Exterior – A Sportier and Sleeker Scala

The exterior design of the 2024 Scala exudes an exclusive vibe thanks to thought-out tweaks to both the front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille, and slimmer headlights. While these changes aren’t groundbreaking, they add a touch of modernity to enhance the aesthetic of the new model. For those seeking an athletic look, there’s an optional Monte Carlo trim available at an extra cost of £3,900. This package includes 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a radiator grille, sleek black door mirrors, and distinctive lettering on the boot lid.

Interior – Thoughtful Design with Simplicity

Step inside the Scala and you’ll be greeted by an interior that showcases design principles combining simplicity with sophistication. In the base SE model, the Scala comes with a range of features which includes an 8.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch digital display for the driver. Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features, like the umbrella in the driver’s door and an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, add touches that make daily commuting more enjoyable.

For £1,800, you can opt for the SE L trim which introduces a larger 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit display for the driver, a 9.2-inch rear privacy glass, and ambient lighting. These enhancements further enhance your driving experience. If you choose the Monte Carlo trim level you not only get a standout exterior but also enjoy features like Drive Mode Select with Sports Chassis Control, Matrix LED headlights a panoramic sunroof, and a reversing camera.

Performance Under the Hood – Trim Levels

When it comes to performance options, under the hood the Scala offers three engine choices to cater to drivers’ preferences. The base SE trim is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder TSI petrol engine that generates 94bhp and is paired with a five-speed transmission.

If you’re looking for a bit of power, the SE L and Monte Carlo models come standard with the 114bhp version of the engine. This provides a driving experience with the option of either a six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

At the top of the range is Volkswagen Group’s impressive 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 148bhp. It’s available in both manual and automatic transmissions catering to those seeking a thrilling ride. It’s important to mention that the Scala doesn’t venture into electrification as it focuses on affordability while improving the efficiency of its petrol engines.

Final Thoughts – A Blend of Style and Practicality

The 2024 Skoda Scala truly stands out as a choice for those who desire a combination of style, performance, and value. The recent mid-life refresh has breathed life into this family hatchback making it perfectly suited for today’s drivers. From its exterior to its redesigned interior the Scala caters to a wide range of needs.

In a market where style often overshadows value, the Scala manages to strike a balance.

Priced at £22,095, the 2024 Skoda Scala gives competition to cars like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. It offers a choice without compromising on its features, while in this changing industry, the Scala showcases Skoda’s dedication to delivering a comprehensive driving experience for those drivers who appreciate quality.

Nissan Leaf

In 2020, comparison site Uswitch investigated which cars would be best for taxi drivers. The 2019 Nissan Leaf took the number one spot, offering 108 MPG equivalent (MPGe), at a cost of a mere £0.04 per mile. What’s more, the car requires zero tax on behalf of being a fully electric vehicle (EV) and was said to have a highly comfortable interior too – important for obtaining that five-star rating.

With fossil-fuelled cars set to be banned by 2030, we’re certain that EVs like the Leaf will continue to spread in popularity amongst the taxi driver community, especially as EV prices continue to drop.

Kia Soul

Next on Uswitch’s rankings was the 2019 Kia Soul. Another EV, the Soul had the same MPGe and cost per mile of the Leaf, only slightly missing out due to its smaller boot and legroom. Nevertheless, the Soul is a nicely affordable EV that is sure to protect cab drivers that use it from having to pay to enter the clean air and low emission zones that are cropping up across the UK.

Ford Focus Estate

The only diesel in the top five was the Ford Focus Estate 2019. It is more expensive to run than the two electrics higher up the rankings and requires vehicle tax at £365 per year. Yet, its 80 MPG engine that runs at £0.05 per mile means that the estate is cheap to run, as well as boasting plenty of comfort and luggage space – great for airport taxi routes.

Skoda Octavia

Fourth in Uswitch’s rankings was the 2019 Skoda Octavia. A petrol vehicle, the Octavia nevertheless fared well in terms of efficiency but truly excelled with it came to comfort rating and luggage space. Award-winning, Skodas are a very popular taxi choice due to their no-nonsense practicality, low running costs, and ever-improving cabin quality – the perfect combination for a working vehicle.

Mercedes E-Class

While it may not be the greenest vehicle on this list, the Mercedes E-Class caters well to taxi drivers who serve customers looking for a more premium experience. In this role, it excels, coming top of Uswitch’s ranking for comfort with a perfect score, and displaying fantastic lines that set it apart from other cars on the road.

That’s not only good for passengers, of course, but drivers too. If you’re ferrying passengers across town for 12-hour stretches at a time, you may as well do so in as comfortable a means as possible.

Ford Puma

The Ford Puma is the most affordable SUV on our list; some people call it the ‘big brother’ of the popular Ford Fiesta, as Puma brings all the qualities that a Ford keeps. Ford Puma comes only in petrol or electric variants. Here are some key specs for the Ford Puma.

Skoda Koraq

Skoda Koraq is a highly configurable, affordable SUV with a choice of four different engine sizes. The car looks stunning and modern from inside and out. Under the hood, it is like any other Skoda which is known for its reliability and parts durability. Koraq comes with a choice of diesel or petrol engines with 2WD or 4WD configuration.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most popular affordable SUVs. Tiguan inherits all the great qualities of a German Volkswagen. It comes packed with the latest technology and a very modern interior amongst all other SUVs in this list. Tiguan is also the fastest SUV in our list of affordable SUVs.

Renault Captur

Captur’s success is in part down to the fact that young families snap up Capturs, as these have good boot space and wide rear seats. That is why Renault has achieved to sell not less than 1.5 million SUVs of Captur vehicle. The car has a large 10-inch LCD DIP and a central infotainment display with a size of 9.3 inches. The Captur is a top-rated, cost-efficient SUV that comes with cool technology and stylish design.

Ford Puma Photo Gallery

Skoda KORAQ Photo Gallery

Volkswagen Tiguan Photo Gallery

Renault Captur Photo Gallery