ArtiHartySlartiBarti

I've been waiting for the Scala to arrive as on paper it suits my needs. I've had a test drive of the 1.0 SE and it's fine (for my needs), but people are right that once you start adding extras it gets so near Octavia territory it's silly! Octavia is now too big for me (I've had 2), so the smaller Scala would have been the right size. One broker said that you can get 10% off with Skoda's blessing (i.e. without too much hassle). What has puzzled me is that none of the 3 dealers I've visited seem particularly bothered about selling one to me - so I'm now on the verge of getting a Ford Focus (to get in before 30th October and possible 10% tariff). Perhaps selling 1 per month (as per Rapid) doesn't challenge them! Also - none of them had heard of any problems with the VAG 1.5 TSi engine....... Really????

Thanks for the reply @SurreyJohn I guess it's a good sign that they even fit the 1.0 in the larger bodies. I've been away from petrol engines for so long now - when I last had one 1.6 was the standard! I plan to keep an eye on reviews etc to see if the 1.5 problems with manual have been fixed - although some people say the auto just hides them. I'd prob by the warranty in any eventuality! Cheers! Brian

Forgive my lack of deep technical stuff, but I have a simple question (I think!). In a perfect world I would probably be thinking of the 1.5 DSG Scala as a replacement for my current Octavia. Now retired, my mileage is only around 9k/year, so would indicate a petrol. However, I'm concerned about both elements of that... the 1.5 engine and the DSG gearbox! My concern is which is the better engine for the following scenario. 3 adults and full luggage in boot - what is the mid-range acceleration going to be like when, e.g., joining fast traffic, or just needing to put my foot down to pass slower traffic on a long upward slope. I'm no boy-racer (or adult-racer) but just want to have that power if I needed it! Thank in advance. Brian