Skoda Scala 2021 review: Launch Edition snapshot

It may have been a delayed launch for the Skoda Scala 2021 model range, but the Launch Edition version is a fitting celebration for the arrival of the new small hatchback.

The Scala 2021 Launch Edition model has a list price/MSRP of $34,690, but there’s a national drive-away price point of $35,990. Note: an earlier version of this story stated the price was $36,990 drive-away, but that was a mistake on Skoda Australia's part.

For that you get a lot of standard equipment - so much that there are no optional packs like you find on the 110TSI base model and sporty Monte Carlo versions of the Scala.

Trying to pick the Launch Edition from the outside? It has body coloured door mirrors, a chrome grill frame and window surrounds, and 18-inch aero-style wheels in black and silver.

Explore the 2021 Skoda Scala Range

Skoda Scala 2021 review: 110TSI snapshot Skoda Scala 2021 review: Launch Edition snapshot Skoda Scala 2021 review: Monte Carlo snapshot

Inside you’ll see leather and “Suedia” interior trim, heating for both the front and rear seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, a 9.2-inch media system with sat nav and wireless Apple CarPlay, auto LED headlights and auto wipers, fog lights, LED tail-lights with animated indicators, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and it comes with a semi-autonomous parking system.

That’s above and beyond the entry-level model’s standard gear, which comprises wireless phone charging, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, an electric tailgate, four USB-C ports (2x front/2x rear), ambient lighting in red, a covered centre armrest, leather steering wheel, manual seat adjustment, tyre pressure monitoring, and the “Trunk Package” with multiple cargo nets and hooks in the boot area.

There’s also dual-zone climate control, smart key (proximity) unlocking and push-button start, and the brand’s Sport Chassis Control setup - lowered adaptive suspension (15mm) with drive modes. 

Standard safety gear includes a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming side mirrors with heating and power adjust, driver fatigue detection, lane keeping assist and AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection. There’s also a low-speed rear AEB system to stop car-park bumps. And in this trim level you also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert included.

The Launch Edition is powered by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 110kW/250Nm. It comes as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, with front-wheel drive (FWD). Fuel use is claimed at 5.5L/100km. 

Oh, there are some options you can get in the Launch Edition spec: a panoramic glass roof is $1300, there’s a towing kit ($1200), and an array of added cost paint options (from $550 to $1110).