Skoda Scala review

It's all very sensible in the Scala: the steering wheel has proper buttons, you get an infotainment screen measuring either eight or nine inches depending on spec, and – rejoice – individual climate controls with physical buttons.

You still have to venture into the touchscreen to complete some tasks, which can be irritating, but it's not as bad as elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group stable.

The Scala is a properly practical thing, not least for its modest size, and the interior is pretty airy thanks to large windows and trim options that try their best to avoid a sea of black plastic.

I’m guessing it’s roomy?

Skoda claims the Scala has one of the largest boots in its segment, and 467 litres (1,410 litres with the split-back seats folded down) is indeed huge for its class when the VW Golf, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30 all offer less than 400 litres.

There’s also generous space for rear passengers and wide back doors. Skoda really does know what practical looks like, and it plays to its strengths here. If you’ve got kids/dogs/an active hobby, you’ll know that all these things matter. Not stuff you necessarily show off about in the pub, but things that matter day to day.

You can even get little plastic protectors that automatically grip the door edges as you (or clumsier kids) fling the door open in a car park. Not a unique invention to Skoda, but still a relative rarity given its usefulness.

But is it comfortable?

The Scala won't go down in history as one of the classic grand tourers, but it's a decent cruiser and will nibble up long journeys. The seats are flat but comfy, with Monte Carlo trim bringing swish sports chairs. They probably aren’t worth the extra outlay alone, but they’re smart and now boast sockets to latch tablets to for kids in the back.

So it's a nice place to spend time in – the dashboard layout is simple but clear, the interior design modest and clean. Skoda's 'Simply Clever' touches like tablet and smartphone holders, as well as the various storage compartments and cupholders, all add up to a pleasantly functional interior. Youngsters will particularly appreciate the four fast-charging 45W USB-C ports spread between front and rear passengers.

What about the tech?

Base SE models get 8in digital dials and an 8in infotainment display that pairs touchscreen ability with a physical volume knob. The mid-range SE L upgrades those to 10in and 9in respectively, with the central display purely touchscreen (and therefore a smidge less useable), though it’s easy enough to adjust audio volume on the steering wheel.