Skoda Officials Pushing For Scala RS Hot Hatch That Might Just Be A Hybrid

The recently unveiled Skoda Scala could be next in line to get the RS (vRS in UK) treatment. The car would become a rival to the likes of the Renault Megane RS, Ford Focus ST and other compact hot hatches.

A decision is yet to be made, but it’s nonetheless on the company’s radar. Skoda’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Alain Favey, told AutoExpress at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show that “officially, we have not decided anything. But yes, we are considering a Scala RS. As far as I am concerned, it would make sense for us to have one.”

Making the case for a Scala RS more compelling is the fact that both the Octavia RS and Kodiaq RS are doing well.

“The reality is that we have been extremely successful with the Octavia RS”, said Favey. “And early signs for the Kodiaq RS are encouraging; it is hitting its targets and more. So, even in a package which is not a conventional sports car, a sporty version makes a lot of sense.”

Also See: How Does Skoda’s New Scala Stack Against The Audi A3?

Another Skoda official who’s pushing for a compact hot hatch is Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube. “A performance version of the Scala is very interesting from an engineering perspective. It’s a type of car that I’m pushing for.”

Nonetheless, unlike the outgoing Volkswagen Golf GTI, a potential Scala RS might not be ICE-powered. Instead, the automaker is considering a hybrid powertrain that would help them lower their overall CO2 emissions as well as make the car meet the new, stricter European standards.

“On a personal level, I would love to have [it[“, commented Favey. “But it needs to make sense in terms of profitability, and it has to exist in the context of the CO2 targets we have to achieve for next year. There are a number of elements that you have to take into consideration – more than there used to be some years ago.”

The Vision RS Concept, which served as a preview for the Scala, was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine was combined with an electric motor, which led to a total output of 245 PS (242 hp / 180 kW). The car could hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Moreover, it was able to drive on electricity alone for up to 70 km (44 miles).

Such a unit would tick all the boxes the Skoda officials seem to have set for a hot RS versions. Given the company’s record with previous hot versions and the Scala’s modern underpinnings, if it gets greenlit it’d make for a very interesting entry in the hot hatch segment.