• Updated interior features softer materials
• Climatronic panel now included
• Lumbar support now standard

How is the quality and layout?

The Scala’s cabin was already an improvement over the Rapid that it replaced. It was more spacious, included higher-quality materials, and had an all-round more grown-up feel. For the 2024 update, Skoda has attempted to enhance the cabin feel with a raft of new materials, including a patch of soft cloth on the dashboard for a living room-type ambiance.

Overall, the new interior touches work well. The Scala cabin is a comfortable and relaxing place to spend long periods of time in, with a soft, high-quality touch that suggests the car is more expensive than it really is.

Moving up the trim range, in Monte Carlo spec, the dashboard’s soft materials are replaced by a panel of imitation carbon fibre, along with red trim lines. They certainly make the interior appear sportier, but the additional plastic feels as though it lowers the overall quality of the cabin.

Infotainment and tech

The updated Scala features an 8.25-inch digital display as standard on all models, though it can be upgraded to an optional 9.2-inch touch-screen as part of Skoda’s Navi package in SE trim (the bigger display is standard on SE L and Monte Carlo cars).

The Scala’s previous climate control system received extensive criticism as owners struggled to contend with multiple usability issues. Skoda has responded to the feedback with a new Climatronic panel for the 2024 Scala update that includes tactile buttons to control fan speeds.

The 2024 Scala can be configured with two additional USB-C ports as well as an optional 15-watt wireless charging box that features an integrated cooling function so as not to overheat your phone on the go. We found the wireless charging box a breeze to use as it seats phones tightly, allowing the two charging components to connect without continuous adjustment while on the move.

One of the Scala’s main party pieces is the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, replacing traditional analogue dials on SE L models. This allows you to customise the instrument cluster with information from the sat-nav, media, phone and trip computer. Although not as intuitive as the Audi system it shares its name with, Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit is arguably easier to use and better laid out than the equivalent found in the Volkswagen Golf.

The Scala’s driving position is par for the course with this type of car, meaning you get enough adjustment through the wheel and seat, even if the latter could go down a little lower (headroom is generous, however, so tall drivers shouldn’t have an issue). Height seat adjustment with lumbar support is standard for both front seats on each model.

Comfort

• Comfort-focused chassis setup
• Impressive all-round refinement
• Super-supportive sport seats

The Scala is focused towards giving its occupants a comfortable all-round drive, as opposed to a firmer, sporty experience. And while it’s not the most comfortable car among its rivals, it does score well in this category by virtue of good ride quality, accomplished refinement and a comfy cabin.

You will notice that wind noise picks up notably if you push on up to 70mph – especially from around the windscreen pillars – but otherwise refinement is impressive. Despite not having more advanced multi-link rear suspension, the Scala doesn’t suffer from the increased suspension noise that other VW Group cars have with the same setup, only rumbling a touch over bumpy surfaces. Engine noise from the 1.0-litre variants never surpasses more than a low hum, even when worked hard. The 1.5-litre cars are a little more raucous when revved out, but they’re still refined.

Completing a solid score for comfort are the black Microsuede sport seats, offering excellent support for longer journeys. The standard ‘Loft’ interior seats in less expensive Scalas are suitably comfortable, although lack a tad in side bolstering support if you take corners with a higher degree of vigour. Monte Carlo cars split the difference, with supportive sports seats – albeit without the grip of the Microsuede.