Skoda's best-kept secret! 2024 Skoda Scala review

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

The change in Skoda over the years is spectacular. They've gone from joke to genuinely some of the best cars on the road.

[@julianroberts5407]

Skoda are a brand with an exceptional and rich history. VW clearly recognised this fact, which is why they decided to invest so heavily in Skoda during the early 1990s

[@DontPanicDear]

They were only a joke here, because Iron Curtain Soviet era cars were shite. Skoda were an innovative manufacturer before the damn ruskies ruined everything.

[@cristit9328]

I would say that the first model of the octavia was a very good and well priced honest vehicle

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

@@cristit9328 the Felicia wasn't bad either, but it was the Octavia that made people notice. It was a far better car than the Golf IV on which it was based.

[@iNfeeeect]

Well, coming from a czech republic myself, skoda is joke for most of the people right now..in terms of price and quality of service. Back in the days, they were affordable cars for real middle class folk but since they've been bought by VW, they started to shift to pricey, more "premium" cars. On the other hand, they are really good on design part, these are nice cars for sure!

[@christopherjhall]

I have the prefacelift version SEL. Honestly the most practical small car I’ve ever owned. Love it.

[@amsteensberg1653]

I am looking at a "21 used car ....did you have any issues with the seats , I read people complaining abt back pain ....

[@JanHejn]

I can fully confirm that the hooks in the boot are truly a great thing when hooning my shopping from Mladá Boleslav in my Rapid (sedan/liftback older version of Scala) where I work as an external for the Škoda factory :D glad you liked it also Škodas are best on pretty bad B roads where they were developed at :D they tend to be softer than VWs

[@dingbat2076]

Wish they'd done a Vrs version .

[@alacarte5073]

Exactly.

[@blazbohinc4964]

They never will. Because then Polo and Golf would loose too much market share and VW won't allow that.

[@robiszi7932]

Monte Carlo version and 1.5tsi 150hp and then tune up to the Stage1 190hp. That should be enough.

[@idonotknowwhyyoutubeletsyo5893]

@@blazbohinc4964exactly! VW just doesn't want Škoda to take over. They already see all the Superbs that fill their company parking lots and are genuinely scared.

[@Brukner841]

@@idonotknowwhyyoutubeletsyo5893 The Arteon is making a killing tho, but yeah, Skodas are well designed, interior is kinda ugly, but not the Scala.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Mate, you have a brilliant sense of humour 👍

[@DontPanicDear]

These are also reasonably narrow, which is refreshing these days. It really helps at speed on a Bohemian/British B-Road.

[@thomash2806]

The diacritic ◌̌, called a caron or ‘háček’ in Czech, is stylised and built into the S rather than being separate from it. That’s what the break in the S is supposed to represent. How’s that for Škoda-linguistic nerdery?

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

I will put this on the top of my list to replace my now 11 year old fabia estate.

[@Brian-om2hh]

Also give the Kamiq a look over.....

[@frglee]

A used Skoda Rapid Spaceback might be something else to consider if you are on a budget.

[@LelouchLamperouge235]

@@Brian-om2hh Nah ..its great for slightly easier getting in and out of the car and very slightly better enhanced terrain ability ( I used it for parking half on road and half on a grassy hill and the drivers door didnt touch the road because of higher clearance. ) but Scala has a way longer and therefore bigger trunk/boot which is what you go for if you previously had fabia estate.

[@Brian-om2hh]

@@LelouchLamperouge235 I *did* previously have a Fabia Estate..... which I found a little cramped. The Kamiq has more space, and a nicer all round finish and driving experience....

[@edithwhitebrownhall]

Heated rear seats! Not bad

[@lumajs]

They are heated so that your hands don't freeze when you need to push the car. A classic Škoda joke.

[@alexk.7250]

@@lumajsThat's for the rear window heating..

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

Thankfully no mention of the word 'aggressive' was used to describe the front end. 👍

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha one of my pet peeves is anthropomorphising cars... though I did mention how the new Kamiq is meant to be 'butch'...

[@lumajs]

The omission was fixed by the commenter atari1040 yesterday 😂.

