Skoda Australia is embarking on a renewed push to improve sales of its Scala hatchback, with the brand's new director, Lucie Kuhn, expressing confidence that the model deserves greater recognition in the competitive small car market.
Scala's Underperformance in Australia
Despite being one of the most affordable European vehicles available in Australia, the Skoda Scala has struggled to gain traction against established rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30.
In 2024, the Scala accounted for just 416 units, representing a mere 0.6 percent market share in the small passenger VFACTS segment. This pales in comparison to the Toyota Corolla (24,027 units, 33.9% share) and the Hyundai i30 Hatch (12,682 units, 17.9% share).
Lucie Kuhn's Vision
Lucie Kuhn, recently appointed as Skoda Australia's director, brings over two decades of experience within the Volkswagen Group to her new role. She believes that the Scala possesses untapped potential in the Australian market and aims to elevate its sales performance. "I think this model has much bigger potential than actually what we are making in volumes right now," Kuhn stated. "[The] Scala is a car that deserves more [in Australia]."
Global Recognition for Australian Market
The Skoda brand recognizes Australia as a "strengthen and boost" market within its global strategy, placing it alongside India and Vietnam as key areas for focused growth.
Scala's Strengths: Value, Space, and European Design
The Skoda Scala offers several compelling advantages over its competitors. Despite its low base price of $32,490 drive-away, it boasts segment-leading dimensions, providing ample space for both passengers and cargo.
Measuring 4632mm long, 1793mm wide, and riding on a 2649mm wheelbase, the Scala outshines the Volkswagen Golf in overall size, despite sharing a platform with the smaller VW Polo. Its boot space is rated at 467 liters with the rear seats in place and expands to 1410 liters when folded, surpassing that of its German counterpart, as well as the Corolla, i30, and Mazda 3.
Drivetrain Options and Kamiq Comparison
The Scala is available with two engine options: an 85kW/200Nm 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo-petrol in the base Select model and a 110kW/250Nm 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol in the flagship Monte Carlo. Both engines drive the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Interestingly, the Skoda Kamiq crossover, which is mechanically similar to the Scala, outsells the hatchback by a significant margin (around 3-to-1). This is despite the Kamiq being approximately $1500 more expensive on a spec-for-spec basis.
The Path Forward for Skoda Australia
Skoda Australia faces the challenge of convincing Australian consumers to consider the Scala over its more established rivals. Highlighting the Scala's value proposition, spacious interior, and European design could be key strategies for boosting sales.
