Subaru Impreza vs Skoda Scala
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Subaru Impreza
From $33,490
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol I4 Boxer
115kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
291L
Skoda Scala
From $30,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
85kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
467L
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Impreza starts from $33,490 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900. That makes the Skoda Scala the more affordable entry point by $2,590.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $37,672 for the Subaru Impreza and $33,990 for the Skoda Scala.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Scala by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
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 Subaru Impreza features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments.
The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Subaru Impreza does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Impreza uses a Petrol I4 Boxer producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
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 Subaru Impreza has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Impreza measures 4,490mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 128mm longer than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Impreza generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 291L in the Subaru Impreza and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 176L advantage.
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 $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza and $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Scala.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Subaru Impreza) vs $1,539 (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru'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, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Scala takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Scala will save you roughly $599 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, Subaru Impreza and Skoda Scala?
The Skoda Scala is the cheapest at $30,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Impreza by $2,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Scala uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Impreza all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 Subaru Impreza makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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