[@aileniialeco3549]

Sadly no diesel, well they are giving up on it even on bigger models. So more old cars to be driven 😊 Great review

[@LelouchLamperouge235]

I drove a 1,6L TDI 85 kW diesel in Octavia 3rd gen before facelift and also a 2.0L TDI 85kW in 4th gen octavia .. and its now slow as hell .. the 1.6 was much better. The 2 liter can be chiptuned up to 132kW and 400 Nm but I think just remapping the power curve would make it much better.

[@robertowen8440]

Id love one. Its not as big as octavia and bigger than a Fabia. Perfect for my needs and it looks great 👍

[@frglee]

This may well be my next car, but that won't be for years yet, as I'm still more than happy with The Scala's 10 year old predecessor model, a Skoda Rapid 1.2SE. Which is also very sensible, economical, comfortable, spacious and pleasant to drive, even if a tad more 'sedate' than 'rapid' - there being plenty of nice used examples around for under £5K.

[@lumajs]

For some reasons, Rapid was silently terminated as a failure in Europe but the world knows better. The only Škoda India hatchback, Škoda Slavia, is really based on the Rapid and is doing great.

[@RS-g2p]

Use the volume control on the steering wheel!

[@atari1040]

This Scala looks possibly the most aggressive from entire family... wow! :O

[@hioctane9318]

Very well done video. Had a 2014 Skoda Rapid sb. This car is soooo much better. Makes me think Skoda is edging out of the economy bracket and is right up there with vw and Audi.

[@Nathan.150]

More in line with ford and Toyota

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Good video.Good car and better than the Volkswagen equivalents. Be warned the next time you try to film next to the airport you will be put in ze kooler!

[@DraganBakema]

What a great review. Tim, you are funny as hell man! Subb!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you kindly!

[@arhitectura.din.România]

Very nice vlog! Very good humor! 🎉😊👍

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Very good comment! :) Thanks!

[@itsmikedev]

i'm confused, on the Skoda website and press release for the 2024 facelift, they advertise that the Monte Carlo comes with a panoramic glass sunroof as standard? Unless it's just the German market that is different? Edit: even the German website advertises a panoramic sunroof, weird that this vehicle doesn't...

[@nigelturner3251]

I have just ordered a Scala Monte Carlo 1.5 DSG and it definitely comes with a panoramic roof in the UK. Skoda could do a lot better with its brochure details, some pack items are not listed and confusing, so you have to do your homework and ask the dealer.

[@itsmikedev]

@nigelturner3251 thanks for the info, yeah that was the impression I got. I guess they just didn't include it on this press vehicle. I hope you enjoy your new Scala when it arrives! 😁 I can't wait to order mine in a few months

[@nigelturner3251]

At present there is about a 12-14 week wait, although mine hasn’t been confirmed yet. I did have to tweak my order the next day as I discovered that wireless charging was hidden in the Winter Pack plus pack and not mentioned in the brochure. Also i think it will come with rear heated seats, again no mention anywhere of these, the dog will be happy. Good luck and hopefully Skoda UK sort out the online build your own brochure and put the actual details.

[@itsmikedev]

@nigelturner3251 oh that's not too bad. Yeah from what I could tell, there was an overlap between two packs that both contained wireless charging. Shame it wasn't standard, but it is impressive the extra features this face-lift includes - dual zone climate as standard, and an option for rear heated seats! Which colour did you go with? At first I was set on graphite grey, but now I think the velvet red looks stunning on the MC face-lift

[@nigelturner3251]

Funny you should mention colour. We ordered Graphite Grey originally, then got home and watched a KZbin review on the TV in 4k of the Velvet Red and thought wow! that really contrasts well with the black details, so I rang up and changed the order, bit miffed it is so expensive. Dealer didn’t have a Velvet Red example so hope it turns out to be the right decision. Never had a red car before, should be easier to find in a car park. Coming from a Superb Combi with all gadgets I wanted to spec it well and probably went a bit crazy ticking all major packs, plus towbar for our bikes. Dealer is sorting out full size spare wheel and rubber mats Also went for the adjustable boot floor, as I had read on Briskoda a lot of people had forgotten it and tried to retrofit it afterwards. Getting the Autoglyn Lifeshine ceramic coating before delivery, includes interior, all paint and windows. Should look a million dollars.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Great video. The car seems good for the right person as well.

