NOTE: The pricing in this video for the Launch Edition model is incorrect. After some back and forth and stuff that is beyond CarsGuide's control, Skoda Australia has now confirmed the price is $35,990 drive-away, not $36,990 drive-away as shown in this video. Sorry for any confusion.
The small car segment is a shadow of its former self, but that isn’t stopping some brands from entering the fray with competitive models for those willing to think outside the SUV box.
Take this car, for example - it’s the all-new Skoda Scala 2021 model, which has finally launched in Australia after months of delays. The Scala has been on sale in Europe for almost two years, but it’s finally here. So has it been worth the wait? You bet.
In typical Skoda fashion, the Scala offers food for thought against established rivals like the Mazda 3, Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla. But in fact its most natural rival is the Kia Cerato hatch, which - like the Scala - blurs the boundaries between a hatchback and a wagon.
The Scala replaces the Rapid Spaceback, which was of a similar ilk. Czech speakers will understand the “samorost” element of the Scala, which really doesn’t conform to class norms.
But with a number of other Skoda models that could instead vie for your money - the Fabia wagon, Octavia wagon, Kamiq light SUV or Karoq small SUV - is there a reason for the Scala to be here? Let’s find out.