sensors.

SE L includes 17in alloys, a 9.2in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, and a 10.25in digital instrument cluster. Monte Carlo trim is more of a styling package, bringing a sportier interior and exterior, but it does include a panoramic glass roof.

If you're interested in finding a used Skoda Scala or any of the other family cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Used Scalas start at around £10,000 for a 1.0 petrol for an S or (more popular) SE version from 2019 or 2020. The more potent 1.5 can be found from £11,000, while a diesel will set you back a similar amount. Expect to spend between £12,000 to £16,000 on a 2021, 2022 or 2023 car. Nearly new 2024 cars will set you back at least £19,000.

To keep up to date with used Scala prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

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MPG: Predictably, the 1.6 diesel has the lowest fuel consumption, at 57.7mpg, but don't discount any of the petrol alternatives because the difference isn't that vast. The least powerful 94bhp 1.0 has a combined figure of 53.3mpg and both the 113bhp 1.0 and 148bhp 1.5 manage to achieve 51.4mpg (the later TSI 110 53.3mpg), the latter being helped by clever cylinder deactivation technology that cuts fuel consumption at a constant cruise.

Road tax (VED): Every Scala will be subject to the current flat-rate fee for car tax, currently £165 a year, and none will fall foul of the additional surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing: You can purchase a service plan that covers your next two services, with prices starting from £17 per month over 24 months, or an upfront fee of £408.

If you have an automatic Scala, make sure that its gearbox oil has been changed every four years or 40,000 miles. It isn't part of the routine maintenance schedule, rather it is a recommended service. However, woe betides anyone who doesn't have this carried out because if the gearbox fails due to infrequent oil changes, you'll be the one footing the bill for its replacement.

Engine

If you only do short journeys in-town, the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre should serve you just fine. We'd recommend you upgrade to the more powerful 113bhp version (or the later 109bhp version) because it gains an extra gear ratio for superior long-distance driving. The 1.6 diesel only makes sense if you do lots of miles since it is rarer and more expensive than an equivalent petrol, while the 1.5 petrol would be worthwhile if you can find one for similar money to a 1.0-litre.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available on the 113bhp 1.0-litre, 1.5 and 1.6 diesel, but the manual is the superior choice unless you really have to have a self-shifter.

Specification

Of the five trim levels, SE provides all the useful equipment you'll need bar sat-nav. But, at least it gets full smartphone connectivity so you can use a navigation app from your phone instead.

Our favourite Skoda Scala: 1.0 113bhp SE

Any Ford Focus will run rings around the Scala in terms of driver engagement, and there is a vast variety of different engine options (there's even a semi-hot ST version) to suit all needs and desires. It's let down by a low-rent interior and clunkier to operate infotainment system, plus you'll also have to spend more to buy a Focus than you will for a Scala.

A post-facelift Vauxhall Astra is even less expensive to buy than a Scala and has a plusher interior, but you will have to offset that against poorer handling, an inferior ride, and a less practical interior.

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