[@alacarte5073]

Stunning car. When is it over in the UK?

[@Brian-om2hh]

Now. My neighbour just bought one last week......

[@V_Dubya]

Ich bin ein moron. I love your work man. I’m stealing “darker than my search history” with pride

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@Iceberg1313]

​@@TimRodieDrivesStuff I believe the left scroll nob on the steering wheel is the volume control same as the Octavia

[@Martin-pz9li]

Hello, how can I display Google Earth on the screen? Best regards...

[@stugill4513]

tim did it have a spare tyre or at least a hole foe one like the octavia does

[@james9958]

Excellent review Tim!

[@neilrr1000]

Shame they cut back in the options, not ideal given its loud when driving too. Looks like an A3 would be interesting to see the dimentions side by side.

[@stesh101]

Thought I recognised that voice lol. I also own a 23 MT10 and love it. Fancy the Fabia Monte Carlo 1.5 dsg

[@DenRoedeMogM]

You forgot to comment the ACT function and the fact that the fuel consumption isn’t any better than a 1.4 TSI Octavia from 2016.. even when it disables 2 of the cylinders.. then why even have it in the first place..?

[@histriamagna1014]

I have it on my 2019 Golf Sportsvan 1.5 TSI. I confirm it as a useless feature. Still getting easily 7 litres per 100 km, 6 if I try hard.

[@skodakatie7341]

It looks amazing, I like it a lot❤.

[@mariuspetre-zv8rq]

Hi, can someoane please help me with a code or a link for 6:21 rear seats box? I'm looking for this but I'm not able to find it.

[@andreyandy4994]

Did you find that box?

[@eugenux]

I liked the first gen... I actually considered getting one until they raised the prices abruptly. This gen 2 looks even better but the prices are still at the lvl of a golf 7.5 2.0 tfsi.. aka.. too high for what this car is.. should be/represent? #make cheaper cars great again!

[@Giuseppe-e2s]

Comprati un bicicletta

[@marcinmod1490]

is it worth paing more for Scala instead of Fabia 1.0 115BHP? I'm in a dilema....

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Depends how much room you need really. Fabia is good enough for me, but if you need the boot space then get the Scala. Sorry that's not very helpful...

[@stuartcollett1753]

Any good for tall people I’m 6’5”

[@nstarmore]

Think this will be an ideal replacement for my Golf 7 estate when the time comes as I'm sure as hell not interested in the 8 or 8.5! Edit - just realised there's no diesel, ffs I'm out

[@birtalanlorant5572]

Tested the non facelift scala, 6MT, 1.5 TSI does 134mph easily on the autobahn 😂 it still gets more than 21 MPG doing 120mph continuosly over there!

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

i do love a skoda

[@iosdeals]

one of the more successful PR tricks from VW Groupe... they've been the ones pushing the "Golf, with Skoda badge" monicker since the car was unveiled as clay model to replace the rapidly aging Rapid, but it's still a car built on A0 platform. It's still a dachshund, narrow and long little car, that is pushed onto customers who wanted Fabia combi. Or didn't have the money to buy the Octavia, albeit Scala being expensive for what it offers and almost as expensive as Octavia.

[@ericlorge3453]

If they ever make a hybrid option this is my next car.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

So ultimately it's not much different to the Audi A1 Mk2, SEAT Arona, SEAT Ibiza Mk5, Škoda Kamiq, Škoda Fabia Mk4, Volkswagen Nivus/Taigo, Volkswagen Polo Mk6, Volkswagen T-Cross/Tacqua, Volkswagen Virtus/Lavida XR then?

[@adolfomartinez1345]

I've just ordered a Montecarlo 1.5 tsi. I'm affraid of being an uncomfortable car, with those 18 inches tyres, bucket seats... Ufff, please, tell me I'm wrong!! I hope is only my perception because it would be terrible instead...😢 Thx!

[@Ominence1]

Please review the Kia Proceed !

[@mrm5183]

That Steve Jobs joke about the phone looking like a pool of liquid and Steve Jobs hits different the fact he’s been dead and buried for 13yrs 😂

[@nickaf5262]

why are they still useing a handbrake

[@tha9668]

Every car without auto-hold is ❌ for me..

