Skoda Scala Taxi Review - Why Small Skoda is a Big Deal
Skoda needs no introduction when it comes to choosing the perfect taxi to suit your needs, but while the Octavia and Superb have certainly earned a lofty reputation among taxi drivers, the more affordable Skoda Scala offers similar qualities in a cost-effective hatchback package.
The Scala, to put simply, is the most conformist Skoda in the Czechia marque’s range.
Indeed, while the Octavia has always been something of an outlier in the market with its oversized, lift-back style design blurring the lines between a compact hatchback and a spacious family car, the Skoda Scala nestles more neatly into the C-segment (compact hatchback) class alongside the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
What is the Skoda Scala?
Today the Skoda Scala exists in part because today’s Octavia has grown considerably in size since the first generation was launched back in 1996. The Scala therefore plugs the void between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia in the range.
It also serves as the successor to the Skoda Rapid, a model that – like the Octavia - straddled the traditional segments by being bigger than a supermini but smaller than a family hatchback. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Skoda Rapid also proved popular with taxi drivers.
This time around, Skoda has taken a more conventional approach with the Scala, so while it bears close resemblance to the Octavia in terms of philosophy, it is wrapped in a more compact, affordable and frugal package.
Why Choose a Skoda Scala over a Skoda Octavia?
Other than the body shape and size, the Skoda Scala offers comparable performance versus the Octavia, while there is also the option of a more fuel efficient 95bhp 1.0TSI engine offering excellent urban economy figures.
It serves to make the Scala the more appealing Skoda to drive within the confines of a town or city, proving more manoeuvrable and marginally more frugal too, without sacrificing too much of the Octavia’s class-leading cabin space.
Skoda Scala Taxi at The Taxi Centre
If you are seeking a latest Skoda taxi at the prices tailored exclusively for taxi drivers, The Taxi Centre will have the right car at the right price just for you.
At The Taxi Centre, we want to help you find the best new Skoda Scala taxi deal possible. We offer a selection of taxi finance options to help cover the costs of your new taxi in a way that suits your budget. Just one of the many benefits you get when buying a taxi direct from us.
We offer Hire Purchase (HP) on all of our new taxi, as well as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) for specific models. Keep reading to discover the benefits of taxi finance at The Taxi Centre.
2025 Skoda Scala: Interior & Practicality
While the Skoda Scala is positioned more naturally in the small family C-segment than the Octavia or Rapid before it, there remains some rebellion in the way it presents itself in a class of Ford Focuses, Toyota Corollas and Volkswagen Golfs.
An elongated roof and bulbous rear-end gives the Scala dimensions and proportions akin to an estate, though it is a well disguised quirk of design when viewed at first glance.
So, while you may not notice this estate-esque approach on the outside, you certainly will once you step inside for the Scala boasts class-leading boot space and passenger room. Indeed, though it is not as capacious as the larger Octavia, the Scala feels remarkably roomy for a car that doesn’t take up too much space on the road.
With 467-litres of boot space, the Scala has the likes of the Focus (375 litres), VW Golf (380 litres) and Toyota Corolla (361 litres) very comfortably beaten, while passengers will appreciate the generous head, knee and legroom in the rear too.
2025 Skoda Scala: Specifications & Safety
Things keeps things simple with the Skoda Scala in terms of specification with just two trim levels – SE and SE L – available across three engine sizes.
Standard equipment available on the base Skoda Scala SE includes:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Metallic paint
- Full LED headlights with daytime running lights
- Front and rear fog lights
- Multi-functional steering wheel
- 9.2-inch Skoda navigation display
- 10.25 virtual cockpit (speedometer)
- 8-inch digital information display
- Wireless functionality
- 4x USB-C ports
- Alarm
- ISOFIX-prepared seats
- Lane assist
- Hill hold control
- Dual-zone air-conditioning
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear view camera
- Cruise control
- Keyless start/stop
Upgrade to the Skoda Scala SE L and in addition to the SE features, standard equipment includes:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rear LED lights with dynamic turn indicators
- Chrome window surrounds
- Privacy glass
- Heated front seats
- Ambient lighting
- Rear armrest
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Drive modes
- Light and rain sensors
- Electrically adjustable door mirrors
Moreover, the Skoda Scala has gained a maximum five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. The independent safety body rewarded the Scala with a 97% rating for adult occupants, 87% for child occupants and 81% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians).
