Skoda teases Scala hatchback interior

SKODA has continued the teaser campaign for its upcoming Scala small hatchback, revealing a sketch image of the new-generation interior that includes a large touchscreen display and a simple, clean dashboard layout.

When it launches in Australia late next year, the Scala will be the first model from the Czech brand to feature the latest version of its infotainment system, projected onto a free-standing display screen measuring 9.2 inches.

Customers will also be able to option the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster measuring 10.25 inches, which Skoda claims is the largest in its class.

Sitting under the touchscreen display is a simple air-conditioning cluster with buttons for heated seats, while a DSG dual-clutch automatic shifter, manual parking brake and cupholders also feature.

The instrument panel and door trims are upholstered in a textured soft-foam material that the brand says gives a premium feel, while the seats can optionally be upholstered in Suedia microfibre.

Boot space for the Rapid-replacing Scala is rated at 467 litres, more than hatchback rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf (380L), Toyota Corolla Hybrid (333L), Renault Megane (434L), Holden Astra (360L), Mazda3 (308L) and Subaru Impreza (345L).

With the rear seats folded, the volume of the Scala’s loading area increases to 1410L.

As previously reported, the Scala measures 4362mm long, 1793mm wide and 1471mm high with a 2649mm wheelbase, making it larger than the Golf and giving it similar interior dimensions to its larger Octavia sibling.

The Scala’s exterior styling will be borrowed from the Vision RS concept revealed at the Paris motor show in September, and will be built on Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous MQB platform shared by the Golf, Passat, Octavia and Superb.

In Europe, five engine choices will be offered including a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder outputting either 70kW or 85kW, and a turbo-diesel mill with 85kW of power.

The most potent engine offering will be a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder, which could also be mated to a plug-in hybrid electric motor as shown in the RS Vision concept for a range-topping performance variant.

A suite of active safety gear is also expected to be available when the Scala launches.

Skoda Scala interior design project leader Dimitrios Darkoudis said the Scala was the first car from the brand to have its interior design inspired by the vehicle’s exterior.

“The new Scala is the first Skoda production car to feature a new dynamic, symmetrical design inspired by the shape of the grille,” he said.

“This is a very emotional look that perfectly complements the fresh, much more emotionally designed exterior. The interior of the new Scala is a major step forward for the Skoda brand, with the digital component of the human-machine interface taking centre stage in the latest version of our Simply Clever cabin.”