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Skoda Scala Does Moose Test, Is Safe But Slightly Unpredictable

The Scala is Skoda's new compact car, replacing the Rapid and offering the practical hatchback shape many European buyers want. But is it safe?
Skoda Scala Does Moose Test, Is Safe But Slightly Unpredictable 3 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot/km77
Skoda Scala Does Moose Test, Is Safe But Slightly UnpredictableSkoda Scala Does Moose Test, Is Safe But Slightly Unpredictable
We've already seen the 2019 debut doing well in Euro NCAP's crash tests. And being new, it's available with many active safety systems. But let's look at what happens when you try to avoid the crash altogether.

Km77 subjected the Skoda hatch to its usual moose test. It's controlled chaos, designed to simulate the maneuver a driver would have to perform while avoiding a moose in the middle of the road. Do they have those in Spain? Probably only at the zoo, but road obstacles can be as varied as a child chasing a ball or another motorist at a junction.

The three rows of cones are designed to simulate two opposing lanes. The Scala goes through the first set then has to quickly swerve to the next one. The maximum speed at which this is possible is 79 km/h, which is a good result.

But the test driver says he saw some unpredictability in the way this car handled. It oversteers at high speed and understeers after that. Watch the video closely and you will also see the tires skipping, which is usually associated with soft suspension on a tall vehicle.

Strangely, the Scala seems easier to control the faster it goes. Even though it clips a couple of cones, it can do the moose test at about 83 km/h. So what do you think guys, is this because Skoda used cheap suspension parts or due to an intentionally soft spring configuration?

It's worth noting that the test car is a First Edition Scala equipped with the 1.5 TSI engine and a DSG gearbox. It's one of the heavier Scala configurations but also gives you slightly wider tires.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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