With its official debut set for March at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show, where it will be seen for the first time, the all-new Skoda Scala is preparing to hit the Czech brand's showrooms at the end of the first half of the new year. Skoda is making its counterattack in the mid-size segment with the new hatchback, which for the first time in a production model carries over the design identity of the VISION RS prototype, with its high level of functionality as well as state-of-the-art connectivity.
The SCALA will be available in a wide range of five engines with power outputs from 90 PS to 150 PS. In addition, it will offer exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety, full-LED headlamps and rear lights, ample space for passengers and luggage, as well as many practical Simply Clever conveniences. But above all, SCALA gives an emphatic insight into SKODA's potential towards a higher level of quality and emotional connection with consumers, especially those who have not been close to the brand and who are just now putting SKODA on their radar.
With the launch of the SCALA, SKODA is taking many important steps to rise and reposition itself in the mid-size segment. Thanks to its excellent connectivity, impeccable build quality and materials, as well as its fullness in equipment, the new SCALA best reflects the brand's intelligent logic of offering much more than expected. The SCALA also appeals to young people who use the internet in their daily lives, who like distinctive style, who seek spaciousness and the best value for money for their purchase.
The key features of the new SKODA SCALA
Exterior design: the first SKODA to welcome the new design identity with an exciting and authentic approach. It is the first SKODA production car in Europe to carry the full "SKODA" logo along the boot door, creating a sense of strong confidence. Up to 18-inch alloy wheels create dynamic accents, while the oversized glass rear window available in the Emotion package gives the SKODA SCALA a unique style.
Interior design: The new interior is modelled on that of the VISION RS. It combines ergonomics and emotion with the given premium passenger and luggage space of a SKODA. The instrument panel and central touchscreen are located high up on the dashboard covered in high-quality soft foam. A pleasant atmosphere is created by the interior lighting, warm tones and contrasting coloured stitching on the seat covers, which are optionally available with specially treated upholstery. Optional heated windscreen and heated steering wheel provide additional comfort.
Engines and chassis: Three 1.0- and 1.5-litre TSI engines and a 1.6-litre TDI offer power from 95 to 150 PS. The 1.0 G-TEC delivers 90 PS, consumes natural gas (CNG), is completely environmentally friendly and is expected later in 2019. All five turbocharged engines meet the Euro 6d-TEMP specification. Sport Chassis Control is optionally available offering 'Normal' or 'Sport' options via Driving Mode Select.
Assistance systems: many of the assistance systems in the SKODA SCALA are derived from larger models. The optional Side Assist warns of the presence of a vehicle in the blind corner of the exterior mirror up to 70 metres behind - 50 metres more than Blind Spot Detect. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which operates at speeds of up to 210 km/h, and Park Assist are also part of the - optional - equipment. Lane Assist and autonomous braking (Front Assist with City Emergency Brake) are standard as standard equipment.
Technology and safety: the SCALA is equipped with LED headlights and rear lights. Optional full-LED and, for the first time in a SKODA, rear turn signals with dynamic progressive function. It has up to nine airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and for the first time in the class with optional rear side airbags. In the event of an imminent collision, the optional Crew Protect Assist system automatically closes the windows and pretensions the front seat belts.
Multimedia: The optional Virtual Cockpit features a 10.25-inch screen - the largest in the class. The infotainment systems from the 3rd generation MIB modular infotainment matrix come with screen diagonals from 6.5 inches to 9.2 inches. The touchscreen is mounted high on the dashboard with a clear field of view for the driver and front passenger and ease of use. The optional SKODA Sound System audio kit features a subwoofer and ten speakers. Using many new SKODA Connect electronic services, the car can be locked and unlocked via mobile phone and the entertainment system software or maps can be automatically updated. The SCALA is always connected thanks to an integrated eSIM with LTE connection.
Simply Clever: The SKODA SCALA has many simple and clever features, including - for the first time in the class - a power-opening boot door. The Tip-To-Close function and the electrically retractable tow bar can be electronically unlocked via a switch in the boot.
