Tel Aviv gave the new Škoda Scala a stormy reception, which first rolled into the spotlight on St. Nicholas Day in a suburb of the Israeli metropolis on the Mediterranean. Accompanied by thunder and lightning, around 400 guests celebrated the unveiling of the new compact model of the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary, while hundreds of thousands followed the world premiere via live stream on the Internet. AUTOHUB was there in Tel Aviv.
The hatchback model, whose name comes from Latin and means "stairs" or "ladder", transfers the new design language of the VISION RS study into a series vehicle in a big step up and away from the predecessor Rapid. The Scala is the first model to be built by Skoda on the MQB platform, on which the group brothers VW Polo and Seat Ibiza also roll off the assembly line. At 4,36 meters, it is six centimeters longer than its predecessor, Rapid. The Scala has also increased its wheelbase by five centimeters at 2,65 meters. That means plenty of space for the passengers and in the trunk, the volume of which is already stretching towards the middle class at 467 - 1410 l. On request, the tailgate can also be opened electrically. At the front and rear, there is now plenty of room for the head, knees and elbows of the passengers under an optional full-length panorama roof than in the Rapid.
A lot has changed inside compared to the predecessor. The virtual cockpit with up to five different views contains a new infotainment system with a monitor up to 9,2 inches in size, the virtual round instruments are shown on a 10,5 inch display. Smartphones and tablets charge with USB-C ports in the center console and below the rear air vents. With an eSIM, the Scala is online, can make an automatic emergency call, contact a workshop or import new navigation data and apps. Skoda developed the new mobile online service in cooperation with Israeli start-ups for digitization and mobility services, which explains the reason for the presentation of the youngest offspring of the Czechs. In addition, Skoda is the number one European import brand in Israel with a market share of eight percent, which among other things also provides government sedans.
The entry into the engine world in the new Scala is a 1,0-liter TSI in the two power levels 95 PS and 115 PS, the top model is the four-cylinder TSI with 150 PS. Skoda is the only diesel to offer the 1,6-liter TDI with 115 hp and Euro-6d-Temp. At the end of 2019, the 1.0 G-Tech will come with 90 PS, which will be operated with CNG gas. Skoda has not yet commented on the price, but it will be between Fabia and Octavia, which is around 17 euros.
Text and photos: Solveig Grewe
