Skoda Scala here in June, priced from $27,690

SKODA Australia has revealed local specifications and pricing for its all-new Scala small hatchback, with a four-variant launch line-up due to hit showrooms in June starting at $27,690 plus on-road costs.

Replacing the slow-selling Rapid, the Scala echoes the same new design language as the Karoq, Superb and Kodiaq, undoubtedly led by the signature slatted grille and ‘eyelash’ headlight arrangement.

Value is the name of the Scala’s game, according to Skoda, with even the base model 110TSI brandishing a lengthy list of standard equipment as the Czech brand attempts to poach sales from segment heavyweights including the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and sister brand Volkswagen’s Golf.

For the $27,690 entry price, the 110TSI includes 18-inch alloy wheels, black window surrounds, an automatic tailgate, tinted windows, heated auto-dimming/folding exterior mirrors, front foglights, LED tail-lights and animated turn signals.

Inside, there is a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit, wireless charging, Bluetooth, SmartLink, voice control, Bolero 8.0-inch infotainment screen, multifunction leather-clad sports steering wheel, red ambient lighting, split-folding rear seats, two rear USB charging points, reversible luggage compartment mat and Skoda’s trunk package.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, fatigue detection, hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system and seven airbags.

Spending an extra $1000 ($28,690) will add the familiar seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – the only option available for the rest of the range.

Above the 110TSI grade is the sportier Monte Carlo, which is priced from $33,390 and adds some extra visual flare courtesy of blacked-out grille, more aggressive black alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension.

The latter forms part of the Monte Carlo’s standard Sport Chassis Control package which also brings selectable driver modes (Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual) and two ride-adjustment setting (Normal and Sport), all accessed from the same menu in the infotainment system.

The Monte Carlo continues this sporty theme inside the cabin with sports seats and pedals, while keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate control, full-LED headlights (with adaptive front lighting system) and a panoramic roof add an extra level of luxury and functionality to match.

Sitting at the top of the Scala tree is the $34,690 Launch Edition which can be distinguished by its chrome grille surround, body-coloured mirrors and ‘aero’ alloy wheels.

Compared to the Monte Carlo, the Launch Edition adds leather and suede upholstery, heated seats all round, electric driver’s seat, bigger 9.2-inch Amundsen infotainment system, satellite navigation, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless SmartLink with Apple CarPlay (Android Auto to be available later in the year), auto parking assist, side assist with blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.

All Scala variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque sent exclusively to the front wheels via the aforementioned manual (110TSI) or automatic transmission.

Boot space is pegged at an impressive (and Golf-beating) 467 litres, a figure which expands to 1410 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.

According to Skoda, the Scala is one of the last pieces of the puzzle for the brand in Australia, describing its “evolution as a mainstream European player” as complete.

“With the arrival of its new Scala hatch, followed closely by the Kamiq compact SUV, Skoda 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,” a spokesperson said.

Skoda sold 1546 cars through the first quarter of 2020 marking a 112-unit (7.8 per cent) improvement over the same period in 2019 – one of only a few brands to experience sales growth.

The bulk of its success can be attributed to the Octavia mid-sized passenger car (495) and Kodiaq seven-seat SUV (444), while the Karoq medium SUV took the gong as the third-most popular model with 279 sales.

It sold only 88 examples of the Rapid over the same period.

2020 Skoda Scala pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs