Skoda Scala review - Practicality & boot space

The Scala might be based on the ‘A0’ platform, which underpins smaller models like the VW Polo, but it’s actually longer than a Golf. That means boot space is highly impressive and, unlike in the Peugeot 308, this doesn’t come at the expense of rear cabin space. There’s plenty of space back there, and even lots of headroom. Adults will be happy on long journeys.

Skoda has also included simple, thoughtful touches that make you wonder why they’re not standard on every car. The Scala comes with a car park ticket holder on the front windscreen, a handy in-built funnel on the screenwash reservoir, an umbrella in the driver’s door and an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap. Here, the scraper also doubles as a tread gauge. These additions show how well designed the Scala is, and could tempt buyers away from rivals.

If you regularly carry adults in the rear seats, the Scala should be on your shortlist. As mentioned above, there’s plenty of headroom – even with the optional panoramic sunroof – and an impressive amount of knee and legroom too. The windowline doesn’t slant upwards too much, meaning the cabin feels light and airy. A car full of adults shouldn’t be a problem, either, although three sitting across the rear bench will be a bit of a squeeze. Thanks to wide-opening doors and plenty of space, fitting child seats into the car’s ISOFIX points should be easy.

The Scala’s cabin includes plenty of storage space to store your odds and ends – the door bins can each hold a 1.5-litre water bottle, you can have a cooled glovebox and there’s a large storage area underneath the front armrest.

Boot space

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Boot space is so good that you might consider the Scala over a Golf Estate. With the rear seats up, there’s 467 litres to fill, which makes the Focus’ 375 litres and the Golf hatchback’s 381 litres feel slightly inadequate. It’s the same story when you flip the 60:40 folding seats down – there’s 1,410 litres of space, while a Golf only offers 1,237 litres.

Towing

The Scala is able to tow a braked trailer of 1,150g with a 1.0-litre 94bhp petrol fitted, while 1.5-litre versions can tow up to 1,250kg.