[@Mojohead20]

Schumaker, sausage handling Hans, and oil spills from the 80’s 😂 Great review and will be going for the SE as it’s much cheaper than the MC and still looks the part

[@josiprazum6916]

Why did you review the Monte Carlo version that looks different than the version most people will buy?

[@CofIQ]

Usually the journalists are just given A version… I would bet you cant be too picky unless youre a big name.

[@tadhgcronin175]

Always the top spec model that most won't buy and always the excitement over the screen, as though we have never seen an ipad before and the very latest nonsense the led headlights aka headlights.

[@williamprm]

Indeed, not such a fan of reviewers doing their reviews on top spec versions.. it just isn't that useful and I have to skip past the interior reviews sometimes.

[@evgenidimitrov7790]

Why everybody is reviewing the Monte Carlo version ... isntead of mor ebasic ones, which most people would buy... ?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ooo I can answer that one! This was filmed on the international press launch of the car - and usually (not always) they'll have top-spec models to drive, to showcase all the new tech features etc (cos lots of them aren't on the lower-spec models). So the Monte Carlo was the only one there for me to drive. Sorry.

[@williamprm]

I test drove the 1.5 SE the other week and actually found it pretty fun to drive. Was quite punchy I thought. I am not quite sure why youtube reviewers have such a focus in their reviews on how well a car corners etc.. considering that most of us are either on a motoway going straight or in slow moving traffic during our weekly commute. I get it that car reviewers are themselves massive car enthusiasts and would naturally focus on driving performance but the reviews should be made for what the general viewership is realistically going to be experiencing.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

To be fair if you've watched any of my other videos I always say car journalists whinge about handling in sensible cars when it really doesn't matter! I must've forgotten to give that impression in this one. I love the 1.5 in the Scala though - great car.

[@williamprm]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff good good. I'm collecting mine tomorrow and bought an obdeleven device to sort out the lane correction.

[@LifeIsLife1978]

How noisy is she at highway speeding?

[@Brian-om2hh]

My Skoda Kamiq 1.0 litre SE-L is as quiet as my Golf Mk7 at motorway speeds. The Scala will probably have at least a similar - if not more - level of sound installation....

[@slawsonscot]

Fabia estate is still a better buy for me - 530L boot is such a great benefit.

[@Brian-om2hh]

The Fabia Estate is no longer marketed in the UK...

[@slawsonscot]

@@Brian-om2hh plenty of great deals on used ones kicking about 👍🏼

[@davidpeacock5912]

A proper SKODA review. All Skoda's do want you want them to DO. !

[@johnthodos7882]

Diesel ???

[@Brian-om2hh]

Nope. Skoda are moving away from diesel, at least for their smaller cars now.

[@googler38]

Looks like a stepway prestige except it's 40% more expensive.

[@Christianfzr]

Im really split between Kamiq and Scala for a family car :/

[@trulda1]

I would say it like this: for a young family up to (+/-) 35 years old parents, Scala is better. It looks modern, sportier and drives better. Even the trunk is above average in its class. For families where children are driven by old parents, or grandparents drive grandchildren, the Kamiq will probably be better choice. Getting in/out is easier, it has a better view and you are more upright when handling things in the trunk. On the other hand, you won't have as much fun with it in corners and it's more of a "box" after all, even if it's still a nice car... Just my opinion 🤷🏻

[@Ominence1]

Kia proceed! Just to add to your confusion

[@XtrAMassivE]

Looks good honestly

[@guitarsmurf2501]

Good old fashioned hand break. Happy days. 😁

[@jakedrake3660]

when i saw this car IRL i thought the car was just a Fabia with a weird meme name lol Scala as in mountain as in it´s as heavy as a rock haha

[@lumajs]

Scala is actually just like La Scala because it is as artistic as the theater in Milan.

[@jingle9691]

And yet I still know so many badge snobs who turn their noses up at skoda and wont even look at anything other than VW, Audi or BMW

[@BC-mm3ki]

Love the new Škoda very fashionable

[@GolfVIGTI]

It’s not build on the Golf platform… it’s the Polo one.

