The UK’s forgotten hatchback - Skoda Scala Facelift Review 2024 UK (Road test)

Should we follow the rest of Europe and start paying for attention to the SKODA SCALA? Tish shows you around the 2024 Monte Carlo edition.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
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[@AutoSocialUK]

Apologies for not clearing this within the video but the car I am presenting is a top spec 1.5 auto Mote Carlo but the car that I am driving is the 1.0 manual. Unfortunately I was last to pick the car I got to drive 😂 few more subscribers until I can top the importance pile yet!

[@Tjcars100]

It’s okay

[@itsmikedev]

I noticed even the top-spec Monte Carlo in this video didn't have a sunroof, which is meant to be standard, and I watched other reviewers' videos in a blue MC, which also didn't have one. Both the UK and German markets seem to advertise the sunroof as standard equipment - is this not the case? Or did they just not fit it onto these press vehicles for some weird reason?

[@roboliver9980]

Actually prefer that is the model you drove as to be honest that’s more likely to be the car that families would buy. Those considering the Monte Carlo would probably swap to a different brands lower spec but more prestigious model.

[@iannoble4854]

@@itsmikedev The monte Carlo comes with a fixed Panoramic glass roof.

[@Richard_____]

I currently have a Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo and it's a brilliant car. I love it. It's just a shame people are such badge snobs and still live in the past. Anyone who still thinks Skoda's aren't great cars, clearly don't know very much about cars. Great review! 👏

[@mlx39996]

or… they might just have different opinions? my skoda fabia only has one cup holder

[@Richard_____]

I take it you have an older model then? Exactly my point about living in the past and not looking at how good their cars are now.

[@mlx39996]

@@Richard_____ its a 2018 model, hardly the past. pretty much every other car in its class and year has at least two cup holders. also, there is no center console storage compartment. the stereo unit also doesn’t support the installation of a reverse camera, which is very frustrating. the bonnet release is on the passenger side for some reason? it also handles potholes and bumps horribly. i was half joking when i wrote that comment because i do love my car and got it for a great deal but if people don’t like skodas, its probably just because they have a different opinion

[@TheZippy1969]

I’m on my 7 new Skoda since 2016 always had Jap cars before never considered a Skoda currently on my second mk four Fabia MC amazing car nearly identical interior to the new scala

[@itsmikedev]

​@@mlx39996 I agree with Richard that a lot of people see Skoda's as very unreliable and usually gets a lot of undeserved hate. But I also agree with your point regarding the Fabia specifically - as a Fabia owner myself (although 2008 model), it's crazy how much the lower spec Fabia is missing even now. I mean, manual window winders in the rear, in 2024! Of course that's budget level, but for starting at £20k, I feel like they could've done better in parts. Although the newest Monte Carlo trim is brilliant. Though this Scala facelift is looking mighty tempting.

[@terryosborn]

Great to see you again and a petrol review, yes! Thanks Tish

[@petertysoe3832]

Hi Tish, good review as always. Hope the weather improved before you had to come back to the UK! I considered the Scala but so many items are chargeable optional extras: front parking sensors, heated seats, variable boot floor, dynamic cruise control, etc. It would have cost almost £2k extra to bring it up to the spec I would want (and expect)! In the end I went for a Suzuki S Cross which has all the above (and more) fitted as standard, even on the lower Motion model.

[@sunnygill2671]

Nice review tish bet it wasn't fun doing the video in the rain tho haha Car looks smart skoda definitely up there game now on there cars x

[@brettooops7663]

I had a 1.0 115hp SEL Auto on loan, I was very impressed. The only let down was the lane departure warning was obtrusive and had to scroll through dozens of menus to switch off any of the driver assistance systems. Nightmare! The car was powerful enough, suspension was pliant and quiet. Nice place to be.

