New Skoda Scala modified for emergency services

Skoda has announced the new Scala has joined the manufacturer’s blue-light fleet line-up, with conversion options for police, fire and rescue and ambulance services.

The manufacturer says that the Scala’s advanced driver assistance and safety features make it an ideal partner for the emergency services.

The new Scala has achieved the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with a range of driver assistance systems including, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake and Lane Assist.

The compact car also features Side Assist that detects vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car’s blind spot.

While the existing Blind Spot Detect has a range of up to 20m, Side Assist can detect vehicles up to 70 metres away, which makes motorway and dual carriageway driving far safer, says Skoda.

Rear Traffic Alert is also an integral part of the system, which acts to warn the driver about objects moving behind the vehicle when reversing.

When fully converted the Scala features 360-degree visibility thanks to powerful LED signal lights built into the front screen, grille, tailgate and number plate – all complemented by a 100-amp three tone siren.

Henry Williams, head of fleet at Skoda UK, said: “Our partnership with emergency services teams stretches back over a century. It’s that extensive knowledge in the sector that makes Skoda a reliable partner for both technologically advanced cars and value for money, and Scala, our most connected car to date, more than fits the bill.”

The Scala is available with three engine options (two petrol and one diesel) with power outputs ranging from 115PS to 150PS.

The petrol range consists of one 1.0 TSI unit with 115PS and a 1.5 TSI engine with 150PS. A third petrol unit developing 95PS will be added to the line-up later this year.

The Scala’s diesel option is a 1.6 TDI unit that generates 115PS. All engines, with the exception of the 1.0 TSI 95PS are available with an optional seven-speed DSG transmission.

Skoda has introduced a ‘one-stop’ shop package for emergency services fleets, which allows vehicles to be outright purchased or financed through Volkswagen Financial Services.

Fleet managers now have the additional option of contract hire for added flexibility and value-for money or they can opt for a cost-effective leasing package, it said.

Alongside the finance solutions, Skoda fleet says it can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, and fleet managers have the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one package.