Facelifted Skoda Scala hits the UK with budget-friendly starting price

• Refreshed styling
• Skoda’s latest interior tech
• Available to order from February 6th

The Skoda Scala is one of our favourite small hatchbacks, and a new facelift only looks to build upon its strengths. At £22,095, the new entry-level Scala is marginally more expensive than the outgoing model, which started closer to £21,000, but it still represents excellent value for money when compared to its rivals, such as the SEAT Leon and Vauxhall Astra.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Scala is actually closer in size to its larger Golf sibling, offering room for five adults along with a huge boot. We didn’t find it particularly fun to drive during our in-depth review, however, what it lacks in speed, it makes up for with space, practicality and affordability. These qualities appear to remain for the new facelift, along with some added tech to bring the Scala right up to date.

What’s new for the facelifted Skoda Scala?

6

Starting with the looks, you’ll spot the Scala’s new front end, following the new design language found across Skoda’s other models, such as the Kodiaq and the upcoming Superb. The headlights are new, now available with optional LED matrix technology. Both front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new alloy wheel options ranging in size up to 18 inches.

Inside, the new Scala will be offered with a choice of three interior ‘concepts’ offering different upholstery, similar to those found in the electric Skoda Enyaq. All are now more sustainable than before, with increased use of recycled materials and natural fibres.

Engine choices are unchanged from the outgoing model, with no hybrid technology available. The base engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 94bhp, only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. If you fancy something nippier, you can have the same engine with 114bhp, or alternatively, you can upgrade to the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 148bhp. Both can be optioned with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The Scala is offered in three trim levels, starting with the entry-level SE model. This comes equipped with rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, four USB-C ports and an 8.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver gets an eight-inch digital display too.

6

Stepping up to SE L trim brings a larger 9.2-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. There’s rear privacy glass, ambient lighting and a larger set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Monte Carlo trim is the most expensive, but adds a raft of extra kit. The alloy wheels grow to 18 inches, there’s a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera and black exterior trim. It’s a sportier look, backed up by a drive mode selector and Skoda’s Sport Chassis Control.

How much does the facelifted Skoda Scala cost and when can I order one?

The Skoda Scala starts from £22,095 for the SE model with the base 94bhp engine. The SE L variant with the same engine costs £23,895, although both can be upgraded to the more powerful 114bhp engine for an additional £975. The DSG automatic will cost you another £1,350.

Top-spec Monte Carlo models start from £27,795, topping out at £30,445 for the 1.5-litre engine with DSG automatic gearbox.

Order books open on February 6th with first deliveries slated for the spring.

The facelifted Skoda Kamiq is available from February 6th, too. You can read more about it here…