Skoda Auto has comprehensively updated its Skoda Scala. The compact hatchback offers a very high level of active and passive safety, courtesy of rigid body and a now even more advanced range of assistance systems. Being based on the same MQB-A0 platform, the Scala features efficient, modern TSI engines from the evo2 generation, with power outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). With its refined, sharply drawn lines, the Scala looks even more dynamic. It now comes with Skoda’s TOP LED Matrix headlights as an option – a first for this model. An increased proportion of recycled and natural materials for the exterior and interior ensures greater sustainability. The restructured product range now consists of three trim levels with six interior variants along with optional equipment packages. A Digital Display with an 8-inch screen diagonal and an 8.25-inch Skoda Infotainment display already come as standard in all models. New Simply Clever details round off the refresh.
With its Scala model Skoda Auto has successfully won over new customers for the brand. An expressively designed, practical hatchback with comprehensive standard equipment, the Scala has set benchmarks in the compact class with its generous interior space and luggage capacity. Since first appearing in showrooms in 2019, nearly 230,000 units have been delivered to customers in 57 markets worldwide.
Even more distinctive appearance for the brand’s game changer in the compact class
The Scala was the first model to showcase the current iteration of Skoda’s design language. For the update of the model series, the Czech car manufacturer has drawn on the Scala’s distinctive features and refined them further. The tapering headlights are now slimmer and even more sophisticated, featuring expressive LED components in the TOP LED Matrix variant. The front and rear aprons for the Scala emphasise sportiness, resembling the dynamic Vision RS concept.
The updated Scala features a new Skoda grille. This comes with the traditional vertical slats and plays with the alternation of matt and glossy surfaces. The front bumper has also been redesigned: the central air intake is divided by side wings and flanked by more pronounced air curtains. These emphasise sportiness while also protecting the LED fog lights, which are standard from the Selection model upwards. The air intake grille has a mesh-style design and comes with diamond-shaped segments that create a three-dimensional look.
TOP LED Matrix headlights with crystalline LED modules as a special feature
The new basic headlights for the Scala are now completely based on LED technology. TOP LED Matrix headlights are for the first time available as an option. They enable drivers to leave the high beam on permanently, without dazzling other road users. Oncoming vehicles are detected by a camera and automatically excluded from the light cone. In the sporty Monte Carlo top model, the TOP LED Matrix headlights are even included as standard. They have crystalline LED modules that look like little blocks of ice or precious stones. In addition, the night-time light signature has been split and redrawn. The LED tail lights also come in two versions. Compared to the basic version, the optional TOP variant has dynamic turn signals and a new, L-shaped light graphic that is standard in the Monte Carlo.
Rear apron with new diffuser
At the rear of the Scala, the optional extended rear window made of black glass stretches all the way to the tail lights, with a clearly contoured loading sill below. This combination encapsulates the model’s characteristic interplay of expressive styling and maximum practicality. The redesigned rear apron includes a diffuser framed by two wing elements painted in body colour, mirroring the design of the front apron. At its premiere, the Scala was the first Skoda model to bear Skoda lettering on its tailgate instead of the logo; the updated version now bears the lettering conforming to the new, modernised Skoda CI.
New alloy wheels and nine paint finishes
Scala wheels come in sizes from 16 to 18 inches. New to the range are the 17-inch Kajam alloy wheels in silver with black aero inserts, the silver 18-inch Fornax wheels and the Ursa silver alloy wheels, also measuring 18 inches, with black aero inserts. The updated Scala can be ordered with nine paint finishes, of which three are solid colours. In addition, the Scala is exclusively available in a solid Steel Grey colour finish.
Black accents for the Scala Monte Carlo
The sporty Scala Monte Carlo top model is traditionally characterised by numerous black accents. The frame of the Skoda grille, the exterior mirror caps, the side skirts and the lettering on the tailgate all come in glossy black. The front wings are adorned with Monte Carlo badges. Standard equipment for the Scala Monte Carlo includes a black panoramic roof, which merges seamlessly into the extended rear window. There are also TOP LED Matrix headlights, LED fog lights with cornering light function and black tinting on the rear side windows and the rear window (Sunset). The standard 17-inch Kajam wheels for the Monte Carlo are finished in brushed black, with black aero inserts, while the optional 18‑inch Ursa wheels for this top variant come in brushed black and without aero inserts.
Interior: Design variants and sustainable materials
The update for the Skoda Scala includes a restructuring of the product range. The new trim levels Essence, Selection and Monte Carlo offer a total of six interior variants. Using perfectly coordinated colours and materials, the Design Selections take their cues from modern living environments. The Design Selection “Studio” in the new Essence entry-level model comes with black fabric upholstery. The trim level Selection offers a choice of four different Design Selections. In the Design Selection “Loft”, for example, grey fabric is used for the seats and a decorative pad on the instrument panel, while the Design Selection “Lodge” comes with Suedia microfibre, again in grey. “Lodge” also features copper-coloured Hot-stamping and LED ambient lighting able to switch from white to red as standard. The multifunction steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever are covered in leather.
