Skoda Scala 2019: price, specs, interior tech, rivals and release date

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Skoda has taken the covers off its new Scala hatchback, which it hopes will spark a fierce rivalry with the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The Czech company, which is owned by the VW Group, is renowned for offering plenty of high-tech options as standard on its budget cars – and the Scala is no different.

The hatchback’s cabin is equipped with a pair of digital screens that are completely customisable, meaning drivers can view the satnav system in the centre of the instrument cluster if they choose to do so.

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It’s also cheap, especially compared to its main rivals, entering the market with a price tag well below £20,000.

There’s still a way to go until the Scala hits the showrooms, as orders are not expected to open for another six months.

For now, though, here’s a full rundown of what to expect on Skoda’s new hatchback:

Price and release

Entry-level Scalas are expected to cost just £16,500, says Auto Express. That suggests the Scala will undercut both the Ford Focus and VW Golf by roughly £2,000.

According to Autocar, Skoda isn’t due to open orders for the hatchback until “mid-2019”.

Interior and tech

Much like other models launched under the VW Group umbrella, the Scala is packed with cutting-edge interior technology as standard.

Skoda has swapped the dashboard’s traditional analogue dials for a 10.3in digital version as standard, a feature that is “unique” to Skoda at this price point, says WhatCar?. A second 9.2in touchscreen, housing the car’s infotainment systems and satnav settings, can also be specced and sits atop the centre console.

Meanwhile, the Scala’s 467-litre boot “will comfortably hold more than the Focus” and the Golf, while folding down the rear bench opens up a cavernous 1,400-litre luggage bay, the reviews site says. Given the Skoda has a longer wheelbase than its rivals, there should be plenty of room inside for passengers, too.

As buyers have come to expect from other Skoda models, the Scala features the company’s “trademark” umbrella compartment in the driver’s door and an ice scraper in the fuel cap that “doubles as a tyre tread depth gauge”, says Autocar.

Engines and performance

Buyers can choose between four engine options when the Scala arrives next year.

Base-model cars are equipped with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol motor, which can be specced in either 94bhp or 114bhp form, says Auto Express. Top of the range petrol cars are powered by a 148bhp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit, complete with cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy.

There’s only one diesel engine available, which takes the form of a 1.6-litre motor with 114bhp, the magazine says.

Gearbox options include a five-speed manual for the base-spec petrol, while all other cars get six-speed transmissions. Seven-speed dual-clutch systems are available for an extra fee, says Evo.