The new 2019 Skoda Scala has finally been revealed, the Rapid replacement will feature new technology, improved safety equipment and a range of engine options.
Firstly the name Scala, it means stairs or ladder in Latin.
Size wise, the Scala comes close to the Octavia, riding on a 2649mm wheelbase with a total length of 4362mm, width of 1793mm and height of 1471mm.
Exterior highlights on the Scala include Skoda block lettering across the rear, LED headlights and tail lights, electric tailgate with tip-to-close function and a retractable tow bar.
There is also the option of an extended rear window in place of the standard tailgate, dynamic rear indicators as well as the Emotion package which adds a large panoramic glass roof along with full-LED headlights and tail lights.
The cabin is based on the recently revealed Vision RS concept car. Features include a 467-litre boot (largest in the segment), high-quality soft-foam surfaces, ambient lighting, contrast stitching on the seat covers and a third-generation infotainment system with screen size ranging from 6.5- to 9.2-inches.
Options also include Suedia microfiber seat covers, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel.
Assistance systems included on the Scala have previously only been seen on higher-spec Skoda models - lane assist and front assist with city emergency brake are standard across the range while side assist, adaptive cruise control and park assist are all optional.
Powering the Scala are a range of engines including 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre TSI engines and a 1.6-litre TDI with a 1.0 G-TEC which is said to run on environmentally friendly gas set to join the range later in 2019.
The top-of-the-range four-cylinder 1.5 TSI offers 110kW/250Nm and includes active cylinder technology (ACT) which can shut down the two middle cylinders when the engine load is low. It is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with a seven-speed DSG optional.
Other petrol engine options include the entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TSI offering 70kW/175Nm mated with a five-speed manual or 85kW/200Nm paired with a six-speed manual with the option of a seven-speed DSG.
The four-cylinder 1.6 TDI engine develops 85kW/250Nm and is matched with a six-speed manual with the seven-speed DSG remaining an option, whilst the 1.0 G-TEC engine will offer 66kW/145Nm and be mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission when it joins the line-up.
A Sport Chassis Control is available which can switch the car from normal to sport mode via Driving Mode Select and rides 15mm lower than the standard suspension.
The new Skoda Scala isn’t set to arrive on Australian soil for roughly a year. The order books will open from the fourth quarter of 2019 when full local specifications and pricing is expected. Watch this space!
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