IF you look up the definition of the word scala you'll find it's something designed to grow with the demands of its users.

And that pretty much describes the Skoda Scala, which since its launch in 2019 has continued to improve as more and more drivers have discovered just what a good buy it is.

Since that date more than 260,000 models have rolled off the production line and for 2024 there is a new, upgraded version.

The Scala is a bit of a revelation that ticks a lot of people's demands in terms of interior space, performance, quality and price.

Ther's a choice of three engines; two 1.0-litre, three-cylinder units and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder one, and all have been improved for 2024,

I opted to try the less powerful of the two 1.0-litre models - developing 95ps - in the entry-level SE trim which is priced at a very reasonable £22,000.

For that you get a spacious, very stylish hatchback with a touch of estate car flair at the rear, which means plenty of rear seat legroom and a pretty enormous boot making it ideal for families.

And despite its somewhat diminutive engine size it's a car which delivers responsive, smooth performance and plenty of zip when you need it.

It's also a rewarding and easy car to drive, with plenty of character to take the boredom out of long journeys.

And the bonus was the brilliant fuel consumption of almost 60 miles per gallon at the end of my week's motoring. A figure which would put many a diesel to shame.

The latest model has undergone a makeover with re-designed bumpers front and rear to give it a more dynamic look.

Inside some of the ideas from the Skoda Enyaq range have been adopted and there ‘s more use of natural fibres to reduce the car's CO2 footprint.

There's no satellite navigation system on the SE model but the 8.25-inch touchscreen allows you to link up your smartphone to use Google maps.

There are now slimmer, more powerful full LED headlights which do a good job after dark although you will have to step up to the top-of-the-range Monte Carlo version if you want Matrix lights as standard.

On the road the Scala is smooth, comfortable, surprisingly quiet and handles well at speed with little roll and plenty of grip. All of which make it a really enjoyable car to drive, even though the engine size dictates that you have to wind up the revs in each gear when you really want to get the best performance out of it.

Everything feels well put together and there's a nice solid quality about the Scala. The doors, for example, close easily with little effort a nice solid clunk. Nothing flimsy here.

I liked the new look two-tone cloth upholstery and the seats have side bolsters on the backs and squabs to hold you firmly in place.

Skoda still adds its "simply clever" features, and on the Scala these include an umbrella in the driver's door, an ice scraper behind the fuel filler flap, phone pockets on the rear of the front seats, a net to hold things in place in the boot and a clip on the windscreen for parking tickets.

There are a few negative points on the SE model. The exterior mirrors don't fold in when you park the car, there are rear parking sensors but no reversing camera and it has a five rather than six speed manual gearbox.