The Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI (115 Hp), produced from January 2019 to December 2020, is a compact hatchback designed primarily for the European market. Positioned as a successor to the Skoda Rapid Spaceback, the Scala aimed to offer a more modern and spacious alternative within the competitive C-segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scala represents Skoda’s commitment to practical, value-oriented vehicles, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, technology, and interior space. It served as an important model in Skoda’s lineup, bridging the gap between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia.
Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The Skoda Scala is a five-door hatchback designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle. It distinguishes itself with a relatively spacious interior for its class, a modern design language, and a range of efficient engine options. The 1.6 TDI variant, equipped with a diesel engine producing 115 horsepower, was a popular choice in Europe due to its fuel economy and suitability for long-distance driving. The Scala’s design philosophy focused on providing a practical and functional vehicle without compromising on style or technology.
Engine & Performance
The Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, identified by the EA288 / DGTA engine code. This engine delivers a maximum power output of 115 horsepower at 3250-4000 rpm and a torque of 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) between 1500-3250 rpm. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a turbocharger with intercooler, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. The engine’s displacement is 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.), and it boasts a compression ratio of 16.2:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.1 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h (124.9 mph). Calculated 0-60 mph acceleration is 9.6 seconds. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Skoda Scala features a modern hatchback body style with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, evidenced by its drag coefficient of 0.303. The vehicle measures 4362 mm (171.73 in) in length, 1793 mm (70.59 in) in width, and 1471 mm (57.91 in) in height. The wheelbase is 2649 mm (104.29 in). Inside, the Scala offers seating for five passengers and a generous 467 liters (16.49 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 1410 liters (49.79 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard and optional features included ABS (Anti-lock braking system), electric power steering, and a Start & Stop system to enhance fuel economy. The Scala also incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions, meeting Euro 6 DG emission standards. Safety features were a key consideration, with the Scala designed to meet stringent European safety regulations. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a balance between comfort and handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Scala |
| Generation | Scala |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2019 |
| End of production | December, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 4.4-5.2 l/100 km (53.5 – 45.2 US mpg, 64.2 – 54.3 UK mpg, 22.7 – 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 116-136 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.0-4.1 l/100 km (58.8 – 57.4 US mpg, 70.6 – 68.9 UK mpg, 25 – 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 106-107 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h (124.9 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 DG |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3250-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3250 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / DGTA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1239-1393 kg (2731.53 – 3071.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1768 kg (3897.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 467 l (16.49 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1410 l (49.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4362 mm (171.73 in.) |
| Width | 1793 mm (70.59 in.) |
| Height | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2649 mm (104.29 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI, while not available in the US market, represents a significant offering in the European compact hatchback segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and modern features made it a popular choice for drivers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
