Skoda Scala (or similar)
Discussion
Hi
I had a look at the Skoda Scala yesterday, and having read the reviews I think it might be a good (if sensible) option; last year we were lucky to purchase a new shape Suzuki Jimny (given the waiting lists), which has been great fun but our circumstances have changed recently - we now have 5 month old Vizsla puppy who absolutely hates being transported in the Jimny, not that I can blame him as the rear passenger ride is particularly bouncy. In addition to this, with a dog crate in the rear it's not the most practical option! We are now looking at consolidating into one practical car; we had considered a slightly older Fabia estate but one of the main drawbacks is the lack of adjustable lumbar support in any of the models (I suffer from a bad back). The Scala has a nice big boot and seems to be well put together; we would go for the 1.2 115bhp SE model, with lightly used cars going for around £13,500. We had considered a cheap lease deal, but for 2 years/24k it's around £4800 so I think purchasing a used car is the most cost effective option. Luckily, demand for the Jimny appears to be high due to the decision by Suzuki to drastically reduce imports before replacing it with a commercial version so we should come out of it okay with a private sale.
Any thoughts from Scala owners, or any other advice gratefully received? The Scala is quite new but even still I don't think it has sold that well, which is a worry in terms if residuals although it does appear to be the prefect car for us.
I had a look at the Skoda Scala yesterday, and having read the reviews I think it might be a good (if sensible) option; last year we were lucky to purchase a new shape Suzuki Jimny (given the waiting lists), which has been great fun but our circumstances have changed recently - we now have 5 month old Vizsla puppy who absolutely hates being transported in the Jimny, not that I can blame him as the rear passenger ride is particularly bouncy. In addition to this, with a dog crate in the rear it's not the most practical option! We are now looking at consolidating into one practical car; we had considered a slightly older Fabia estate but one of the main drawbacks is the lack of adjustable lumbar support in any of the models (I suffer from a bad back). The Scala has a nice big boot and seems to be well put together; we would go for the 1.2 115bhp SE model, with lightly used cars going for around £13,500. We had considered a cheap lease deal, but for 2 years/24k it's around £4800 so I think purchasing a used car is the most cost effective option. Luckily, demand for the Jimny appears to be high due to the decision by Suzuki to drastically reduce imports before replacing it with a commercial version so we should come out of it okay with a private sale.
Any thoughts from Scala owners, or any other advice gratefully received? The Scala is quite new but even still I don't think it has sold that well, which is a worry in terms if residuals although it does appear to be the prefect car for us.
We have the old Fabia 2 (2013 vintage) on a 1.2Tsi 4 pot petrol. It is a great car.
I too have looked into consolidating our cars into one, and the Skoda Scala is certainly on my list. I have looked at VW Polo, and VW Golf. However, for packaging, especially rear seat legroom, the Scala hits the spot, within a reasonably short length (it is on an extended Polo platform, I believe). Not driven one yet, I would go for the 1.5 petrol myself.
I too have looked into consolidating our cars into one, and the Skoda Scala is certainly on my list. I have looked at VW Polo, and VW Golf. However, for packaging, especially rear seat legroom, the Scala hits the spot, within a reasonably short length (it is on an extended Polo platform, I believe). Not driven one yet, I would go for the 1.5 petrol myself.
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd say take a look at the Focus/Astra.
I've never been a fan of Ford/Vauxhall, and having sat in a Scala at the weekend I really quite like it. It's just a pity they aren't a bit older in order to minimise deprecation. I advertised the Suzuki Jimny a couple of days ago and it sold within a few hours so I need to make a decision pretty quickly. There are a couple of ex-demonstrator 2019 Scala on the market at £13,450 in SE trim and the 115bhp, which is the model I was looking at. I suppose I just need to bite the bullet on one of them!I have a Scala, it’s the 1.0 95ps version that was on a bargain basement £99 9 + 23 deal that came up before Xmas so it’s in SE trim.
To me, the car is the definition of ‘ok’ so much so that I really like it due to the price I am paying. 50mpg on a run and over 30mpg in stop starting town are very easily achieved.
It’s powerful enough, I don’t feel it lacks power in every day use.
Standard heated mirrors l, lane assist, automatic braking and cruise control etc are lovely touches.
Im 6ft 5 and can drive it comfortably enough.
I use it to ferry my 21 month old daughter about and can use the front seat with her big car seat behind me (as a passenger, not a driver).
Loads of boot space, really impressive for the size of car. And it’s all VW polo on the inside.
You even get an umbrella in the front drivers door so it’s basically a rolls Royce.
To me, the car is the definition of ‘ok’ so much so that I really like it due to the price I am paying. 50mpg on a run and over 30mpg in stop starting town are very easily achieved.
It’s powerful enough, I don’t feel it lacks power in every day use.
Standard heated mirrors l, lane assist, automatic braking and cruise control etc are lovely touches.
