Skoda’s new Scala small family car will be available with five petrol and diesel engine variants when it goes on sale in the first half of next year.

The TSI and TDI engines in the five-door hatchback, which will sit between the Fabia supermini and Octavia family car in the manufacturer’s range, will offer power outputs of between 90PS and 150PS.

They will all comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. No efficiency or emission figures have yet been released.

Bernhard Maier, Škoda CEO, said, “With the new Scala we are opening a new chapter in the Škoda compact car segment.

“It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design.

“The Scala perfectly embodies the Škoda‑typical smart understatement. We are convinced that the Scala has the best chance to redefine Škoda’s A-car segment.”

Skoda says Scala will offer interior space close to that of the larger Octavia, while other features include optional full-LED headlights and tail-lights.

Digital technology is also integrated into the car. The optional Virtual Cockpit can be configured in a number of ways and is available with a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system displays measure up to 9.2 inches.

A new generation of Skoda Connect mobile systems will allow passengers the option of locking and unlocking the car using their mobile phone and updating the software of the infotainment or maps ‘over the air’.

All delivers Scala cars will have a built-in eSIM. This provides a high-speed LTE internet connection with no need for an additional SIM card or tethered connection via a smartphone.

As standard, the eSIM will support the functionality of Emergency Call and Proactive Service.

One of the enhanced assistance systems available in the Scala is Side Assist.

This optional system indicates to the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind to overtake or is in the driver’s blind spot.

While Blind Spot Detect has a range of up to 20m, Side Assist can detect vehicles up to 70m away and can therefore also effectively warn the driver of hazardous situations on motorways and dual carriageways.

Rear Traffic Alert is an integral part of the Side Assist function.

The optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is equally designed for use during long motorway journeys.

Lane Assist and Front Assist form part of the standard equipment. Front Assist including City Emergency Brake uses radar to monitor the area in front of the car while driving in the city and thus helps to prevent accidents.

The optional Park Assist conveniently lends the driver a hand when parking – it automatically manoeuvres the Scala into and out of parallel and bay parking spaces.