2023 Skoda Scala Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI

As car makers strive for ever better efficiency, lower fuel economy figures and improved CO2 emissions, sometimes petrol cars that have been out for a while drop into the realms of EcoCar, with its CO2 emissions limit of 125g/km. One such car is the Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI, as tested here in sporty Monte Carlo trim and with the 109bhp 1.0-litre TSI engine. 

It certainly looks the part, with black exterior detailing, sporty red and black upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, navigation system, and digital instruments. Special Monte Carlo badges on the front wings complete the look. First available on the Fabia, the dynamic trim level has since been extended to both the Kamiq and the Scala tested here and is similar to the kind of package that you’ll find on SportLine versions of the Superb, Karoq, Kodiaq and Enyaq iV.

The 109bhp 1.0-litre TSI engine is a pleasing engine, with eager performance away from rest and decent mid-range overtaking power. The manual gearbox has six well-chosen ratios that are slick and smooth to operate, despite a springy clutch. The steering is decently responsive, the handling reassuring planted with very little body lean and the suspension soaks up imperfections well. There’s a little road and tyre noise to be heard at a motorway gallop but sounds from the engine and wind are nicely muted. Skoda is famed for over-delivering on space and this trend continues on the Scala, with more leg, head and foot space than you’ll get in comparable cars, both front and rear.

The nicely bolstered front seats hug you in place and add a dash of colour to proceedings thanks to the red and black hue. That’s mirrored on the dashboard with red trim edging the air vents, as well as on the stitching for the flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, gear knob and manual handbrake lever. The glass-like 9.2-inch infotainment screen is prominently positioned with navigation system installed and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. All-round vision is pretty good, with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera fitted for extra peace of mind. All of the major controls are grouped together for ease of use, with buttons and knobs for the ventilation usefully kept separate from the touchscreen. Soft touch plastics adorn the dashboard and front door tops, though in the back they are made from hard materials. For oddments, there’s storage in front of the gear lever that doubles up as an area for the optional wireless smartphone charger.

In addition, there’s huge door pockets, a large glovebox and a modest area underneath the central armrest. Boot space is generous and better than rivals, with 467 litres of carrying capacity with the seats up and 1,410 litres with them tumbled forwards. Pleasingly, Skoda fits a spacesaver spare wheel to all Scala models, instead of a can of goo.

FACTS & FIGURES 2023 Skoda Scala Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI

Price £23,995Built in Mladá Boleslav, Czech RepublicGeneration 1Codename tbaPlatform MQB A0Bodystyle 5-door hatchback, 5-seatsLayout Front-wheel drivePowerplant 999cc, 3-cylinder, 12-valve, turbo petrol with stop-startTransmission 6-speed manualMax power 109bhp @ 5,500rpmMax torque 148lb ft @ 2,000rpmTop speed 126mph0-62mph 10.0secsCO2 emissions (WLTP) 123g/kmEconomy (WLTP combined) 51.4-52.3mpgFuel tank size 50 litresRange 575 litresInsurance group 13BIK rate (2022/2023 tax year) 29%Size (length/width with mirrors) 4,362/1,988mmBoot space (min/max) 467/1,410 litresKerb/max towing weight 1,284/1,200kgEuro NCAP ratingSpare wheel (full-size/spacesaver/tun-flat/selfseal/repair kit) No/yes/no/no/noWarranty 3 years/60,000 milesWhat’s Hot Good looks, spacious cabin, large boot, willing engine, comfortable.What’s Not Overly springy clutch. Diesel engine has been discontinued. Warranty isn’t as generous as the Koreans.Also consider Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0 EcoBoost, Hyundai i30 Premium 1.0 T-GDiVerdict Smart looking sporty hatchback that is generously proportioned both for occupants and luggage.Rating ■■■■■■■■■■8/10