“The Enyaq-inspired two-spoke steering wheel is a nice touch, as is the fabric dashboard that’s different from the usual faux-leather or dull plastics. The idea is to make the cabin feel more like a living room, although the black Alcantara-esque material in our test car didn’t do the best job at illustrating this.” – Ellis Hyde, news reporter.
The Scala is focused on practicality, and we’re glad that this is the case
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The Skoda Scala majors on practicality – those looking to get the most space for their money will be hard-pressed to find a better hatchback in the class. There are five seats, with the rear seats large enough for adults. The interior space is generally impressive – Skoda has done wonders with packaging. Visibility is great thanks to a large glasshouse.
The boot is large, and there’s the usual smattering of practical storage areas, including large door bins, a cooled glovebox, under-seat storage in the front, and a sunglasses cubby overhead. Other practical touches include electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a space-saver spare (rather than a rescue foam kit).
The Skoda Octavia is a good alternative if you need even more space, but the Scala’s shape makes it a more flexible proposition overall.
Dimensions and size
The Scala is both longer and around 510kg lighter than the Volkswagen Golf, and it’s also more spacious inside.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Skoda Scala | Volkswagen Golf | Vauxhall Astra |
| Length | 4,362mm | 4,282mm | 4,374mm |
| Width | 1,793mm | 1,789mm | 1,860mm |
| Height | 1,474mm | 1,483mm | 1,441mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650mm | 2,620mm | 2,680mm |
| Boot space | 467 litres | 381 litres | 422 litres |
Seats & passenger space
There’s loads of room for a pair of six-foot adults in the front, and the seats are very comfortable, with each getting height and lumbar adjustment as standard. A standard centre armrest also features, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