Im 6ft 5 and can drive it comfortably enough.
I use it to ferry my 21 month old daughter about and can use the front seat with her big car seat behind me (as a passenger, not a driver).
Loads of boot space, really impressive for the size of car. And it’s all VW polo on the inside.
You even get an umbrella in the front drivers door so it’s basically a rolls Royce.
Thanks for the info; that's really helpful. I wish there was a similar lease deal at the moment as I would jump at it. One of the attractions for the Scala is the standard items like heated mirrors/cruise/parking sensors. It also lumbar support, which is essential for me. How do you find the seats?
Sheepshanks said:
tim0409 said:
...we would go for the 1.2 115bhp SE model,
Is there a 1.2? I would expect it to be the 115PS version of the 1.0 (3cyl) that dodsi2000 talks about. We have that (the 115PS) engine in a SEAT Ateca in the family and it goes well enough.tim0409 said:
Thanks for the info; that's really helpful. I wish there was a similar lease deal at the moment as I would jump at it. One of the attractions for the Scala is the standard items like heated mirrors/cruise/parking sensors. It also lumbar support, which is essential for me. How do you find the seats?
The seats are a very subjective thing, but they are absolutely fine, both driver and passenger seats have all the same adjustments, height, lumbar, recline and back and forwards. My other car is a 2019 Volvo V90 which is unfair to compare the little Scala too. The engine is the turbo 1.0 3cyl in the 95ps you get a 5 speed box- the ratios are fine and it pulls well even in 4th gear @ 30mph. In the 115ps version I believe it’s a 6 speed box... but I am happy to be corrected.
The Scala is based on the MQB A0 platform which is a stretched out polo - not quite the same as the golf upwards. So the DNA of it is all polo really - although it is much bigger inside than a polo.
If you are based somewhere near the south east coast (Worthing/Brighton area) you are welcome to have a look around mine.
I'm in a Rapid SE Sport now, so the older version of the Scala. And I'm in mine for pretty much the same set of reasons as you list. It's more of a head car than a heart one, but while I wasn't and probably never will be head over heels in love with it, the "like" was there from the start and is definitely growing.
I've got the 1.2 instead of the 1.0 with similar power; the 1.2 is amazing so long as you keep it above about 1300rpm - feels more like a 2 litre - but if you drop below the magic number on the revs, there's nothing! I've seen several reports that the 1.0 lacks in torque a little compared to the 1.2, but it seems that people who haven't driven both still find the 1.0 perfectly fine. Those who have say you swap cogs more.
I would say consider a Rapid at a significantly lower price, but they do lack lumbar support and it sounds like a deal breaker for you.
Briskoda have a Scala subforum, but don't be surprised if it's a little ...slow... compared to on here!
I've got the 1.2 instead of the 1.0 with similar power; the 1.2 is amazing so long as you keep it above about 1300rpm - feels more like a 2 litre - but if you drop below the magic number on the revs, there's nothing! I've seen several reports that the 1.0 lacks in torque a little compared to the 1.2, but it seems that people who haven't driven both still find the 1.0 perfectly fine. Those who have say you swap cogs more.
I would say consider a Rapid at a significantly lower price, but they do lack lumbar support and it sounds like a deal breaker for you.
Briskoda have a Scala subforum, but don't be surprised if it's a little ...slow... compared to on here!
Thanks again for the replies and the offer to have a look around; I’ve been to the local Skoda garage (Edinburgh) and spent a bit of time sitting/having a look around and I think the seats will be okay. I’ve sold my car and hired a cheap roundabout the for the week so the pressure is on! I’ve seen a 2019 1.0 SE on Autotrader with 3k miles ex-demo for £13.5k; I’ve offered £13k and they appear to be amenable so hopefully I will have it tied up at the start of the week.
ETA I've bought the car and will be picking it up on Monday; it has some nice little extras and was the cheapest in the country so if it is as described it looks to be a decent buy.
ETA I've bought the car and will be picking it up on Monday; it has some nice little extras and was the cheapest in the country so if it is as described it looks to be a decent buy.
Edited by tim0409 on Saturday 29th February 16:42
I collected the Scala on Monday after taking the train from Edinburgh to Harrogate and I'm really pleased with it. It feels nice and solid and drives really well. The 1.0 115bhp is a nice unit and the 6th gear makes motorway driving relaxing. I was wavering on a Polo, but this appears to be much better value with the extra equipment and the extra boot space/rear legroom makes it a lot more practical. Thankfully the seats have a lot of adjustment (including lumbar) so I think I'm going to be fine. The infotainment is also really quite good, and Apple Car Play is superb. The only annoying "feature" is not being able to turn off lane assist permanently; it's fine on motorway driving/dual but disconcerting on normal roads. It's not the most exciting car, but for what we need at the moment it's perfect.
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