SKODA is going large with its new Scala - a hatchback with estate car proportions.

Roominess is key to the Czech car maker's strategy with the Scala and not only is it spacious inside, it also has a very large boot.

That's all in a body which is actually a fraction smaller than a Ford Focus and that puts the Scala in a strong position.

The Scala is currently priced from £18,585 for a 1.0-litre petrol model and it is also available with a 1.6-litre diesel engine from £20,265 and a lively 1.5-litre TSI petrol with a seven speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox.

We have just tried the latter in basic SE trim and priced from £21,255.

As a base model the SE does not come with sat nav but it is fully smartphone compatible and other than that lacks for little.

There are driver assist systems such as lane departure warning, air conditioning and LED headlights - all standard fit across the range.

It also has plenty of Skoda's Simply Clever features such as an ice scraper stowed in the fuel filler flap and an umbrella concealed in a compartment below the driver's door armrest.

The 1.5-litre turbo engine makes the Scala a willing performer and it's nicely economical.

Official performance figures are 0 to 60 in 8.2 seconds and with a top speed of 136mph it is the quickest of the current Scala line up.

We averaged 45 to the gallon without any issue and that is in line with the official WLTP figures which range from 40 to 45.6mpg. Emissions are 113g/km.

While the DSG box is smooth and efficient there is no sports setting not paddle shifters in SE trim.

The instrumentation is clear and easy to read, while there is an eight-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

Comfort levels for a car of this class are high but it is boot space and practicality where the Scala comes into its own and there's a plentiful 467 litres of space available with all seats in use.

Drop the back seats - and they fold on a 60/40 basis - and the room increases to 1,410 litres making the Scala one of the biggest mid-sized hatches around.

The Scala's design is akin to that of Skoda's Rapid Sportback - which it will replace - in profile but the newcomer has the new Skoda face and at the rear has the brand name spelled out in capital letters across the tailgate.

Pound for pound it is a compelling option and slots into the current Skoda line up above the Fabia and Rapid and below the Octavia.

It is a good alternative to an SUV and while it may lack the raised ride height which helps to make those vehicles so popular, the Scala is certainly a match when it comes to cargo space and all round room.

Keenly priced, well equipped - even at base level - and stylish looks make it an all-rounder with a lot going for it.