The Skoda Scala launched with a fantastic array of standard equipment, a great turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and a super practical cabin. And let’s not forget the price. This thing was a bargain back then. Then came (and went) the impressive Scala Monte Carlo, which was a corker of a car. A shame it isn’t around anymore. A good first car needs to be many things, including affordable, reliable and safe. Here’s our pick of the best “The Skoda Scala is more practical and less expensive than the similarly This 2023 Skoda Scala 85TSI Ambition is one such example: a new entry-level specification grade for Skoda's small car that hits an interesting blend of value, specification and a no-frills Skoda has been crystal clear since the beginning that it wants the Scala to redefine what a compact car can offer - and it has largely succeeded. Even the entry-level Ambition variant brings with it a level of standard equipment that should satisfy pickier drivers, including LED head and taillights, dual-zone climate control and that 8.0-inch The Skoda Scala and Skoda Fabia may share some similarities, but they also have significant differences. While the Scala is a compact family car with a spacious interior and advanced technology, the Fabia is a smaller supermini car, offering improved practicality. Dashboard. Interior space with 5 seats. The Skoda Scala has a length of 4362 mm, a height of 1471 mm, a width of 1793 mm without the exterior mirrors and a measurement of 1988 millimeters with the mirrors unfolded. Motorization: diesel and petrol. Because of its exterior size, we classify the Skoda Scala in the category of compact cars. Verdict. In many ways, the Scala 110TSI Monte Carlo reminds us of the lower-line Mercedes-Benz A180 and BMW 118i in the way it blends premium European presentation with a sporty flavour. Seen in this context, the $15K or so you save going the Skoda instead makes it a winner. Replacing the Skoda Rapid Spaceback which ended production in 2019, the Scala is pitched in a sector that has some pretty heavyweight contenders. Cars such as the Ford Focus, VW’s Golf, Hyundai’s i30 and the Vauxhall Astra are just some of the well know powerhouses its up against, so it’s going to be a tough job and certainly no walk in the park. Skoda has a reputation for building great-value cars, so here we’re testing the most affordable model in the Scala range: the 1.0-litre turbo petrol, with 113bhp and a manual gearbox, in SE trim. Resembling the discontinued ‘wagon’ version of the Fabia, the Scala essentially takes up the same mantle. Five seats, clever design and impressive styling are all instantly apparent, but some extras make the Scala look very appealing indeed. I had the top-spec ‘Monte Carlo’ Edition on test. With Škodas impressive track record at the 30qxjnv.