Entry-level model shows plenty of Ambition

Hey Kiwis. Forget about your love affair with SUVs, instead take a gander at Skoda New Zealand’s latest family member, the Scala – because this hatchback is a winner.

The Scala replaces the Rapid hatchback so sits between the compact Fabia hatch and the Octavia liftback.

There are three models in the range including the Ambition, priced at $29,990 and powered by a 1L turbo petrol engine, producing 85kW of power between 5000-6000rpm, plus 200Nm of torque (2000-3500rpm).

Next is the Sport ($34,990) and Style ($4000 more) and both have a 1.5L turbo petrol engine, producing 110kW (5000-6000rpm) and 250Nm (1500-3500).

All three front-wheel drive models have the identical seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The Sport and Style models, come with driver mode select (eco, normal, sport, individual) with the sport function offering more sensitive steering and faster accelerator response, while the Amition model you engage sport mode via the gear, moving it from drive.

The Scala is based on VW’s MQB A0 platform and the German carmaker’s latest tech.

Compared with the outgoing Rapid, the Scala is 58mm longer (at 4362mm),12mm higher (at 471mm) and 87mm wide (at 1531mm) . But what really makes it look bigger is the rear window that covers the boot space.

The Scala is a first for the company in a couple of ways. It’s the first to get the Skoda badge across the tailgate in large letters (rather than small writing at the back of the vehicles). It has an updated infotainment system, dynamic rear indicators and LED lights as standard.

Competition in this hatch segment includes the Mazda3, Ford Focus, Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla and the Hyundai i30.

The Scala has the largest boot in its segment at 467L with numerous stowage areas and nifty storage ideas, such as two Velcro L-shaped wedges to secure boxes in the boot. Skoda NZ says, the Scala’s boot can fit an extra chilly bin compared with some competitors.

Target customers in New Zealand are two core groups: couples aged 35-45 with no kids, and empty nesters.

But Skoda faces a battle: the New Zealand market is ruled by SUVs with the segment now accounting for a staggering 73 per cent of new passenger vehicle registrations. The hatchback segment is the next biggest at 22 per cent, with medium hatches, including the Scala, making up half of those sales.

Skoda sold 82 Rapids in 2018, and is expecting to double that figure with the Scala.

The interior of the Scala is full of soft touch materials, the dashboard has clean lines while the infotainment system is easy to use.

Like all Skodas, the Scala gets a number of “simply-clever” features — a parking ticket-holder mounted on the windscreen pillar, a compartment in each front door, with an umbrella, an ice-scraper that doubles as a tyre tread-depth gauge, clipped to the fuel-filler cap, and a cap for the screen-wash that unfolds for use as a funnel.

At the New Zealand debut in September last year, I was lucky enough to drive the Sport and Style models around Auckland.

However, when it came time for my week-long road test and Skoda NZ they gave me the entry level Ambition with 85kW of power and clothe seats.

Yes, I could have turned my nose up, not thinking it would be up for a road trip – but I’m so glad I gave the Ambition a chance to show me how ambitious it really is.

I packed in a busy seven days for the Scala – and the fuel economy I got out of it was astounding. I drove a total of 731.4km during my time – and when I dropped it off at Skoda NZ’s HQ it still had just under a quarter of a tank of petrol left. The fuel economy figures didn’t do it justice with 11L/100km from my stop-start driving around Auckland.

Out of Auckland and on the open roads, I headed up to Hahei for the annual Leadfoot festival of motorsport for the weekend, and the Ambition turned out to be a pearler.

Not only was it fuel efficient, but I was incredibly impressed with the performance from this1litre engine.

I had my 1.78m tall son Henry as passenger and our luggage in the back enough for four days away – an average weekend getaway load.

Putting the Scala into sport, the Ambition was a rocket – overtaking with ease on the Southern motorway, then across the straight stretches of the Hauraki Plains.

The loop across SH25A has you facing tight corners as you drive up the mountain range, before heading down towards Tairua.

The Scala then faced Pumpkin Hill on SH25 that takes you from Tairua to Hahei. That segment of road can be challenging with switchback and tight bends as you climb up the hill.

But the Scala Ambition’s handling was effortless, the ride was comfortable, making it one of the best in its segment.

It’s no wonder the Scala has gained five star rating from overseas motoring publications and won UK’s Which? family car of the year for 2020.

Speaking of families – even a week after I handed back the Scala, Henry was still referring to it.

“You should buy one as your runabout,” he suggested.

I reminded him that I would need to be an empty nester (hint, hint)!