Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI Monte Carlo Review: A Sharp Little Roomy Handler

What we like:

Sharp handling

Well-optioned

What we dislike:

Weedy powertrain

The Scala is in the same segment as the Polo, but as you’d expect from Skoda, it feels almost as spacious as a Golf inside. It also has a sizable boot. Packaging wise, the Scala holds much promise already even before driving it.

In Monte Carlo specification, the Scala comes with larger 17-inch rims shod with sporty rubber and you can feel it. While most Skodas are content being driven sedately, the Scala is quite different. It loves corners and could be the sharpest driving Skoda without an RS badge. It really is quite a joy to hustle around, especially with its pointy front end.

In Monte Carlo specification, the interior is really well-appointed too. The panoramic glass roof deserves mention, as it is gargantuan and not often seen in the Scala’s class. There are lovely sports seats with accent trims as well as a sportier steering wheel, too. It all suits the Scala Monte Carlo’s athletic disposition.

The downer in this instance is the Scala’s 1.0 TSI engine. The Scala Monte Carlo in overseas markets typically comes with a 1.5 TSI engine, so our version is down on power, although it does fit into Cat A COE. The downsized engine struggled a bit to catch up with the car’s impressive handling. The DSG gearbox also has to swap cogs busily to make full use of the little engine’s power band.

The Scala Monte Carlo shows a sportier side of Skoda that in the past only was shown in the brand’s RS models, and feels premium in an entry-level class.

Photos by New Gen Marketing

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