Design and Quality
The new SCALA is the first production model to reflect the next phase of SKODA's design identity, which will be adopted in the models that follow. At the same time, right from the designers' first lines or the engineers' calculations, the concept of quality has been a primary objective. With dynamic features and individual details, the designers succeeded in emphasising the visually distinctive identity of the SCALA. In collaboration with the engineers, with the SCALA they succeeded in raising the concept of quality at SKODA by several notches. Very proudly, the SCALA is the first SKODA production car in Europe to carry the full "SKODA" logo on the rear door instead of the familiar brand logo.
With perfectly balanced proportions, clean surfaces, flowing lines and advanced aerodynamics, the new SKODA SCALA combines the modern with the sporty. The front end is striking with a vertical grille and lower down with a large air intake and side air curtains. The sleek silhouette gives the impression of a longer car when the roof spoiler and sports diffuser shape the dynamic rear view.
As an option, the trunk door crystal can be made considerably larger than usual, in which case the full "SKODA" logo appears on the window itself. In addition to this window, the Emotion package features a large panoramic glass roof that includes a power-folding sunroof as well as full-LED headlights and taillights.
The innovative LED headlights and taillights shape the SKODA SCALA's signature look in the dark and are accentuated by SKODA Crystal Lighting. The headlights are narrow and dynamic while the rear bodies and fog light form the typical "C". The SCALA is the first SKODA to offer dynamic rear turn signals with progressive function and independent LED elements as an option. Dynamic turn signals are more easily seen by drivers, especially in poor weather conditions, making a significant contribution to improving road safety.
The wheel range for the ŠKODA SCALA starts with 15- and 16-inch diameter steel wheels. In addition, there are numerous options on light alloy wheels from 16 to 18 inches. The 16-inch Hoedus, 17-inch Propus and 18-inch Vega Aero wheels are completely new designs. All three are offered in gloss black and are designed for optimum aerodynamics.
Welcoming, quality, spacious interior
The new interior philosophy for the SKODA SCALA combines ergonomics and emotion with SKODA's standard of space and a 467-litre boot - a benchmark for the segment. In addition, the SCALA is the first SKODA to feature the latest generation of multimedia systems with a 'free' screen of up to 9.2 inches diagonally positioned high on the dashboard and in the driver's direct field of vision. The optional fully digital Virtual Cockpit instrument panel features the largest display in the class. In addition, there are new trim levels and premium materials such as soft plastic surfaces with great texture.
Unrivalled large spaces thanks to a long wheelbase
With the brand's signature style, the SKODA SCALA offers a very spacious interior, which is close to the SKODA OCTAVIA. This is thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,649 mm with 73 mm of air space for the rear passengers' knees. The available elbow room is 1,425 mm, and at 982 mm it offers the most "air" above their heads for the class. The boot of the SKODA SCALA has a capacity of 467 litres and is truly unrivalled in its class with practicality soaring to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded.
The expressive design language of the original VISION RS was transferred for the first time to the interior of a SKODA production car - the SCALA. Thanks to the optional Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25-inch screen, the driver has a wide range of information at his disposal at all times. At the same time the "free" display is located at such a point that from the driving position corresponds to the height of the bonnet. A distinctive line frames the 'free' vertical display, which is positioned high up on the dashboard and ensures the driver has the right view. At the same time, it follows the shape of the bonnet, while the ergonomic 'footprint' facilitates touch operation.
The all-new dashboard, with its new trim elements and front window trim, is covered in high-quality soft and foam material, offering a unique feel. This pattern will shape SKODA's style for the foreseeable future. The soft white or red striking lighting, warm shades and contrasting coloured stitching on the seat trim create a pleasant feeling of spaciousness. As an option, the seat trims are made of the excellent Suedia. For even greater comfort, the SKODA SCALA can optionally be equipped with a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
The all-new SKODA SCALA is expected to be one of the stars at the 89th Geneva Motor Show next March, when it will be unveiled to the public for the first time.
