Skoda's given us a glimpse inside its new Golf rival

Alright, it’s hardly a glimpse at a new 300mph-chasing hypercar, but this will be a big deal to people who actually spend their own money on cars. It’s a glimpse inside the Skoda Scala, the company’s new Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf rival, and it looks like it’ll be a bit posh.

Not only are the days of Skodas being a bit rubbish long gone, but the days of Skodas being slightly cheaper relations of VWs might be passing, too. The Scala gets a newly techy layout that promises the largest screen displays in the class.

There are two of them: the ‘Virtual Cockpit’ dials and gauges which first appeared inside the Audi TT, and a central media screen that stands tall of the dashboard. You can expect the same software as other VW Group cars spread across them. The Scala will always be online, too, we’re promised, with all the enveloping connectivity that brings. There’ll be no escaping those WhatsApp groups.

Other treats include ambient lighting that’s switchable through several colours, the option of suede-aping microfibre seats and the biggest boot space in the class, at 467 litres with the rear seats in place (and over 1,400 with them flipped down).

Alright, it’s not a sexy stat. But it places the Scala neatly between the Rapid and Octavia, Skoda’s two current contenders in this class but cars which – Octavia vRS aside – are very staid and sensible. They also approach the Focus and Golf from angles too oblique to be considered proper rivals.

This Scala, though, could properly hit the spot. And if you’re wondering what it looks like from the outside, this Skoda Vision RS concept gives us a decent hint.