2025 Skoda Scala: Performance & Running Costs
Under the bonnet, the Skoda Scala comes with the choice of three petrol engines: a 1.0TSI 95PS, 1.0TSI 116PS and 1.5TDI 150PS (‘PS’ representing the power output).
All three engines are available in both SE and SE L trim, though the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission is only available when mated to the 116PS and 150PS units.
Each engine is Euro 6e compliant with fuel efficiency ranging from a best of 55.7mpg with the base 1.0-litre to 50.8mpg for the flagship 1.5-litre.
Coupled with modest CO2 emissions figures of between 115g/km and 126g/km across the entire range and the Scala earmarks itself as one of the most frugal models in the compact hatchback class and more efficient than the bigger, heavier Octavia.
It makes the Scala ideal for urban driving, it’s fuel-sipping figures complemented by the light steering and easy manoeuvrability, which makes it a doddle to drive in stop-start city environments.
Skoda Scala – The Verdict
While the Skoda Octavia has long been the go-to for taxi drivers, the more compact Skoda Scala has the potential to meet the everyday needs of those who carry out their business within the confines of a city or town.
The easy manoeuvrability is a particular boon, while the Scala feels lighter and nimbler than the Octavia in traffic. It’s more frugal too.
This is all without the sacrifice of interior room. While the Scala doesn’t match the vastness of a Skoda Octavia with its more generous dimensions, in the context of the C-segment it is positioned, it is noticeably more practical than a Toyota Corolla both in terms of passenger room and boot space.
Furthermore, with a logical, well-screwed together interior, the Scala feels like a more upmarket model than prices might suggest, a grown-up feel that offers all the maturity of an Octavia with the cost-effectiveness of smaller model.
Taxis To Consider With The Skoda Scala
Skoda Octavia Taxi
While the Skoda Octavia and Scala certainly share a similar philosophy, the former majors on practicality while the latter focuses more on spacious efficiency. Naturally, the Octavia’s immense interior space and understated premium feel holds huge appeal among taxi drivers for good reason, so if your journeys tend to involve motorway miles, it is the Skoda for you.
Toyota Corolla Taxi
Another firm favourite for taxi drivers, the Toyota Corolla appeals with its choice of body styles – hatchback and Touring Sports estate – and ultra-frugal hybrid powertrain that makes it very economical within the city limits. Throw in a high-quality interior and a generous warranty and the Corolla remains an expert pick.
Nissan Qashqai Taxi
One of the UK’s best-selling models for good reason, the Nissan Qashqai has evolved into a high-quality and practical taxi option. With efficient powertrains, the benefit of an elevated driving position and plenty of space all-round, the Qashqai might be a common sight on UK roads but it still cuts a dash.
MG4 Taxi
A bold option in the compact hatchback sector, MG has eschewed the popular trend for electric SUVs by offering its C-segment contender – the MG4 - as an exclusive EV. Armed with a competitive price point, the MG4 doubled down on its tempting cost by offering a striking design, a hugely spacious interior and penny-pinching running costs – not to mention a range of up to 323 miles.
Used Taxis At The Taxi Centre
If you are in the market for an excellent value Uber taxi, The Taxi Centre now offers a huge stock of quality-assured used cars across different manufacturers.
The Taxi Centre presents only the very best hand-picked used cars for taxi use, including the used Skoda Octavia, used Toyota Corolla, used Skoda Scala, used Hyundai KONA and used MG4.
From SUVs to family cars to executive saloons, The Taxi Centre’s used stock will have the right taxi at the right price for you.
At The Taxi Centre, we want to help you find the best new taxi deal possible. We offer a selection of taxi finance options to help cover the costs of your new taxi in a way that suits your budget. Just one of the many benefits you get when buying a taxi
direct from us.
We offer Hire Purchase (HP) on all of our new taxi, as well as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) for specific models. Keep reading to discover the benefits of taxi finance at The Taxi Centre.