Skoda Scala review

The Skoda Scala gives you a wide range of steering-wheel adjustment and you get driver's seat height adjustment as standard. Adjustable lumbar support is added once you move up to our recommended SE trim. Some of our testers found the seat a little narrow and lacking in side support. Seat comfort is subjective, though, so just try it out for yourself before you buy.  

In the range-topping SE L and Monte Carlo trims, the conventional analogue instruments are replaced by a digital screen. This can simply show a set of digitised dials, but it also displays a multitude of other information in a clear and concise fashion. 

Rear parking sensors are fitted as standard on all but entry-level S trim, and if you want to add front parking sensors or a rear-view camera, you can do so for a relatively small extra cost. 

Another big plus is that all trims come with LED dipped headlights. Full LED headlights, which include the main beams, are optional unless you go for Monte Carlo trim. LED headlights are far more illuminating at night than the halogen bulbs that cheaper versions of the Focus and Kia Ceed come with.

The Scala's infotainment is one of the better systems in the class – much better than the more expensive Golf's. However, we prefer the rotary infotainment controller in the Mazda 3, which is less distracting to use while driving than trying to hit icons on a touchscreen. The shortcut buttons around the Scala's screen are helpful for swapping menus, but they're touch-sensitive and not physical buttons.