We did try the diesel version, which was fine – torquey and fairly refined – but it probably won’t sell in large numbers, despite Škoda’s assertion that it could be up to 10 per cent of sales. Yeah, right.
There are lots of things to like about the Scala. With an entry level price of £16,595 it undercuts many of its rivals in the competitive Focus/Golf sector of the market. It is practical and fun to drive, with good steering and ride, a fine manual gearbox, surprising levels of refinement with the one-litre engine, and a decent helping of style. And I never did like that chicken logo.
Stat attack: Škoda Scala 1.0 TSI 115PS SE
Price: £18,585
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed, manual front-wheel-drive; seven-speed double-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive
Power/torque: 115PS (113bhp) @ 5,000-5,500rpm/200Nm (147lb ft) @ 2,000-3,500rpm
0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
Economy: 47mpg
Kerb weight: 1,165kg