Hyundai i30 Hatch vs Skoda Scala
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Hyundai i30 Hatch
From $36,000
Hatchback
Petrol
1.5 T-Gdi
117kW
5.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
395L
Skoda Scala
From $30,900
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
85kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
467L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai i30 Hatch starts from $36,000 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900. That makes the Skoda Scala the more affordable entry point by $5,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $39,600 and $33,990 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai i30 Hatch features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that you will not find on the Skoda Scala. The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai i30 Hatch gets leather upholstery while the Skoda Scala offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Hatch uses a 1.5 T-Gdi producing 117kW and 253Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dct (dry clutch) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Skoda Scala responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the clear power advantage at 117kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai i30 Hatch is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai i30 Hatch measures 4,340mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 22mm shorter than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai i30 Hatch generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 395L in the Hyundai i30 Hatch and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 72L advantage.
For towing, the Skoda Scala leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,596/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch and $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Scala.
Estimated annual total: $1,596 (Hyundai i30 Hatch) vs $1,539 (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Hatch) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Scala if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Scala takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Scala will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Scala has a clear edge. The Skoda Scala adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai i30 Hatch and Skoda Scala?
The Skoda Scala is the cheapest at $30,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai i30 Hatch by $5,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Scala uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Hyundai i30 Hatch and Skoda Scala carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Scala has the largest boot at 467L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Scala has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Scala has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch makes the most power at 117kW. The Hyundai i30 Hatch is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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