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great quick review Tish. I think the target audience for this car is the sensible family buyer, it's smooth at the expense of some body roll but compliant enough to go around corners. There is plenty of room for people and luggage at it will get the job done in relative comfort at a cost that is less than the other VAG offerings. I think it's a great all rounder but not a master in any particular aspect. Depending on your need I think it's a car worth considering if you don't have a badge bias. Good honest motoring sharing a huge amount of components from the VW Audi Group.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. Thank you for filming a Petrol Car Review 😊

[@jeremyharcourt859]

Very good review. I have a skoda scala with a 1 litre engine and I do some long motorway journeys. No problem with engine size or power.

[@Pmjs]

My OH had a Škoda Estelle in Orange with Black Vinyl roof&Rapid 136 in white in the 90s. I really enjoyed driving the Rapid . I've been looking at the Scala 1.5T, Octavia &Kamiq.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Tish hope your well, a great review on this facelift Scala, its nice to see a modern car with a 5 speed or 6 speed manual gear box , needs a electric motor for a small engine or a bigger turbo. A 1.5 L engine may be good a decent 1.8 or a 2.0 L engine is needed good to see it's petrol engine but it dose need to a petrol electric, and no diesel option there is no need for a diesel engine for a small car for every day use if your doing less than 20 mile a journey. Not a nice day for a review hope the next one is a better day for you. Catch you on the next one, Take care

[@2011robertw]

The Scala is a nice car. I test drove an auto Scala when I was buying my Fabia SEL auto last Easter as the dealer couldn't get hold of a Fabia auto as they are rare.

[@BC-mm3ki]

Skoda is very fashionable now a days great review great car 🚗 and ur pretty fit

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

Definitely needs a larher petrol in it, would love to see a Scala VRS. Great review Tish.

[@MLife1972]

Great review. Kamiq is getting all the press so I'm glad you've given the Scala some attention. The facelift is a huge success - it's amazing how changing those awful triangle headlights have improved the appearance. Disappointed with the refinement, especially for the more expensive Monte Carlo but it is cheaper than the competition and so much more practical than a Corolla and Mazda (sadly we don't get the Focus here in Australia any more).

[@AndrewTSq]

I checked out the old Scala today, Monte Carlo, and it looks the same on the inside from what I remember from the test I did :D I was amazed by how big this car was. The front seats were SO good!. The panorama glasroof looked really nice aswell.

[@JackKing12.]

Looks alright car...I'd buy one 😊

[@Leonfr_2022]

Had one on lease a couple years ago, was a very good little car, bigger boot than Leon, Golf, Astra etc, engines that's because it's on the AO platform of the Polo and not the Golf platform. This facelift has just made it better, option of matrix lights! Would have been good if they stuck the 2.0 tsi 190 in it. A mild vrs if you like.

[@aaaaplay]

This new Scala Monte Carlo looks great. In particular the new headlights and alloys. I had owned a Kamiq Monte Carlo with the 1.5L and that was a lot fun before upgrading to an Octavia RS. I would have liked to see an electric handbrake added - there appears to be a space left for one. But I don't think any of VAG's MQB A0 platform cars (Polo, T-Cross, Ibiza etc...) have one.

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

and plastic isn't scratchy unless you drive along scratching it!

[@james9958]

Enjoyed this review. I like the Scala as an alternative to a Leon/Golf but have been put off by the lack of dual zone climate control on the pre-facelift Monte Carlo. Glad to see that has now been addressed!

[@edwardleyden460]

Good to see dials for heater and a proper handbrake get’s my vote for that alone

[@Chris-yc3mm]

Glad it has a manual handbrake 😊

[@IMAN7THRYLOS]

Hello Tisch. I hope the weather changes and you can enjoy your stay in Germany. Now, I am tempted to ask, which is better, driving in the right side of the road like in the rest of Europe or on the left side like in the UK and Ireland?

[@christopherbell8111]

Thank you for this update. I am a Skida man and wish Skoda would add a vRS to both the Fabia and Scarla. Perhaps the 190 bhp engine used in the 2 litre version of the Karoq TSI. I'm positive this change would find a keen market.. I cannot understand Scoda's reluctance to at least consider this.

[@alacarte5073]

Shame no VRS. Gorgeous car. Blue and grey are stunning.

