Skoda Auto has begun the first series production of the Scala hatchback for the European markets. The all-new offering replaces the Rapid Spaceback and is positioned between the Octavia and Fabia in the automaker's stable. The Skoda Scala is being produced at the company's main plant in Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. The Scala is also the first offering from Skoda to be based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB-A0 platform. The hatchback is slated to go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2019.
Commenting on the start of production, Skoda - CEO, Bernhard Maier said, “We are starting a new chapter in Skoda's compact car range with the new Scala. It is an all-new model that sets benchmarks within its segment in terms of technology, safety, and design. The Scala perfectly embodies the Skoda-typical ‘smart understatement.”
The Skoda Scala will come equipped with the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit system
The Skoda Scala started life as the Vision RS concept and retains a host of design elements on the production version. The The Scala is the brand's first European model to feature 'Skoda' in block lettering on the tailgate. Since the car is based on the new MQB-A0 platform, it enables the hatchback to be loaded with a host of assistance systems that have been otherwise available on higher segment vehicles. The Scala then, comes loaded with Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control. There are two driving modes - Normal and Sport - courtesy of the Sport Chassis Control feature.
The Skoda Scala is equipped with full LED headlamps with DRLs and taillights. The car will also come equipped with the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit display, 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and more. For Europe, engine options will include the 1.0-litre TSI petrol with 93 bhp, while there will be CNG version of the same engine with 88 bhp. The CNG version though will arrive in Europe only sometime later after the launch. There will also be the 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 112 bhp and a top-of-the-line 1.5-litre TSI motor with 147 bhp on offer. There will only be one diesel engine on offer, the 1.6-litre TDI unit with 113 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed, 6-speednand 7-speee DSG units. All engines will feature stop/start and brake energy recovery technology, for higher efficiency.
The Skoda Scala will go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of this year
The Skoda Scala has not been confirmed for India, which means the Rapid sedan will soldier on in the country as the automaker's most affordable offering. Meanwhile, Skoda Auto has confirmed that a compact SUV based on the MQB-A0 platform for India is in the works and we will be seeing a glimpse of it in 2020.
