The Skoda Scala range has been overhauled, now with two variants and a cheaper base automatic model. However, a number of key technology features remain unavailable – or an extra-cost option – due to semiconductor shortages.
- 2023 Skoda Scala pricing and specifications
- Ambition base model switches to three-cylinder engine
- Signature price rises by $1000
- Some technology removed due to semiconductor shortages
- Priced from $32,990 drive-away
The 2023 Skoda Scala has gained a cheaper entry-level variant for the new model year – as part of a slimmed-down range affected by semiconductor shortages.
Skoda’s small Scala hatch range now opens the line-up with a new 85TSI Ambition variant, priced from $32,990 drive-away with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – $1000 less than the outgoing 110TSI Ambition with an auto (though a manual was previously offered for $31,990 drive-away).
The middle-of-the-range Scala Monte Carlo has been axed for Model Year 2023 (MY23) – as it is “no longer available to the Australian market”, says Skoda – leaving the new 85TSI Ambition and existing 110TSI Signature as the remaining variants.
The 85TSI Ambition base model swaps the 110TSI Ambition’s 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – shared with the 110TSI Signature – for an 85kW/200Nm 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder, with front-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The manual transmission previously available on the 110TSI Ambition has been axed, as have the Tech Pack and Driver Support Pack options on that variant. Skoda says this has been done to deliver greater production availability.
However, the revised model range also means that to get features such as LED headlights, keyless entry and auto climate control, buyers must spend $40,990 drive-away for the flagship Scala Signature model – up $1000, due to an MY23 price rise – rather than about $38,000, with the old option pack-equipped Ambition.
While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert have returned after briefly being unavailable earlier this year, they are only offered on the flagship Scala Signature – and now cost $1250 extra, rather than standard equipment, as was the case previously.
It’s also worth noting that compared to the old 110TSI Ambition, the 85TSI Ambition loses a wireless phone charger, ambient LED cabin lighting, a height-adjustable passenger seat, and a double-sided rubber and carpet boot floor.
Semiconductor shortage pressures also mean scrolling LED rear indicators have been swapped for traditional flashing bulbs on both cars, and a power tailgate is no longer available.
While a host of features have been removed – or are currently available – buyers of the entry-level Scala get plenty of features as standard, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 18-inch wheels, fabric seats, and LED tail-lights.
Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring, driver fatigue detection, and seven airbags.
Stepping up to the Signature adds the larger 1.5-litre engine, plus a 9.2-inch centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather/leatherette/suede upholstery, front and rear heated seats, an electric driver’s seat, LED headlights, auto parking, and more.
Across the range, Model Year 2023 has also seen the ability to disable the car’s auto door lock function – which activates automatically above 15km/h – via the infotainment system removed.
The new $32,990 drive-away entry price for the Scala 85TSI Ambition is $1000 lower than the former 110TSI Ambition automatic ($33,990) – but $4000 higher than what an auto Scala could be had for two years ago, with similar standard feature levels.
The latest $1000 price rise for the Scala Signature follows a $1000 increase earlier in the year, from $38,990 to $39,990 drive-away.
The 2023 Skoda Scala range is due in Australian showrooms in October 2022.
2023 Skoda Scala Australian pricing:
- Scala 85TSI Ambition auto – $32,990 drive-away ($1000 less than 2022 110TSI Ambition auto)
- Scala 110TSI Signature auto – $40,990 drive-away (up $1000)
2023 Skoda Scala 85TSI Ambition standard features:
- 18-inch ‘Vega’ alloy wheels in silver
- LED daytime-running lights (but halogen headlights)
- LED tail-lights with bulb-type indicators and reverse lights
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Cloth upholstery
- Manually-adjustable front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-folding heated side mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Seven airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention warning
- Tyre pressure monitoring
2023 Skoda Scala 110TSI Signature adds (over 85TSI Ambition):
- LED headlights with auto high beam
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Keyless entry and start
- Heated front and rear seats
- Electrically-adjustable driver’s seat
- Height-adjustable manual passenger seat
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leather, leatherette and suede upholstery
- Unique dashboard insert and air vent surrounds
- Semi-automatic parking
- Double-sided boot floor mat
- Ambient LED lighting
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