[@binoybeen]

Could you do a video on Skoda Kamiq

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

You are right ... Scala is cute & decent ... so, an actual "Cinderella". 🙂 Those 1,5 l engines have an interesting feature ... 2 cylinders deactivation ... very useful in city traffic. Also, with a wise money investment ... this Cinderella ... exactly as the famous story/ film character ... can become ... overnight ... a queen. And I'm thinking at a sequential LPG installation ... that's 1000 euro ... plus a 96 V/20kw motor for the rear axle ... teamed with a Torsen differential + a max 10 kwh Li-Ion battery (let's say that only 8 kwh are really usable ... and every kwh gives 5,5 km of range ... that's a total of 44 km of range on a single full charge ... pretty good - I would say ... 🙂) ... that's a total of max 10.000 euro ... + a lifted suspension + larger/wider wheels ... another 1000 - 1500 euro ... so, this "boring" hatch can become a cool 4x4 PHEV ... super-economical ... and the investment will be returned in the first 200 k kilometers ... 🙂 After that ... the car will return its own initial value ... in the next 300 k kilometers. So, a clever company will enjoy these (simply clever 🙂) cars - to the max ... & their drivers/sales agents will enjoy them even more ... fighting between each other who will buy them ... when the company decides to sell them. 😉

[@borisi6342]

No, I have Scala sith 1.0 liter engine - it is mooore than enough even for long travels. What is your speed limit ? 300?

[@sharonec5419]

I think the Scalas biggest problem at least here in Irelabd is price. Its priced to close to the Octavia and Golf. It needs to be eitger more refined or cheaper to compete and get more buyers.

[@ianrobinson68]

I’m of an age when Skoda was a joke brand , those of a similar age remember the joke why do Skoda’s have heated rear windows ?, to keep your hands warm when you push it. However I do really like them a lot now especially this one. Not the fake SUV’s but their hatchback, saloons and estates. They seem to get it right in the style department. Not cheap new anymore but still reasonable but used they make a lot of sense.

[@julianroberts5407]

Was it necessary to mention an ancient, unfunny 'joke'?

[@ianrobinson68]

@@julianroberts5407 The fact that I did mention it , I must have thought it was necessary. If the ancient unfunny joke caused offence then I sincerely apologise for any distress caused by my sense of humour from a bygone age.

[@ST-ur7oh]

What an arse comment. Skoda was one of the best players qualify motor manufacturers long before communism and your idiot jokes took over

[@nigelturner3251]

Great review Tish Love the Scala and glad to see the Monte Carlo now gets climate control and not the poverty spec from last years model. I agree, if you are calling your car Monte Carlo then at least offer a bigger engine or higher output, that said, the C02 police won’t like it.

[@nigelturner3251]

Unfortunately UK models do not come with a virtual pedal for the boot as my dealer has just informed me.They are offering a £400 compensation payment to make amends.

[@plechaim]

Looks quite nice though i prefer analogue dials

[@jeremylister89]

Any wet belts on these engines? And holy s***. A handbrake?👍👍👍👍yay!!!

[@paulcarter4115]

The car needs a full hybrid system and a larger engine, good review. 👍👍

[@MrHabushi]

The previous model always looked a bit awkward to me but this new one looks great. A vRS version with a bit more power and kit could be a really interesting alternative to the likes of the Leon FR etc.

[@AutoSocialUK]

It certainly would although I just don’t think there is enough demand in the first place for there to be a vRS unfortunately, maybe outside of the UK but we never get anything fun anymore 🥲

[@MrHabushi]

@@AutoSocialUK So true, been eyeing up possible candidates to replace my Leon FR lately and seeing what other Euro markets get from the likes of Honda, KIA etc that the UK doesn't has made me quite envious!

