Version review

Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI SE Technology 5dr Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

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If you have a bit more money to burn we'd completely understand if you stepped up to the 148bhp 1.5 TSI 150 petrol. For those looking to carry lots of people and luggage its added zip – it really is quite quick, with 0-62mph in just 8.2sec – will be just the ticket. Still delivers sensible fuel economy, too. 


1.5 TSI

Hatchback

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

SCALA

SE Technology runs broadly in line with the specification that comes with SE trim, but adds front parking sensors and a 9.2in infotainment system with online features and in-built sat-nav.

SE Technology

1.5 TSI SE Technology 5dr

15-tsi-se-technology-5dr

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Rain and light assist with auto dimming rear view mirror

Crew protect assist and rear side airbags

SmartLink with Apple Carplay/Android auto and MirrorLink

Basic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights

Simply clever pack with tablet holder - Scala

Skoda Scala

Don't discount the Scala on the basis that it's inexpensive. It ticks many of the boxes that some more expensive family cars fail to do, with its supple ride, decent handling, good infotainment system, amazing rear seat space and vast boot. Only its cheap-looking interior and weaker-than-average resale values mark it down. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI SE Technology 5dr Review

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467

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127

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