- Skoda confirms Scala nameplate for the new compact vehicle to rival the Ford Focus.
- To be revealed later this year before going on sale in 2019.
Skoda took the covers off the gorgeous looking Vision RS Concept at the recently concluded Paris Motor Show. At the time of its reveal, Skoda confirmed it to be a preview for a new compact car which will be a revolution in the Czech carmaker’s reformed line-up. Now, Skoda has announced the Scala moniker for the Vision RS production car and it will replace the Rapid later this year.
We have seen the new compact in the teaser already. The Scala name has been derived from the Latin word ‘scala’, which means ‘stairs’ or ‘ladder’, claims the carmaker. According to Skoda, the name signifies the next step forward for the Czech car manufacturer in the compact segment. The Scala will also be the first Skoda in Europe to bear the ‘Skoda’ lettering in the middle of the tailgate instead of the logo.
The Scala will retain most of the design elements from the Vision RS Concept. The edgy headlamps will be flanking the new grille as seen on the Concept at the Paris stage. It will be based on VW Group’s MQB A0 platform and will be sized similar to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. We won’t be surprised if Skoda carries forward the entire cabin from the Vision RS Concept into the Rapid since the entire interior looked production ready. Under the hood would be the same powertrain options offered commonly in the VW Group which would include 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel engines. These will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission. A potent RS version is very likely to follow suit.
It might also make its way to India as a part of Volkswagen’s India 2.0 scheme. However, it might be highly altered to be better suited for their India strategy. More details will be revealed in the weeks to come.
