IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK like 2020 is Škoda’s make-or-break year in Australia. As one company executive said to seniordriveraus in confidence last year, “it’s time for Škoda to piss or get off the pot”.
Over the past 12 months, plans have been implemented to see Škoda evolve into a mainstream European player in the tough and competitive Australian market.
With the arrival of its new Scala hatch, followed closely by the Kamiq compact SUV, Škoda will be represented in the major volume market segments, and offer a family of vehicles laden with European style, practicality, the latest technology and value.
The new Scala features the latest Škoda design language as seen in the Kodiaq, Karoq and Superb models and, in keeping with Škoda Australia’s ethos of offering ‘more car for the money’, plenty of safety, convenience and infotainment systems as standard.
When it arrives in Australian dealerships in June, the Scala will be offered in with a potent 110TSI turbocharged petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission, across three range variants at the time of launch: 110TSI, Monte Carlo and a limited Launch Edition.
The lead-in variant of the Scala range offers standard features usually found in more expensive prestige brands. Standard exterior features include full LED tail lights with dynamic (sweeping) rear indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels and tinted privacy glass. Inside, the Scala also impresses. Technology highlights include adaptive cruise control, automatic tailgate, Smartlink integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto with wireless charging, as well as Front and Lane Assist systems.
The innovative Virtual Cockpit, with a 10.25-inch high definition colour display, is standard across the range. A newly positioned infotainment system (8-inch on 110TSI and Monte Carlo variants and 9.2-inches on Launch Edition) gives the driver a full suite of apps and services at their fingertips.
The Monte Carlo and Launch Edition ranges extend the list of features and equipment. Highlights include the signature red styling in the Monte Carlo sports seats and leather appointed trim in the Launch Edition, a standard panoramic sunroof for the Monte Carlo, and the premiere of wireless Smartlink connectivity in the Launch Edition.
The Scala range is available for order now, and will be on-sale in Škoda Australia’s national dealer network from June. The range will launch with extremely sharp driveaway pricing for early bird Škoda customers.
STANDARD SPECIFICATION
SCALA 110TSI manual and DSG
- 18-inch wheel (VEGA Silver)
- Window surrounds in black
- Auto Tailgate
- Rear Parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Virtual Cockpit
- Tinted windows
- Wireless charging
- Lane Assist
- Seven airbags
- Exterior mirrors, auto-dimming, power-folding/adjustable/heated
- Seat belt reminder, electric contact in buckle, advanced safety equipment
- Hill hold control
- Fatigue detection
- SmartLink
- Voice control
- Front fog lights
- Full LED rear lights, animated turn signal
- Central locking system (2 x foldable keys with remote control)
- Rearview Camera
- BOLERO (8-inch) Infotainment
- Unsplit rear seat bench, split folding backrest, with centre armrest
- Centre armrest in front “Jumbo Box” + 2 USBs rear (charging only)
- Bluetooth
- Multifunction leather sports steering wheel for Radio and Telephone
- Ambient lightning red
- Manual height adjustment with manual lumbar support for front seats
- Steel spare wheel, car jack, wheel wrench
- Floor mats in front and rear
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Luggage compartment mat (rubber/fabric)
- 12-volt socket in luggage boot
- Trunk package (Cargo elements, net under rear shelf, net programme with bag, two hooks in top tether in trunk)
Monte Carlo (where different to Scala 110TSI)
- Exterior black elements
- 18-inch wheel (Vega Black)
- Panoramic Roof
- Sports Seats and pedals
- Full LED headlights with AFS
- Dual-Zone ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with humidity sensor
- KESSY with SAFE and Alarm
- Sport Chassis Control (-15mm) incl. Drive Mode Select
Launch Edition (where different to Monte Carlo):
- Body coloured door mirrors, chrome grill frame and window surrounds
- 18-inch wheel style (VEGA Aero)
- Leather/Suedia Seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Electric Drivers seat
- AMUNDSEN (9.2-inch) Infotainment system
- Satellite Navigation
- Light Assist + Rain Sensor + auto dim rear view mirror
- Wireless SmartLink (Apple Carplay only at launch – Android Auto available later in 2020)
- Auto Parking Assist
- Side Assist (with blind spot)
- Rear Traffic Alert
PRICING
| MODEL | RRP | DRIVEAWAY |
| SCALA 110TSI Manual | $27,690 | $26,990 |
| SCALA 110TSI DSG | $28,690 | $28,990 |
| SCALA Monte Carlo DSG | $33,390 | $33,990 |
| SCALA Launch Edition DSG | $34,690 | $35,990 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Škoda Scala, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.