I know what you are thinking? ‘Scout’ that’s a funny model name for a car.
Let’s not over think this. This is not a car for ‘The Scouts’ that was actually ‘The Scout Association’ which was formed around 1910 by a gentleman called Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell was the founder of the Scout Movement and first Chief Scout of The Boy Scouts Association.
So why call it an Octavia ‘Scout’ then? Well that’s simple. It’s designed to be a rough road ready sort of car. You know the sort of thing: sump guard, engine guard, underbody stone guard and many other features that give it an ability to do some of the things most normal cars with a 4X4 setup can’t do. For example it has a 33mm higher ride height and big manly black rubbing strips all down its flanks so you can take it into the mountains; (well some of them).
Serious for a minute though. The Skoda Octavia is a brilliant piece of engineering that is good in normal format, let alone as a beefed up 4X4 estate.
Engine: My test car was fitted with the lovely 2.0 TDi 184PS unit that is perfect in every way – It pulls like a train and revs like the clappers. Marry that up with a brilliant 4X4 system and a 6 speed DSG gearbox that actually works and you will suddenly find yourself set up perfectly for anything that’s not on tarmac. Here are some of the figures: Combined mpg of 56.5, max speed 136mph and 0-62 time of 7.8sec.
On the road: The Octavia feels effortless into the corners and that’s down to its 4X4 abilities. Road holding is the Scout’s party piece along with its ability to not get stuck in anything more than a pothole. I don’t say this very often, but the Octavia has the correct balance of ride, handling, steering and braking, as well as additional driver assistance functions that I have not seen in a while. To be honest, the beefed up version of the Octavia has made the original now feel even better.
Inside: Skoda has always taken a hit on bland interior, but I have to say with the ‘Scout’ it’s perfect. This is an interior that will wear well over time.
Some of the standard equipment in the Scout is as follows: 17” Polar Alloys, alcantara & Leather Scout upholstery, cruise control, colour maxi-DOT trip computer, lane assist, off-road mode, rain sensing wipers, rough road package and increased ground clearance of (+33mm). This is just a small amount of what you can expect, dig deeper and the list just keeps going.
Safety: Yep, 7 airbags and an array of intelligent systems to keep you safe if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation. One feature I must tell you about though is the Automatic post collision braking system (MKB) in the event of a crash, the MKB which is standard on all Octavia’s will be activated. This recognises when an impact has occurred and brakes the car to prevent it being uncontrollably propelled into oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of further crashes.
To sum up: A brilliant estate car for anyone who doesn’t just want a normal estate car. Brilliant Skoda, just brilliant.
Price: £28,200 OTR not including fitted options. By Anthony Yates
