Skoda Scala - Is it better than the VW Golf? 2019

Skoda's Scala claims to bring something a little different to the family hatchback class. Jonathan crouch takes a look.
INTERESTED IN THIS VEHICLE...GET IN TOUCH HERE www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/
The Scala is Skoda's most credible tilt yet at the Focus-class family hatchback segment. Though the engineering's familiar from other VW Group models, the way the Czech brand has packaged it all up is quite appealing, with a decent combination of value, practicality and efficiency. If you prioritise sense and sensibility, want value in a car of this kind and are looking for something a little different from the obvious contenders in this class, the Scala could be worth a look.
Background
Skoda has yet to really crack the family hatchback market, which in some ways is strange given the considerable success that various generations of its Fabia supermini have enjoyed. Last time the Czech brand attacked this segment, it was so desperate to succeed that it brought us not one family hatch design but two, the very Skoda-like Rapid and the more conventional Rapid Spaceback. Now, all efforts have been concentrated on just one design, just one body shape and just one name: Scala.
The name comes from the Latin meaning 'stairs' or 'ladder', reflecting the fact that this model will be 'a leap forward in design and technology' according at least to Skoda. Of course, from an engineering point of view, it shares just about everything with Volkswagen Group contemporaries, in this case primarily VW's Golf and SEAT's Leon. But as usual, Skoda offers it all at slightly lower prices and with a range of 'Simply Clever' design features intended to make everyday life with this car just that little bit easier.
Engines and Tech Spec
Let's get the under-bonnet stuff out of the way first. The Scala comes with three petrol engines with a cylinder capacity of either 1.0 or 1.5 litres, plus there's a 1.6-litre diesel. Most will choose the 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit, available with either 95PS or 115PS. The former unit comes only with a 5-speed manual stick shift, but if you choose the 115PS variant, you'll be offered the choice of either 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG auto.
The DSG 'box is also optional on the other two engines in the range. The 1.5 TSI 150PS petrol unit's worth a look, equipped as it is with efficient Active Cylinder Technology that means it's almost as efficient as the 1.0-litre option. As usual, you'll choose the 115PS 1.6-litre TDI diesel if you want more pulling power; there's 250Nm of torque - though the 1.5 TSI petrol can match that. As usual with a compact Skoda, expect solid, safe handling; you won't be buying this car for driving thrills. Skoda suspension set-ups tend to be slightly on the firm side too. Optional is an Adaptive Cruise Control system that can automatically keep the car a safe distance behind the vehicle in front on the motorway, being even able to slow you right down to a stop and start you off again if you come across a tailback.

[@andydixon2388]

If you’re actually buying a car, these OSV reviews are brilliant. Not just rubbish about fake exhausts and wobbly centre consoles!

[@nr1pimme]

I think Carwow is doing a great job aswell although these are definetly more in depth.

[@EinkOLED]

Carwow is a marketplace for buying cars, they're not unbiased when reviewing cars.

[@chaardy88]

Agreed. Though, I really only watch a full CSV video if I've got a genuine interest in the car, and potentially could purchase. On the other hand, uploads by Carwow and Honest John are fun, (relatively) brief and therefore I end up watching more of them.

[@andydixon2388]

Just to add, I do think Matt Watson is great entertainment on Carwow - no doubt.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Andy 👍 comments like this are great to see

[@Chris-yc3mm]

I'm just glad you can get manual transmission, manual handbreak and a spare tyre

[@skodakatie7341]

I am totally brand loyal to Škoda, and have been for 20 years, I find that they offer levels of reliability, practicality, value for money, and of course the “simply clever” touches that other manufacturers simply cannot match in the same price range!.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear back from a long term owner 👌

[@johnhodge1263]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply what cost options for skoda connect subscription & insurance group ?

[@christinerobottom9444]

On the verge px my Skoda spaceback tsi 1.0 for a 2023 scala 1.0 tsi, My spaceback never missed a beat 2013 model excellent cars all round.

[@zeproo]

Finally a review by someone who did his homework !! With all the work we should all share on social media to grow this channel.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Zeproo 👍 comments like this are great to see. Thanks for supporting the channel

[@shroomyesc]

18:45 The clever thing they did here was have the blind start at the driver end of the cabin rather than the rear as usual with other cars, meaning that the rear seat passengers get more headroom and the driver can place the shade so that the sun doesn't distract them when coming from above, but still give the rear passengers a clear sunroof. It's nice touches like these that make me really like this car.

[@belizarius_997]

Once I decide what to buy, I always cross-check with this channel. Love those detailed reviews!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks 👍 great to hear we can help

[@Squats200]

OSV are the ONLY reviews you need to ever watch!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Very kind of you to say!

[@cormacsheedy3522]

this review is great the detail is the best I've seen .

