Skoda working on Scala start/stop fix, offering service pack to buyers

Skoda is still working on a fix for the start/stop problem forcing it to pause Scala sales in Australia.

A software patch for the problem “is currently in development in the factory”, Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer told CarExpert.

Announced last week, the stop sale affects the Golf-sized Scala hatchback and compact Kamiq SUV.

Skoda says the auto start/stop system in both cars might not turn on when the car is started, prompting a warning light on the dashboard.

Although it can be fixed by restarting the car, Skoda Australia has halted deliveries while a fix is developed.

“We thought it was not a good consumer experience to drive out of the showroom and to get a warning from time-to-time,” Mr Irmer said.

“It’s only intermittent – and some people say ‘I couldn’t care less, I was looking for a feature to permanently disable the start/stop’ – but jokes aside I think it is not a good experience, so we decided to hold back the vehicles and start delivery once the software patch is available.”

Buyers of the new Golf-sized hatchback will be given a free three-year service package to help soften the blow of the delay, whether they’ve already taken delivery, signed on the dotted line, or plan to soon seal the deal while the stop sale order is in place.

The Scala represents an aggressive push from Skoda into Golf, Corolla, Mazda 3, and Hyundai i30 territory.

Although it’s built on the same MQB A0 platform as the pint-sized Volkswagen Polo, the Scala is actually larger than a Golf or Corolla – and promises to pack more into its boot than its rivals, thanks to Skoda’s clever packaging.

Three models will be offered in Australia, starting with the $26,990 drive-away 110TSI manual and extending to the Launch Edition, priced from $35,990 drive-away.

Only one engine is offered in the Scala. It’s a 1.5–litrefour–cylinder petrol making 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual in the base model, or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.