Since first sampling the Skoda Scala in 2019, it’s stuck with us as a really great, all-around car for decent money. A vehicle that I could actually see myself spending my own money on. Now that’s rare.
But what about the Monte Carlo edition with its go-faster looks and positively spritely 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and DSG gearbox? I’m there.
Priced from £25.595, you’ll have to find £28,415 to pair it with the aforementioned gearbox and engine combo. A little pricey compared to the base SE at £20,800. But it’s worth it.
Skoda Scala Monte Carlo Looks
Scala isn’t a bad looker to begin with, and to be honest, far more interesting than yet another bland crossover. Think of it as a Fabia with a bit more room.
It still doesn’t beat the 530 litres of boot space that the OG Fabia Estate had mind. Scala comes in at 467 litres, but it’s still an upgrade over the Fabia hatch with its 391 litres.
Anyway. Monte Carlo trim adds a svelte little roof spoiler, larger 18” alloys, gloss black mirrors, grille and tailgate lettering, further enhancing the Scala’s lines. It’s a yes from me.
How does the 1.5 TSi Skoda Scala Drive?
Now the last Scala we sampled was an SE with a fuel-sipping 1.6 litre TDI engine coupled with the six-speed manual. This 1.5 TSI turns things up several notches. 0-62 drops to 8.2 seconds, bringing it well into the ‘warm hatch’ territory.
It has a real turn of pace, allowing you to extricate yourself quickly from potentially dodgy situations while out on the road and easily exploit gaps.
Suspension isn’t firm either, giving it a comfy ride and the handling a slight wobbliness that just adds to the endearing nature of a Scala with 148 BHP. Not condoning such things, but you can easily make a 1.5 TSI a 180 BHP fire-breather with ease.
The larger 18” alloys don’t seem to hamper the damper either. Ride is still pliable and soaked up enough of the pot-hole-ridden cesspit that our country is turning into.
MPG wasn’t half bad either. Over 366 miles, the average was 44.5 MPG, which is seriously impressive for a car with such oomph.
Inside the Monte Carlo
Hopping into the cockpit, you get red and black ‘Monte Carlo’ sports seats. They’re incredibly comfy, and the contrasting colours and faux carbon fibre fabric lifts the interior and makes it feel a little more special. There’s also some nice pinstriping down the seat centres.
You also get a perforated leather steering wheel with Monte monicker at the bottom. The old-school heating controls are the only real letdown, but you can remove those with the Dual-zone climate control option at £685. Pricey.
You can go as granular as you like with the options, even adding a driver’s knee airbag for an extra £280. But the standard kit is relatively high on the Monte Carlo.
The 9.2” Amundsen sat nav-enabled touchscreen pairs well with the dial-less virtual cockpit to make Scala feel modern and up-to-date. It also connects with your phone seamlessly, and the stereo has to be one of the best standard systems I’ve ever heard. Incredibly loud, crystal clear with bass that shakes the compact Scala when needed.
Rear seat legroom is decent, plenty enough for kids. Probably a bit squished for two adults on a long journey. But, you can fit a euro pallet across the back. What more could you want in life?
Skoda Scala Monte Carlo Conclusion
If you’re after a relatively quick, well-handling, comfy vehicle with enough capacity to swallow up weekend bags or tip trip accoutrements, pair the Scala with the 1.5 TSI.
For a more affordable vehicle, forgo the 1.5 TSI and DSG. You’ll still have an incredibly practical, good-looking hatch that stands out from the norm.
