Technology, design, connectivity: With the ŠKODA SCALA the Czech brand completely redefines its offering in the compact car segment

› The ŠKODA SCALA is the first ŠKODA model to be based on Volkswagen Group’s A0 MQB platform
› The hatchback marks the next major development stage for the design language
› In typical ŠKODA style, there is plenty of space and versatility despite its compact size
› Powerful and efficient TSI and TDI engines as well as eco-friendly natural gas (CNG), all coming with a turbocharger
› Assistance systems from higher segments ensure a new level of safety in the car segment
› New ŠKODA Connect mobile online services facilitate connectivity between the driver, vehicle and surroundings

Mladá Boleslav, 16 October 2018 – New character, new technology, new name: with the ŠKODA SCALA, the Czech brand is extending its offering in the popular compact car segment. The all-new model offers a high level of active and passive safety, full-LED headlights and tail lights, plenty of space for luggage and passengers, as well as numerous Simply Clever features. Five engine variants are available ranging from 66 kW (90 PS) to 110 kW (150 PS). The five-door hatchback combines its emotive design with a high degree of functionality and state-of-the-art connectivity. The new ŠKODA SCALA transmits the emotive design language of the VISION RS study, which impressed at the Paris Motor Show, into a series-production vehicle. It will enter the market as early as in the first half of 2019.

Bernhard Maier, ŠKODA CEO, said, “With the new ŠKODA SCALA we are opening a new chapter in the ŠKODA compact car segment. It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design. The SCALA perfectly embodies the ŠKODA‑typical smart understatement. We are convinced that the SCALA has the best chance to redefine ŠKODA’s A-car segment.”

With the SCALA, ŠKODA is presenting the new emotive exterior and interior design language for the first time in a production model. It already attracted attention at the Paris Motor Show with the VISION RS. With the new model, the long-established Czech brand has also taken a big step in terms of technology. The name SCALA, which comes from the Latin meaning ‘stairs’ or ‘ladders’, therefore fits perfectly. With the SCALA, the ŠKODA brand has climbed several rungs on the development ladder. It perfectly embodies a set of brand values which can be summarised very well under the term ‘smart understatement’.

New sculptural shapes, dynamic elements and precise features lend the vehicle an emotive and authentic appearance with a strong identity of its own. As the first ŠKODA model, the new ŠKODA SCALA is characterized by the next development stage of the ŠKODA design language, which will be also present in all future ŠKODA models. The new SCALA is also the first ŠKODA production model in Europe to bear ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering on the tailgate instead of the ŠKODA logo.

Despite its compact dimensions, the ŠKODA SCALA offers a generous amount of space in the interior for a vehicle in the compact car segment. The new compact model measures 4,362 mm in length, is 1,793 mm wide, and 1,471 mm high. The long wheelbase of 2,649 mm gives the ŠKODA SCALA very good driving characteristics.

In terms of interior dimensions, the ŠKODA SCALA leaves nothing to be desired and is getting closer to the ŠKODA OCTAVIA. The kneeroom is 73 mm (73 mm for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA), elbow room in the rear is 1,425 mm (1,449 mm for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA) and head room in the rear is 982 mm (980 mm for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA). And in typical ŠKODA style, the ŠKODA SCALA has one of the largest boots in its segment with a capacity of 467 litres. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,410 litres.

Other characteristics include the innovative optional full-LED headlights and tail lights. The new compact car is the first ŠKODA model to come with the rear dynamic indicator. Hidden beneath the rear bumper is an optional Simply Clever feature: an electrically retractable tow bar, which can be folded out using a button in the boot. Other features offered by the ŠKODA SCALA include the ŠKODA‑typical umbrella compartment (incl. umbrella) in the driver’s door and the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, as well as the optional electric tailgate incl. tip-to-close function.

To complement the ŠKODA SCALA’s modern look, the latest digital technology is also integrated into the car. The optional Virtual Cockpit can be configured in a variety of ways and is available with a 10.25-inch display, the largest in the compact car segment. The infotainment system displays measure up to 9.2 inches – also top in the segment.