[@gem2454]

Very helpful review, really hoping Skoda unveil a vRS version soon

[@therdku]

Excellent review. I own a 2015 Rapid, and I must say it is very underrated in Western Europe, but very popular in Eastern Europe because of it's unbeatable practicality/price/features ratio. I'll be the first to agree it is a bit on the boring side, but I still enjoy driving it and it has treated me great. The 1.2l 110bhp engine was more than enough for my needs so far. It is a bit thirsty in the infernal day traffic of Bucharest, the consumption going up to 8-9l/100km, but on trips outside the city I've actually gotten it down to as low as 3.9 over an 80km trip.

[@WesNG]

Very nice. Having picked all the extra options I wanted though, I ended up with a price comparable to Honda Civic. Clever indeed, Skoda.

[@peterbeck-rasmussen8514]

Brilliant review, Jonathan - very thorough and down to earth with real useful information and not just the same "chit/chat" you get in other 10 minutes reveiws. I won't say that you are fully to "blame", but partially based on your review I have just ordered the 1.0 liter 110 hp DSG 7-speed model (in Denmark) in the "life" trim - its a leasing model, so there are not that many options to the trim and specs, but it comes with everything that I like, exept maybe a sat nav system, but since it has Apple Car Play and I have a Tom Tom world wide app on my iPhone, it's not a problem (and also a lot easier to keep the maps updated). I tried both the four cylinder 1.5 l DSG version and the three cylinder 1.0 l 110 hp DSG version before I made my decision, and while the 1.5 has plenty of power and feels more rounded (150 hp) the lesser option of 110 hp is no slouch at all - not a lot of difference in terms of fuel consumption though, but some difference in price (and in the tax ridden country like mine, where cars are taxed with a whopping 150%, these things matters !!). Btw to me the "hatch/wagon" looks remind me very much of the Audi A3 Sportback, which in my mind is a great plus !

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sounds like you've made a great choice Peter! Hope you enjoy your new car 👍

[@duplicitouskendoll9402]

Finally, Skoda do a smaller car that doesn't look like it's a mobility vehicle.

[@gib321]

I'm alaways amazed at this mans professional presentation and delivery. Abolutley flawless.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Very kind of you to say! If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@stephencurran5429]

I really like the scala at the moment I have a mrk 3 octavia but will probably downsize in a few years and I do not like those small suv things which are all in fashion at the moment. I also like the fact it has a proper manual handbrake not one of those daft automatic ones also it has a good boot space so all in all it is a good car

[@JCoUKthe1]

Really excellent and very helpful review - thank you.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure Jeremy, glad we could help 👍 We supply every make and model in the UK and our vehicle experts will be happy to get the ball rolling on your new car. Get in touch here and we'll provide all the info you need: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@daviddeeks1044]

Very thorough review, very well presented.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching, David. Make sure to subscribe to support the channel! bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@kn58]

Very interesting car indeed, great review as always

[@newby783]

Great review, my wife just purchased the style version today, this car ticked a lot of boxes and fit the bill perfectly as a practical family car, roomy with a great spec for the price.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear you both found your perfect family car 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@mohabdullamed1986]

Very informative Thank you

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Mohammad, glad you found this review helpful 👍 Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@kieranlernihan3581]

Great review as always! Came across a Monte Carlo Scala in Germany. Really nice looking car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching! If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@russelllindsay2702]

I like this presenter. Nice voice. Watching from Australia. Best wishes.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching, Russell!

[@graemetaylor629]

I would go for the octavia any day

[@voldemarsozols131]

measure the ground clearance with the device ?

[@simonbilling2796]

looks great but if its fwd, what's that transmission tunnel for ?

[@aya4951]

Do you have a review for the Octavia?

[@richardmurawski665]

I like the Scala, just bought a black SE model, I love the style of the car, reminds me so much of my Audi A3, only annoying thing is the driver lane assist, very aggressive

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's brilliant to hear, Richard 👍 There should be an option in the car's infotainment settings to reduce the intensity of the lane keep assist feature. Your local Skoda dealership will be able to help with this.

[@nevillewran4083]

In an Aussie Scala review, a commenter said they switched the lane assist off each time they started it.

[@necasb]

Bravo! 10+

[@robersson63]

Why seat leon and vw golf and not audi a3

[@ezzelding1]

Good car and good review

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! Make sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@Apex180]

Sure that a space saver wheel, looked full size ?

[@dolezalj]

I think it is full size but only 15". At least my Scala has it so it's smaller size than vast majority of cars are fitted with.

[@mohabdullamed1986]

Would you advise to have 16 or 17 inch alloys on the scala? I recently bought one with 16 inch alloy wheels, but I’m considering upgrading to 17 inches.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Mohammad, unless you're really keen on the styling of the 17" wheels, the smaller 16" alloys slightly improve ride quality and comfort as they do a better job at absorbing road undulations. Hope this helps 👍

[@mohabdullamed1986]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply It is helpful Thank you 🙏🏽

[@robwales2282]

I have always owned Vauxhalls. The Scala has caught my eye, due to excellent reviews and good value. Would a Scala be more expensive for parts and servicing than an Astra? I am looking to replace my 2010 Astra, this is my third Astra. Thanks

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

It's great to hear that you've been a loyal Vauxhall owner! Newer Scala models may have advantages, but the Astra's popularity can lead to competitive pricing. For precise estimates, reach out to a local Vauxhall & Skoda dealership or mechanic to make an informed decision.