[@user-hs8ut9zy4u]

Great looking car, Skoda are really on top of their game these days. Great review thank you Tish. I hope you got dried out after that one.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Filmed the Kamiq video after this one….. I eventually dried out on the plane home 😂

[@user-hs8ut9zy4u]

Thats dedication for you Tish. 🙂

[@noelcahill6707]

There should be a 2ltr petrol engine i get that its seen as a family car so ya drop the diesel but mazda are the only company that is no down grading there engines

[@ski.slime.go.slatty]

This looks like the previous Leon with parts from the newer Leon added , not a fan off the new Leon vag group don’t seem to know what they are at nowadays as seat was the sporty slightly cheaper version off vw, and Skoda when it comes to the superb and Octavia are brilliant cars even the Fabia if you don’t care about an under powered car, the 1.0 engines in the vag platform are dangerously slow as you really need to floor it when going onto the motorway or at junctions seat had and maybe still does have a similar petrol 1.0 , Anyway subscribed as your reviews are good coming from a car person your a good car reviewer and cover everything not like some who are to focused on the infotainment system etc

[@meurigjones5298]

Shame there's still no Electronic parking brake fitted.

[@keystonedriving8180]

That's a definite plus in my book.

[@meurigjones5298]

@@keystonedriving8180 that's good. No idea why it's a plus because it makes life a lot easier in slow moving traffic when on hills etc. No constant need to apply the handbrake manually etc.

[@user-hk2ih2vp9j]

What is it about car makers, as you well pointed out, that they miss the trick when it comes to providing the 180-200bhp engine that would make the car so much appealing to a huge number of buyers. For the rest its a nice vehicle.

[@roboliver9980]

Who’s it aimed at though? Looks a practical family car that isn’t an suv. They want boot space, cost effectiveness, safety features, low insurance groups. The fabia or Octavia sport models both suit petrol heads.

[@comedyman112]

Who in their right mind thinks 150 bhp isn't enough on this car? It can do overtakes with 4 adults and boot full of luggage. Jesus.. What more do you want? Gti performance?

[@kostask.9146]

I think we should have more cars like scala than suv's !

[@vijaymistry4169]

I think of this more of a Fabia estate

[@ST-ur7oh]

Golf 8.5 base spec 1.5 and diesel will still have a manual. Scala is an elongated Polo at the end of the day.

[@fuatfatihturkoglu501]

👍..

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The Scala is more popular in many Slavic-speaking countries, eg Czechia, Slovakia and Serbia.

[@AutoSocialUK]

I believe it’s very popular there right?

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@AutoSocialUK In Serbia, it ranked number two in 2023.

[@jeremybrazier3004]

I think perhaps skoda have held back from giving it a bigger engine for fear it takes sales from the more expensive octavia and heaven forbid, the golf?

[@edwinng2046]

How come blue inside red outside 😮

[@AutoSocialUK]

I didn’t get a choice of which car to drive, so I’m driving the 95ps manual but filming with the Monte Carlo

[@alacarte5073]

I got confused by this too 😊

[@markgillespie8842]

I hope thm boots were waterproof lol x

[@AutoSocialUK]

They were thank god!!

[@markgillespie8842]

@@AutoSocialUK I thought you had bought shiny hunter wellies at first lol. But on a plus point mud free haha x

[@FarmerJames07]

​​@@AutoSocialUKAnd very nice boots they are too😊

[@markgillespie8842]

@@FarmerJames07 hoy hands off her boots 😂 tish is a classy dresser.

[@FarmerJames07]

@@markgillespie8842 that she is! Hahaha 🤣

[@megapangolin1093]

Good looking car, would have been keen to know prices. Skoda are always the sensible, practical choice, 500kg lighter than a Golf! How? they are cars for eco warriors, not ego worriers...

[@Carpuride_USA]

this is Jack from Carpuride , we sent you a sample device in May 2023 , now it is Feb 2024 , you did not make a video for it

[@AutoSocialUK]

I emailed you saying the device was too large for my car and asking you to please advice me on the next steps. I will re-send you the email.

[@Carpuride_USA]

Hi Jack, I apologise for not being in contact sooner. I have the device but I have not had the time to film the video. Th last few months, the car the device will be going in has been in the garage and I have not been able to afford repairs. I have the car back now and I'll try to film the video as soon as possible. I will send the film over for review within the next few months. Thank you for your patients. @@AutoSocialUK

[@Carpuride_USA]

please check it , here is the email you replied ,and you said you will make the video soon , but we never see the video in your channel@@AutoSocialUK

[@AutoSocialUK]

@@Carpuride_USA this isn’t the email I’m referring to. I sent an email in reply to Anna. I have forward you this email now.