Comfortable or sporty with the design variants “Suite”, “Dynamic” and “Monte Carlo”
The comfort-oriented Design Selection “Suite” comes with leather-upholstered seats that can be heated and electrically adjusted as standard. The Hot-stamping has a chrome look. The Design Selection “Dynamic” is focused more strongly on sportiness. The sports seats with integrated headrests are partly upholstered with black Suedia, which is also used for the pad on the instrument panel, as in the Design Selection “Suite”. The roof lining is again black. Red Hot-stamping adds visual highlights. The pedals have an aluminium look. The sporty top model Monte Carlo offers even more visual highlights with the Design Selection also called “Monte Carlo”. Here the sports seats are upholstered in man-made Carbon leather, as are the decorative pad on the instrument panel and the door trim panels. The multifunction sports steering wheel has black stitching on the leather finish and bears a Monte Carlo badge. Adjustable LED ambient lighting is standard for the “Monte Carlo” variant as well.
Sustainable materials
In order to further reduce its vehicles’ CO2 footprint in production, Skoda Auto uses even more sustainable materials for the Scala than before – recycled materials for the upholstery, flooring and foot mats are complemented by natural, renewable raw materials. The door trim panels, for example, are partly made of fibres from hemp and kenaf, a type of hibiscus. The headliner also contains a proportion of these fibres for added strength.
Equipment packages and individual options
The restructured product range for the Scala offers popular optional equipment intelligently combined into packages in several categories. The Climatronic system, for example, which has been given a new, more intuitive control panel, can be ordered as part of the Technology package. The Assisted Drive package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Adaptive Lane Assist and Hands-on Detection, while Assisted Drive plus also offers Side Assist. The Winter package includes heating functions for the steering wheel and windscreen, while the various Convenience packages come with a reversing camera, Kessy keyless entry and an electric tailgate complete with Virtual Pedal. Individual options include an alarm system, a trailer tow hitch, heated rear seats, electric seat adjustment and a sound system.
Safety: A wealth of assistance systems and up to nine airbags
The Skoda Scala is among the safest vehicles in its class. The high level of active and passive safety earned the hatchback a maximum rating of five stars in its Euro NCAP tests, courtesy of very torsionally rigid body, up to nine airbags and a wide range of advanced assistance systems.
The Skoda Scala protects its occupants with numerous active and passive safety systems that contribute to preventing an accident or reducing the severity of its consequences. It features a torsionally rigid body that include a high proportion of high-strength or specially hardened steel. This increases safety and also makes for improved handling and exceptional durability. In the event of an accident, up to nine airbags protect the occupants. Standard equipment for vehicles in the European Union includes airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as head airbags and side airbags at the front. A safety package with a driver’s knee airbag, rear side airbags and Crew Protect is available as an option. Crew Protect automatically closes open windows and tightens the front seat belts in the event of an imminent collision.
Wide range of assistance systems
Skoda offers a comprehensive range of assistance systems for the Scala, some of which are more commonly associated with higher vehicle categories. In the European Union, it’s standard equipment includes Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. Manoeuvre Assist uses the rear parking sensors to detect potential obstacles when manoeuvring and automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if a collision is imminent. Hands-on Detection checks at regular intervals whether the driver has their hands on the steering wheel and is still in control of the vehicle. Side Assist, available as an option, warns of approaching vehicles from behind, up to a distance of 70 metres. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Adaptive Lane Assist are also available as options. The latter system also recognises non-permanent lane markings, for example due to roadworks, and where appropriate performs active steering interventions to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
Connectivity: Touchscreens in two sizes and Wireless SmartLink
All variants of the Skoda Scala are always online. The Digital Display with a screen diagonal of eight inches is now standard; the optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit offers various layouts and can be configured to suit individual preferences. The Skoda Infotainment system has a free-standing central touchscreen display with a screen diagonal of 8.25 inches and two rotary buttons; the front is glazed. The system offers digital radio reception (DAB) as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and transferring audio signals from a smartphone. Two USB-C ports with 15 watts of power and four speakers are standard.
Navigation package and technology packages available as options
The infotainment system can be optionally expanded with additional packages. The navigation package includes a 9.2-inch Skoda Navigation display and the ability to control the system via the digital voice assistant Laura. The package also includes Wireless SmartLink, web radio and four additional speakers. The navigation maps are updated over the air. The Essence models can be upgraded with a technology package equipping them with four USB‑C ports that then also enable fast charging of mobile devices or even laptops at up to 45 watts. The Selection variants add an automatic anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror. The Technology Plus package also offers a further USB-C port on the interior mirror – ideal for connecting a dashcam, for example – as well as the Phone Box for inductive charging of compatible smartphones. Music lovers can choose the optional Skoda Sound System complete with a subwoofer in the spare wheel well.
Simply Clever: First Virtual Pedal in the A0 segment
Skoda’s signature Simply Clever ideas are small features that make everyday use of the vehicle easier. These include, for example, the umbrella in the driver’s door, the parking ticket holder on the A-pillar and the ice scraper with tyre tread depth gauge in the fuel filler flap. The refreshed version of the Scala has now added some Simply Clever features that were previously available for other models made by the Czech car manufacturer. The Virtual Pedal, for instance, is now for the first time available on a Skoda in the A0 segment. It enables drivers to use a foot movement to open the optional electric tailgate – ideal for when you’re carrying shopping, for example, and don’t have a hand free.
