Skoda Scala reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Skoda Scala is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 104 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 235 of 442, and 12.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (2.6% of tests).
Ranked 235 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 6,749 Skoda Scalas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 12.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Skoda Scala is 4% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.9% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
12.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.9%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,300
Typical age at test: 4 years
Skoda Scala MOT failure rate by age
Most common Skoda Scala MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7% of tests
- Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn1.1% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating1.0% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9% of tests
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9% of tests
What the Skoda Scala fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.1% | About average |
| Brakes | 4.5% | ▲ 2.2× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 1.8% | ▼ 35% less often |
| Visibility | 1.1% | ▼ 64% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.7% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Suspension | 0.2% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Steering | 0.2% | About average |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | ▼ 63% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 27% less often |
What MPG does the Skoda Scala do?
Official economy for the Skoda Scala ranges from 49.6 to 55.7mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2025–2025). A typical petrol version manages 52.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Skoda Scala?
Any Skoda Scala first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carSkoda Scala specs and running costs
Official figures for 14 versions sold in the UK between 2025 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
49.6–55.7 mpg
CO2
115–128 g/km
Power
95–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scala SE Edition 1.0 TSI 95 PS 5G Man95 PS · M5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 55.7 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Scala SE L Edition 1.0 TSI 95PS95 PS · M5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala Monte Carlo Edition 1.0 TSI 116 PS 6G Man116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala Monte Carlo Edition 1.0 TSI 116 PS DSG116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.7 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE Edition 1.0 TSI 116 PS 6G Man116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 55.2 mpg | 116g | £200 | 29% |
| Scala SE Edition 1.0 TSI 116 PS DSG116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 53.2 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE L Edition 1.0 TSI 116PS116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE L Edition 1.0 TSI 116 PS DSG116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 125g | £200 | 31% |
| Scala Monte Carlo Edition 1.5 TSI 150 PS 6G Man150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.7 mpg | 126g | £200 | 31% |
| Scala Monte Carlo Edition 1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.1 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.6 mpg | 121g | £200 | 30% |
| Scala SE L Edition 1.5 TSI 150 PS 6G Man150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 49.6 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
| Scala SE L Edition 1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 126g | £200 | 31% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate.
What a Skoda Scala costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 52.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Skoda ScalaBuying a used Skoda Scala?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Skoda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Skoda Scala reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Skoda Scala is 4% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 104 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Skoda Scala?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 2.6% of tests. It fails on brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Skoda Scala do?
Official economy for the Skoda Scala ranges from 49.6 to 55.7mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2025–2025). A typical petrol version manages 52.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Skoda Scala?
Any Skoda Scala first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Skoda Scalas fail their MOT?
12.4% of Skoda Scalas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.9% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Skoda Scala combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.