Skoda Scala: minimal restyling.

Despite undeniable qualities, the Skoda Scala is struggling in France. It must be said that the compact sedan segment is ultra-competitive in Europe. In France it is a trio of French sedans which dominates with, in order, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane et Citroen C4 and foreign sedans like the Volkswagen Golf are also well placed. Launched in 2019, the Czech compact sedan is counting on its next restyling to hope to boost its sales and it is the camouflaged prototypes of this restyled version that have been photographed on the winding roads of the Alps.

Skoda is testing the modifications made to its Skoda Scala compact sedan on the roads of the Alps, with a view to marketing this restyled model in 2023.

But it is not certain that this facelift will change the game and allow the Czech compact sedan to approach the top of the category ranking in France. Because by looking carefully at the prototypes we realize that the modifications, as far as the style of the car is concerned, will be minimal. These are the projectors which should see their interior architecture redesigned, the shields which should be partly modified with new air intakes at the front and small modifications at the level of the rear bumper.

Despite the rather significant camouflages, the style modifications should be reduced and will mainly concern the front and rear shields.

The other modifications of this restyled model could concern an evolution of the equipment offered, with an upgrade of the multimedia system and driving aids. There could also be a new engine under the hood of the Skoda Scala, it is the gasoline micro-hybrid block of the Seat Leon et Volkswagen Golf, the 1.5 eTSI of 150 hp. An engine which is equipped with a 48 V starter alternator associated with a 48V battery. This would allow the Czech sedan to reduce its consumption with the most efficient engine in its range. Remember that the Skoda Scala only has petrol engines (and one running on CNG natural gas) and no longer has diesel under its hood and that will not change with the restyled version.

Restyled car, but a car probably at the end of its career, because Skoda may not renew this model which has so far only had limited commercial success.

If the modifications are minimal, it is because it is increasingly rumored that the Skoda Scala would not be renewed in 2025, the Czech brand preferring to invest in SUVs and electrics. In addition, the Scala, which is only an elongated city car making it look like a compact, uses the MQB A0 modular platform (used by Volkswagen Polo et Seat Ibiza), a technical basis that should sooner or later disappear. We should know more at the end of the year when the restyled Skoda Scala will be unveiled. As for the marketing of this model, it should take place at the beginning of the year 2023.