[@nigelturner3251]

Unfortunately Skoda are not offering the virtual pedal to UK customers. My order has just been amended, we only get the electric opening minus the pedal. More poverty spec for UK customers over EU.

[@gdog570]

Electric boot is poverty spec……..meanwhile, back in the real world! 😂

[@nigelturner3251]

The point I was making is we don’t get offered the same top spec as the EU. Why was the virtual peddle deleted? Why can’t we get the upgraded Stereo with Sub etc, there are a few more missing. I’ve had an electric boot for the last 13 years, not exactly cutting edge.

[@gdog570]

@@nigelturner3251 True…but not “poverty spec” either!

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Cars and a Cockney bird - an unbeatable combination! 😀

[@darrenmitchell5262]

It looks more like a small estate car rather than a hatchback.

[@sharonec5419]

Ugh black grill and wing mirrors look cheap. They make it look like its the base spec car with optional alkoys. Why would you want that? Much prefer chrome on the grill and body coloured wing mirrors.

[@genepatrick4232]

Great 👌 in modern technology,but the design is not that attractive and I can't see this car customized. Don't like it. Tish big shout out to you and the team for putting these cars on the map because before this channel I never knew most of these cars existed.👍👌👍👌👍👌.

[@conogrady9254]

Not exciting..the car that is!❤😏

[@simonp9075]

Yet another euro box from the VW group. Would be an ok car but probably over priced by at leat 10k and thats why my next new car is going to be the new Dacia Duster.

[@theoverlord1925]

I hate cars with red accents or stitching on the interiors. Red is a stressful colour and one i don’t want to be staring at all the time while I’m in my car . Plus this is not exactly a Lamborghini so no, the red accents are not “ cool”. The rest looks good I actually like Skoda as a brand although they have gotten a bit expensive and are not the “ bang per buck “ they used to be. Maybe second hand with low mileage would be better .

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

Aaagghhhh, you mentioned 'aggressive'. Why do all car reviews have to describe a car's front end as aggressive? Why? Who needs an angry car on our busy roads!

[@stephencrowther524]

Car reviewers often seem to live on a different planet,obsessed with scratchy plastic and design cues !

[@NedNew]

Please go easy on the fizzy drinks.

[@BarryCorbett-bs5ru]

VW POLO THATS ALL

[@stephencooper2507]

Still looks all fuddy & duddy

[@Koulis_]

I can see why it's forgotten.

[@rothsteina]

Great car ruined by powertrains. 1.0L, how can anyone seriusly consider this as a golf or a3 contender when it has the pulling power of 2 horses. Skoda. Pity.

[@AutoSocialUK]

The golf has the option of the same engine 😅

[@ampm9771]

Skoda should have stuck with Fabia combi. This hideous car is basically Fabia Combi. What useless and hideous car. What would you buy Scala when you can buy a Golf?

[@julianroberts5407]

VW Golf? Yawn, yawn!!

[@ampm9771]

@@julianroberts5407 What? Golf is just one of the many better alternatives. Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, BMW 118, Honda Civic, Opel Astra, Renault Megane...etc And you know what's the worst thing about Scala? That it's not even cheap to say ok it costs less.

[@MrHabushi]

​@@ampm9771 The Scala isn't competing with the 1 Series. All of those are significantly more expensive.

[@ampm9771]

@MrHabushi No they aren't, base model scala is cheaper, but worth nothing with that 1.0l engine and low level equipment. If you set it up qith 1 series equipment, it'll be the same price. Do you know why Scala is several hundred Kgs lighter than the Golf?

[@MrHabushi]

@@ampm9771 Not sure what your point is, people on a lesser budget will buy the cheaper car, in this case the Scala or similar.

[@davidpeacock5912]

You given it the wrong vibes. People now will be buying the Focus, how sad.

[@AutoSocialUK]

What?? 😂😂😂 also, Ford announced in 2022 that manufacture of the Focus will cease in 2025.