Skoda Scala review - MPG, running costs & CO2

For many people, running costs are especially important when choosing a new car, and the Skoda Scala performs well in this regard, with a traditional, but effective choice of petrol engines – don’t expect any hybrid tech here. It wouldn’t be unfair to say that many Skoda buyers prioritise efficiency over outright performance, which is reflected in the familiar engine line-up. The Scala’s very light, too, which helps with fuel costs.

Skoda is perceived as the value arm of the VW Group thanks to its sensible prices, respectable equipment levels and low running costs. This continues with the Scala: insurance groups are lower than the Volkswagen Golf, while increasing the standard warranty isn’t as expensive as you might expect. Skoda servicing tends to be reasonable, too.

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The 1.0-litre should prove economical enough for most low to medium-mileage drivers, with the entry-level 94bhp version being the most efficient, returning economy of up to 55.4mpg with a five-speed manual gearbox. If you want a little more performance, there’s not too much of a compromise, because the 114bhp version is capable of up to 54.3mpg thanks to its standard-fit six-speed manual transmission – go for the DSG automatic, though and economy drops slightly to up to 52.3mpg.

Similarly, while the 1.5-litre version offers extra oomph with 148bhp, it’s not particularly more expensive to run, returning up to 52.3mpg with a six-speed manual or 51.4mpg with the DSG automatic.As is often the case, choosing bigger wheels, extra options or heavier trim levels will reduce the car’s efficiency.

Emissions for the Scala range from 116g/km to 131g/km, putting every model in the higher BiK bands for company car drivers.

A diesel was originally offered when the Scala was first launched, but discontinued towards the end of 2020, and its petrol engines are now so efficient, it isn’t greatly missed.