Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Skoda reveals Scala and powertrain development plans
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Skoda reveals Scala and powertrain development plans

Date: 07 December 2018   |   Author: Rachel Boagey

The manufacturer plans to produce nine electrified cars by 2020.

Skoda has just unveiled its new Scala in Tel Aviv. 

The compact car, a replacement for the Rapid, is the first Skoda based on Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform. The manufacturer says it's the next major development stage for Skoda's design language, taking inspiration from its vision RS concept. The car is expected to be a big seller in fleet. 

A selection of five engine variants is available, with power outputs ranging from 90 PS to 150 PS. The Scala will be powered by three petrol engines with capacities ranging from 1.0 to 1.5-litres, while the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine will offer 95 to 150 PS power.

It will be launched onto the market in the first half of 2019. At 4,362mm in length, the car is bigger than the Volkswagen Golf, but positioned to rival it and the Ford Focus.

The car has a 467-litre boot, which makes it bigger than the Golf but smaller than its Honda Civic rival. Although that figure increases to 1,410 with the rear seats folded down. It is the first Skoda to feature the latest generation of infotainment systems, with a free-standing screen featured high up the dashboard.

The Scala features LED headlights and tail lights as standard; full LED versions are available as an option and - for the first time in a Skoda - come with dynamic rear indicators.

Speaking at the launch, Skoda's chairman of the board of management Bernhard Maier confirmed its future product aims, starting with the new Scala.

"We are starting a new chapter in Skoda's compact car range with the new Scala. It is an all-new model that sets benchmarks within its segment in terms of technology, safety and design," he said.

"It is the beginning of our 2025 model strategy, in which we'll begin producing 20 new cars between now and 2025, nine of which will be electrified." 

While Maier didn't say which models would be given electrified powertrains, he did reveal that this number will be made up of pure-electric variants, plug-in hybrids and potentially mild hybrid offerings. 

The Citigo-e city car will be the first completely electric model by Skoda. It goes on sale at the end of 2019. It is expected to have a range of around 125 miles.

Mairer also announced that by the end of 2020, there will be 20 new Skodas. This will likely include China-only models though, because the country is the firm's biggest market and already has SUVs made only for this region.



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