BMW I3 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

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Skoda Scala

$24,990 - $39,789

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2025 Skoda Scala

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

270 km

5.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Class-leading interior space
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable and solid on-road

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
Older looking exterior

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2025 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2025 Skoda Scala

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

The new Skoda Scala Select proves base models can be well-equipped and have a great price tag, which is not always the case at this grade level.

Its driving experience might not be as exciting as some rivals but it’s a great urban dweller nonetheless and it offers really good value overall.

BMW I3 vs Skoda Scala What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?