Used Skoda Scala 2019-present review
The Skoda Scala is spacious, comfortable and very affordable bought used. It's a great buy.
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What's the used Skoda Scala like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Alternatives
Reliability
Mark Pearson
Updated: 7 April 2026
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What's the used Skoda Scala like?
Size isn't everything, as the Skoda Scala proves. It's all well and good being able to fit 11 suitcases into the boot of a Skoda Octavia, but not everyone's family is that indecisive when it comes to holiday packing.
That's where the Scala comes in. It's still highly practical and excellent value for money, but it doesn't have an enormous rear end that makes it difficult to park in a multi-storey.
Overview
The Scala has many appealing qualities aside from its reasonable used price. Few rivals offer such a comfortable ride or quite so much practicality, thanks to a huge boot and lots of rear seat space. Yes, it isn't as refined as the very best, but then it was never priced as a premium family car when new, so that's to be expected. Reliability is looking good, too, so a used purchase is definitely recommended.
Pros
- Comfortable ride and tidy handling
- Spacious rear seats and a big boot
- Inexpensive to run
Cons
- Interior feels a little cheap in places
- Noisier at speed than the quietest rivals
- Sat-nav only available on higher trims
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,995
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,390
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,489
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,790
Skoda Scala
1.5 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,000
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,950
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,985
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,990
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,990
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The Scala is a little different because, while it's longer than a VW Golf, it has a lower price tag. Better still, the Scala has already received a mid-life update to help it remain competitive, with sharpened up looks and a mildly improved interior that upgraded the on-board tech.
Engines & Performance: The Scala offers a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The entry-level 1.0-litre turbo, with 94bhp, is perky enough, but the 113bhp version has a bit more overtaking urge, along with a six-speed gearbox for more refined motorway cruising.
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This engine was replaced by a 109bhp 1.0 TSI 110 unit in 2020. The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine is pretty swift and very refined, while the 113bhp 1.6 diesel is good for those who cover an annual mileage that would put a taxi firm to shame.
Ride & Handling: Where the Scala excels is in being a calm and competent performer on the road. It can't trouble the Ford Focus in being fun to drive, but it does do a great job of smoothing over the worst road surfaces without being bouncy. The compromise is that it can feel a little floaty over crests and dips at speed. You'll also notice more suspension noise, along with higher levels of wind and road roar than you'll find in some of its rivals, particularly when travelling along a motorway.
The Scala will lean over more in the bends due to its soft suspension, but it still grips the road well and handles very tidily, plus its steering increases in weight progressively as you turn the wheel, giving you the confidence to drive the car briskly.
Interior & Practicality: It has plenty of room in the front and plenty of adjustment in the driving position is a given for the class, but what's different about the Scala is that it has a really spacious back seat that copes well with bulky child seats and lanky teenagers.
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The boot is big, too, and shouldn't have any trouble taking a pushchair. We even managed to squeeze seven carry on suitcases into it with no issues whatsoever. That's not as many as an Octavia will swallow, granted, but still much more than most other family cars can take.
Trims & Equipment: There are five trim levels to choose from, every one of which includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assistance as standard. S trim gives you have 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights and a 6.5in touchscreen with a DAB radio and Bluetooth.
Step up to SE for rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and an upgraded 8in infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mitigate the lack of in-built sat-nav, although SE Technology (added in late 2020) does include the latter, along with front parking sensors.
SE L includes 17in alloys, a 9.2in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, and a 10.25in digital instrument cluster. Monte Carlo trim is more of a styling package, bringing a sportier interior and exterior, but it does include a panoramic glass roof.
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What's New
- September 2024: Skoda ups the value of the Scala by adding more standard equipment to all trims
- September 2023: Scala facelifted, and gained an enhanced set of driver-assistance features
- July 2020: SE Technology trim offered as an incentive to business drivers. It comes with a 9.2in touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration and charging, and parking sensors fore and aft
- January 2020: Scala gets a sporty edge in the shape of new Monte Carlo trim, which features black highlights and sports seats
- April 2019: Skoda opens order books for Scala hatch, a rival for the Ford Focus that features a choice of two petrol engines or one diesel. All models get air-con and LED lights as standard
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"Such an impressive car and a good fit for a couple or a small family. It's the surprising refinement that really marks it out, though." – Mark Pearson, used cars editor
If you're interested in finding a used Skoda Scala or any of the other family cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
What used Skoda Scala will I get for my budget?
Used Scalas start at around £8000 for a 1.0 petrol for an S or (more popular) SE version from 2019 or 2020. The more potent 1.5 can be found from £9000, while a diesel will set you back a similar amount. Expect to spend between £10,000 to £16,000 on a 2022, 2023 or even 2024 car. Meanwhile, 2025 cars will set you back at least £19,000.
