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.

Explore the 2021 Skoda Scala range

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

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.

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).