[@Brian-om2hh]

No it isn't.... The Fabia and Kamiq are built on the Polo floor-pan. The Scale is a larger car altogether....

[@GolfVIGTI]

@@Brian-om2hh Like the SEAT Ibiza and the VW Polo, the Škoda Scala is also based on VW's MQB A0 platform. In contrast to the other two cars, however, it uses the longest possible expansion variant.

[@lupislune]

I wouldn't mind driving it. I would certainly like it better than a VW.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

This is now PC Plods runaround in my area. Good to know if I'm taken in for misgendering someone that there's heated rear seats!

[@nigelturner3251]

Plod don’t have heated seats as it gets too uncomfortable when they are dressed as bumblebees. Serious Police work needs a cool head. It’s no good being too hot when you are trying to slap a misgender on someone or fine an old lady for doing 22mph in a 20 zone.

[@Benzknees]

Why do all car companies, Dacia aside, keep making more & more high specced cars, pushing the price up & up. £22k - £28k for a small Skoda is ridiculous. They need to despec it & get the price below £20k.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yeah, but inflation and Skoda's on a bit of an upmarket march anyway…

[@NotAnonymousNo80014]

Polo, not Golf. They grow up fast.

[@annoymouse890]

If only it had a 1.8l or 2l

[@Brian-om2hh]

Not needed. The 1.5 litre has 150 bhp, which is good for 130 mph, and more than adequate for a car like this.

[@mikih6596]

I have scala monte carlo 2023/12 Still old model!

[@ST-ur7oh]

Kinda a modern peugeot 309 Talented if bland

[@User-bn3zx]

It's "die" Autobahn

[@vladimirart758]

Scala is Polo platform

[@Brian-om2hh]

No it isn't. The Skoda Kamiq, VW T-CROSS and Seat Arona are all built on the Polo floor-pan. The Scala is built on a modified Golf floor-pan.....slightly larger. Which is one of the reasons you can spec a new Scala with that fancy electronically adjustable suspension, which you cannot with a Kamiq, Arona or TCross.....

[@miroslavseda9136]

Why someone, who is running a KZbin channel abroad cars, is not able to pronounce the brand's name right? Škoda is not "Skoda", but "Shkoda". "Š" in Czech is "esh", like a sheriff, Sheffield, Sharon, Sherlock,...

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Shkooooda. Shiiimply Clevershhh

[@The0rs]

They've taken the 'hat' off of the S. He mentions it in the video...

[@miroslavseda9136]

@The0rs Yes, but it didn't change the company's name. Never mind, it was a great review, so I have subscribed to the channel.

[@ST-ur7oh]

I’d say they pronounce arrogant prick in the same way.

[@DontPanicDear]

All true, but names do become Anglicised for our dialect. We say BMW wrong too, as that should be Be-Em-Ve, which clashes with English alphabetic pronunciation 😮

[@Mazza.N.Memphisplaya]

I’m about to ask a complete woman question now but can it have roof bars?

[@AlexW426]

Yes! I'm in the process of buying and 2021 equivalent and skoda offer OEM bars and mounts which attach to some mounting points onto the main frame hidden by the doors when closed. I'm planning on putting a tent box on mine. Hope that helps !!

[@fasthracing]

Upmarket Dacia

[@RJ-vy9ch]

Enough with the standup comedy routines Jesus I just want to learn about the car

[@fuatfatihturkoglu501]

👍

[@fasthracing]

You are funny

[@thebeardedscot]

Awkward maybe, handsome definitely 😁

[@yearight6294]

i wish skoda was in usa... cars are so ugly and boring here unless its something exotic or a 'muscle car'

[@dj331]

Disappointing to see that huge manual handbrake. Makes it look dated

[@SharedThinking]

No car should still have a handbrake anymore.

[@nickhickson8738]

Exactly. I have had my MK 7 Golf for over 7 years now with an electric handbrake and autohold and would not entertain any replacement without these features. Driving is so much more pleasurable especially in start stop motoring conditions.

[@hamzaelmagroud4499]

Scala do have auto hold , hill assist , lane assist and even emergency auto braking

[@Brian-om2hh]

Some car makers appear to feel differently....

[@nickhickson8738]

A manual handbrake! Another possible car off my list now, unfortunately.