To keep up to date with used Scala prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Check the value of a used Skoda Scala with What Car? Valuations
How much does cost to run a Skoda Scala?
MPG: Predictably, the 1.6 diesel has the lowest fuel consumption, at 57.7mpg, but don't discount any of the petrol alternatives because the difference isn't that vast. The least powerful 94bhp 1.0 has a combined figure of 53.3mpg and both the 113bhp 1.0 and 148bhp 1.5 manage to achieve 51.4mpg (the later TSI 110 53.3mpg), the latter being helped by clever cylinder deactivation technology that cuts fuel consumption at a constant cruise.
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Road tax (VED): Every Scala will be subject to the current flat-rate fee for car tax, currently £200 a year, and none will fall foul of the additional surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.
Servicing: You can purchase a service plan that covers your next two services, with prices starting from £17 per month over 24 months, or an upfront fee of £408.
If you have an automatic Scala, make sure that its gearbox oil has been changed every four years or 40,000 miles. It isn't part of the routine maintenance schedule, rather it is a recommended service. However, woe betides anyone who doesn't have this carried out because if the gearbox fails due to infrequent oil changes, you'll be the one footing the bill for its replacement.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Protect your investment
GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it
Reduce your car finance bills
Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term
What is hire purchase?
Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP
What is PCP finance?
Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?
Our recommendations
Which used Skoda Scala should I buy?
Engine
If you only do short journeys in-town, the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre should serve you just fine. We'd recommend you upgrade to the more powerful 113bhp version (or the later 109bhp version) because it gains an extra gear ratio for superior long-distance driving. The 1.6 diesel only makes sense if you do lots of miles since it is rarer and more expensive than an equivalent petrol, while the 1.5 petrol would be worthwhile if you can find one for similar money to a 1.0-litre.
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A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available on the 113bhp 1.0-litre, 1.5 and 1.6 diesel, but the manual is the superior choice unless you really have to have a self-shifter.
Specification
Of the five trim levels, SE provides all the useful equipment you'll need bar sat-nav. But, at least it gets full smartphone connectivity so you can use a navigation app from your phone instead.
Our favourite Skoda Scala: 1.0 113bhp SE
Tips & Advice
Which smartphone integration should I have?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic – and free – technologies. Here we show you the benefits, drawbacks and best apps
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Skoda Scala?
Any Ford Focus will run rings around the Scala in terms of driver engagement, and there is a vast variety of different engine options (there's even a semi-hot ST version) to suit all needs and desires. It's let down by a low-rent interior and clunkier to operate infotainment system, plus you'll also have to spend more to buy a Focus than you will for a Scala. Reliability also lets the Focus down.
A post-facelift Vauxhall Astra is even less expensive to buy than a Scala and has a plusher interior, but you will have to offset that against poorer handling, an inferior ride, and a less practical interior. Reliability can be dodgy, too.
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For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
If you're interested in buying a Skoda Scala or any of the cars we've mentioned, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at a great price.
Skoda Scala owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
David
Skoda Scala 1.5 petrol hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Oct 6, 2025 8:49 PM
Very easy to drive very good performance and handling spacious.
Stephen
Skoda Scala 1.5 petrol hatchback
Likes: Running costs
Dislikes: Servicing
Oct 5, 2025 1:47 PM
The Scala offers a lot of specification as standard, good space and versatility but is let down by a lot of rattles from the trim and dashboard. It easily returns 58mpg fully loaded at motorway speeds and 46mpg around town. The 1.5TSI is punchy and economical but the car is let down by a significant flat spot when pulling away from a stop. This is particularly noticeable hen the engine is cold and between 1st and second. Skoda has updated the ECU which has improved things but it's still there and for me annoying enough to be a reason to sell the car.
Neil
Skoda Scala 1.0 petrol hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
May 25, 2025 11:54 AM
I'd rate the Scala highly for comfort and ease of use, but it's not the most involving car to drive.
Peter
Skoda Scala 1.5 petrol hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
May 16, 2025 7:22 AM
This is the third Skoda from new that I have owned. All my Skodas have been reliable with value for money and purchased from the same dealer. I have total trust in my dealer and have built a good rapport with them. The performance and economy of this 1.5 Scala is second to none coupled with superb comfort, my only criticism being the head beam is poor. I have taken out a service contract from new and consider a fixed monthly cost is a very attractive option. My car has now completed about 32000 miles and has been faultless and a dream to own
Bobby
Skoda Scala 1.5 petrol hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Apr 15, 2025 7:21 AM
Apart from yearly servicing there have been no issues or expense.
Load more owner reviews
How reliable is the Skoda Scala ?
Reliability rating: 95.2%
Skoda Scala
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,995
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,390
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,489
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,790
Skoda Scala
1.5 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,000
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,950
Skoda Scala
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,985
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,990
Skoda SCALA
1.0 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,990
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
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