Skoda Scala review - Interior & comfort

As Skoda is a budget-focused brand, the interior of the Scala isn’t the last word in quality, but it is well built. It is worth mentioning, however, that interior quality is markedly better than in the old Rapid because Skoda has placed cheaper materials lower down, so you don’t notice them as much. The main touchpoints, like the door armrests, are made of a more luxurious soft-touch material. Facelifted models from 2023 onwards have further improved in this regard. 

There’s a lovely strip of trim that spans the whole width of the dashboard, and in our test car it was finished in a light brushed metal effect. The ‘floating’ touchscreen gives the interior a more modern look, and all the controls are exactly where you want them. They’re instantly familiar if you’ve ever sat in another VW Group car and all operate with a satisfying solidness.

The Scala comes with lots of kit as standard – all models offer an infotainment screen, but the entry-level model gets a smaller system along with a smaller digital gauge cluster and no sat nav, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features across the range. Skoda has sensibly decided to keep buttons for the touchscreen shortcuts and the climate controls – aside from certain functions such as the fan direction – so you don’t have to navigate through menus just to change the temperature like you need to in some cars.

Infotainment and navigation

Skoda’s latest model does fairly well on the tech front. Its standard-fit 10.25-inch digital dashboard wasn’t even an option in the old Octavia, and the infotainment screen is generously sized at 9.2 inches with built-in sat nav. All models get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, so you can use your phone’s apps for music and navigation if you wish.

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Equipment

In terms of equipment, the Scala performs strongly. Skoda revised the trim levels but increased the price in September 2024, so now the range starts with SE Edition moving up through SE L Edition, with the Monte Carlo Edition as the top model. 

SE Edition expands on the old SE model’s specification by adding a 9.2-inch infotainment screen in place of the old 8.25-inch unit and 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster instead of the previous eight-inch one as standard. In addition, you’ll still enjoy 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Upgrade to the SE L Edition spec and Skoda will throw in heated seats, front parking sensors, keyless entry and a drive mode selector as well as 17-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, full LED rear lights with dynamic indicators, front fog lights with a corner function, and some styling upgrades such as chrome window trim.

Monte Carlo Edition adds lots of black exterior trim and a sportier look, plus a few red accents inside. There’s also keyless entry, a rear-view camera, panoramic roof and matrix LED headlights. While metallic paint, a heated three-spoke sports steering wheel, heated front sports seats, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging and front parking sensors used to be optional on Monte Carlo, they’re now standard on Monte Carlo Edition.

Options

There's a wide range of colours and alloy wheels to choose from, plus a selection of Skoda lifestyle accessories like roof racks, a reversible boot floor and pet guards.