Thanks to a new generation of ŠKODA Connect mobile online services, passengers will have the option of locking and unlocking the car using their mobile phone and updating the software of the infotainment or maps ‘over the air’ – without the need to visit a dealership. All delivered ŠKODA SCALA cars are the first ŠKODAs to be always online thanks to a built-in eSIM: this provides a high‑speed LTE internet connection with no need for an additional SIM card or tethered connection via a smartphone. As standard, this eSIM will support the functionality of Emergency Call and Proactive Service.

The 70-kW (95 PS) 1.0 TSI transmits its power via a manual 5-speed gearbox. The 85-kW (115 PS) 1.0 TSI is available with a manual 6-speed gearbox as standard or with an automatic 7-speed DSG as an option. The ŠKODA SCALA’s top‑of-the-range petrol engine is the 1.5 TSI. This four-cylinder engine generates 110 kW (150 PS) and comes with a manual 6-speed gearbox as standard; a 7‑speed DSG is also available as an option. All petrol engines are equipped with a particulate filter.

The four-cylinder 1.6 TDI with a power output of 85 kW (115 PS) produces 250 Nm of torque on the crankshaft; an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection as well as a diesel particulate filter come as standard. It also complies with the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. The efficient diesel engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and a 7‑speed DSG is available as an option.

The 1.0 G-TEC is the environmentally friendly way to drive the new ŠKODA SCALA. The three‑cylinder is primarily designed to run on natural gas (CNG), which results in less CO₂ and NOx emissions than conventional fuels. After the filled natural gas is used up, the engine can also run on petrol. The latest version of the CNG engine delivers 66 kW (90 PS), which is transferred exclusively by a manual 6-speed gearbox.

Even with the standard chassis setup, the new ŠKODA SCALA offers very safe and agile driving characteristics. The optional, new Sport Chassis Preset, which offers two different tunings, provides even more individual options and sportiness. The chassis is 15 mm lower and, in addition to a Normal mode, also has a Sport mode with valve-adjustable shock absorbers that give the car a firmer ride. This provides a sportier driving experience and a more intensive connection with the road. Drivers can switch between the two settings via the Driving Mode Select menu.

Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, emphasized, “The new ŠKODA SCALA is based on Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platform. This not only makes it possible to use the state-of-the-art drive and chassis components, but also allows access to numerous new driver assistance systems that – until now – have only been seen in higher vehicle segments, either for the first time or in enhanced versions. In combination with numerous passive safety systems, the assistance features elevate the ŠKODA SCALA to a very high level of safety.”

One of the enhanced assistance systems available in the ŠKODA SCALA is Side Assist. This optional system indicates to the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind to overtake or is in the driver’s blind spot. While the familiar Blind Spot Detect has a range of up to 20 m, Side Assist can detect vehicles up to 70 m away and can therefore also effectively warn the driver of hazardous situations on motorways and dual carriageways. Rear Traffic Alert is an integral part of the Side Assist function. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is equally designed for use during long motorway journeys and works at speeds up to 210 km/h. Lane Assist and Front Assist form part of the standard equipment. Front Assist including City Emergency Brake uses radar to monitor the area in front of the car while driving in the city and thus helps to prevent accidents. The optional Park Assist conveniently lends the driver a hand when parking – it automatically manoeuvres the ŠKODA SCALA into and out of parallel and bay parking spaces.

For safer driving and better visibility in darkness and bad weather, the ŠKODA SCALA will offer full‑LED headlights and tail lights. In the interior, LED ambient lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere.

A variety of passive safety systems increase the level of safety even further. If a collision is imminent, the optional proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist automatically shuts the windows at an early stage, and tensions the front seat belts. In the event of an accident, the ŠKODA SCALA protects occupants with up to nine airbags. In addition to the two front airbags for the driver and front passenger, the new compact model also features curtain airbags as well as the front seats side airbags; side airbags for the two rear passangers and knee airbag beneath the steering wheel are also available as an option. Following an accident, Multi-Collision Brake prevents the vehicle from rolling any further in an uncontrolled manner. Emergency Call will automatically call for assistance when the airbags or belt tensioners for the occupants of the front seats have been deployed; it can, however, also be operated manually at any time.