[@christinerobottom9444]

Wouldn't trust a vauxhall technician to service my mountain bike.

[@ChrisLitton]

As someone who never owned a golf, now I am a family man I would consider the Skoda Scala as I like value for money.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Chris, if you'd like to explore pricing for the Scala be sure to get in touch with our vehicle experts on 01903 538835 or book a date/time to chat here: bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@revirdkcalb]

On the used car market, the Ford Focus is a real threat to the Scala I found. The later models are more practical than before and looks and drives much better. Even the Renault Megane and Kia Ceed can also get involved and might be arguably better choices than the Scala.

[@sequentialgear]

It's a very expensive car in Portugal, in direct comparison with a Focus or a Ceed, not competitive at all.

[@davidvestey6014]

Slightly confused...you say this is Skoda’s first Golf rival (um, apart from the Golf based Octavia presumably) then keep telling us it’s on a polo platform. So is it Golf/Astra /Focus sized or not?

[@davidvestey6014]

Sorry, you almost got there at 26 minutes...Scala has bigger boot and more legroom...I’m hanging on to hear about the width and overall size...

[@silviusas5309]

Hi what would you choose between Opel Astra Skoda scala skoda kamiq vw golf Seat Leon kia ceed kia stonic Renault captur Hyundai Elantra hyundai kona Opel Crossland x suzuki vitara ?:) thanks

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hey Silviu, wow that's a lot to choose from! It would be worth talking this through with one of our vehicle experts - they will help find you the car that meets all your requirements 👍 www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/

[@silviusas5309]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply ok thanks

[@christinerobottom9444]

Kamiq​@@OsvUkVehicleSupply

[@jimviv6030]

I have a headache after trying to follow the options list. Worryingly un Skoda-ish nonsense.

[@christophercooke9093]

Clearly biased towards the focus, always picking faults with the seat's, the seat leon also has soft touch plastic on the dashboard.

[@NotstarvinMarvin]

People calling it ugly or bland.. well this is not a top trim and its missing some exterior things that could make it look better..

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, are you looking for a new car at the moment? Perhaps interested in the Scala?

[@johnrees8322]

So is it better than a Golf, or not?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi John, one of our Vehciel Specialists can help you decide by answering any questions and exploring your options 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a date/time to chat on our website: bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@Snapit551]

Skoda customers are mostly men over 40 years old and practically is always prioritised over looks

[@Victor-DOOM]

Nice car I like skoda its a bit of a put off keep putting up a picture of ford scrap though.

[@maxsteelMountainLover]

21:02 newcastle!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

👌👌👌

[@spaglemon]

Why do you keep referring to the Octavia as being a hatch ?

[@Gio-qz3ve]

its called a hatchback cause the boot opens with the rear window

[@vertoRr]

Where did you get that scala means stairs? :D Scala with K instead of C means ROCK

[@TG-pd3ft]

Unfortunately it looks like something from the 1980's... Much too conservative , it looks dated already. Also I see you mention that's the 1.5 TSi petrol is 'hesitant' and perhaps you should be aware that this engine has a well documented issue in this respect and as such is to be treated with caution.

[@Ciolan]

Design is a matter of taste after all. I find it new and refreshing for a car, i think the young audience will love it. I should know, I'm 30 and I'm a graphics designer :)) Also, the car just won the RedDot Award this year.... so you might wanna rethink you ideas of knowledge based design, just a tip :)

[@scoopermg8226]

Looks a dull design to me and I'm 47!

[@vuckomrakic3760]

Design isn't important like quality of a car

[@Ciolan]

@@scoopermg8226 , Well, you're old. And like i said, they won the RedDot award for best design in class. I'd say its a safe design, young design.

[@scaryfear21]

@@scoopermg8226 You know, Skoda is not a brand mainly focused on design and poshness. You better have a look at mini in case you're looking for a head turner.

[@evanrad]

Feel like this video is too long for a car review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We have a short 7 minute version being uploaded tomorrow 👍

[@scoopermg8226]

Better boring than shit, I suppose.

[@mrerik7206]

It si a german brand ... Skoda owns Germans.

[@muratkelleci2758]

so cheap lookin dacia like car another avarage 4 wheeled square cheap car from germans!!

[@miele939]

SCALA just looks ugly unlike new Fabia new Octavia and Superb not to mention their suv,s. They simply got the styling wrong

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, are you looking for a new car at the moment?

[@davidsommen1324]

Why still make a car with an internal combustion engine? It's 2019, for crying out loud.

[@EpicWaterDrop]

Because not everybody has the money for an electric car? And electric cars don't have close or equal range yet? Duh.

[@michaeld5888]

Its 2023 now and the EV infrastructure has still not got its act together or the prices affordable. Plus watching EVs starting and continuing to burn when completely submerged after roll back at boat ramps for example is alarming to say the least.