Skoda Scala priced from £16,595

Skoda has announced its new Scala will start at just £16,595 - making it considerably cheaper than rivals including the Kia Ceed and Ford Focus.

The new model, which replaces the slow-selling Rapid and sits between the Fabia and Octavia in Skoda's line-up, will be available to order from May. Deliveries start in the summer.

Buyers will initially be given the choice of three engines, made up of two petrols and one diesel with power outputs ranging from 115 to 150PS. An entry-level 95PS petrol will follow later in the year.

All engines, with the exception of the 95PS unit, will be available with an optional seven-speed DSG transmission.

The range is made up of three trim levels: S, SE and SE L. Highlights of the £16,595 S model include 16-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with DAB radio and a host of safety equipment include lane assist.

The mid-range SE model is priced from £18,580 and adds cruise control, rear parking sensors, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated umbrella, and height adjustable passenger seat.

Topping the range, the £20,380 SE L adds a new 9.2-inch infotainment system, digital cockpit, climate control air conditioning, keyless entry with start/stop and a colour multifunction trip computer. The exterior design features 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED rear lights, dynamic indicators and privacy glass on the rear windows. Inside, the seats are finished with silver Microsuede trims and chrome details on the dashboard, door panelling, gear and handbrake lever. 

With its 2469mm wheelbase, Skoda claims the Scala offers class-leading rear headroom. Its 467-litre boot capacity (extendable to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded) is also impressive - almost matching that of the Honda Civic.