Skoda Octavia

Skoda has the balance of off-road ability and on-road manners just right with the Scout.

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Rating:
On the road price: £11,995 - £20,500
For : As comfortable and accomplished as a standard Octavia yet capable in testing terrain, good value
Against : Bland interior, shortcomings for more serious off-roading

Driving
Skoda expects the majority of Scout owners to opt for the 2.0-litre TDI, and it’s easy to see why: the 2.0-litre FSI petrol lacks low down grunt. While it pulls strongly enough when revved, the torquier nature of the 138bhp oil-burner is more in keeping with the car’s nature – though the familiar clatter from the powerplant remains. Either version of the Czech car handles well, though. Body roll is kept to a minimum and the steering is precise, if a little numb. The four-wheel-drive system serves up plenty of grip and the Scout inspires confidence on slippery surfaces. What’s more, the compliant ride makes it comfortable over long distances. There is no dual-range gearbox for more serious off-roading, mind. The Octavia relies on an on-demand 4WD system, which uses a Haldex clutch and shares the drive between front and rear axles when traction is lost. The set-up is impressive, and the Scout deals well with ruts and loose gravel tracks – but the sump guard is needed at times.

Marketplace
According to Skoda, multi-tasking is the idea behind the Octavia Scout. Bosses say it is equally at home in the urban jungle or tackling rough terrain – and it certainly broadens the appeal of the Octavia range. A successful blend of estate and off-roader, it’s easily distinguished from the standard model. There are echoes of previous-generation Audi A6 Allroad in the design, and overall we think it gives the Octavia estate lines a tougher feel. Yet the crossover SUV still lacks the sheer bulk of a conventional SUV, something that’s important in these greener times. As such, rivals are few – the Subaru Forester and Nissan Qashqai are its most obvious competitors, unless you spend more on costlier models like the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70. There are also many compact SUVs priced around the Scout’s level, such as the Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4.

Owning
Compared to the exterior, there are fewer changes inside – the only differences are the 4x4 badging on the gearlever and a Scout emblem on the dashboard-mounted aluminium grab handle. Hard-wearing cloth seats and specially labelled kick plates on the door sills complete the look. The rest is stock Skoda fare, which is no bad thing – owners get clear and logically laid out dials and instruments, while the switchgear is very well damped. The driving position is also good, offering plenty of legroom for taller owners. Rear passengers get a good deal, too. The only gripe is the wide central transmission tunnel, which takes up lots of foot space and makes the central seat suitable only for children. The Skoda represents excellent value for money, though – standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a sic-disc CD changer and cruise control. Fuel economy of the diesel version is good, as are retained values, though Skoda’s excellent dealers (rated third in our Driver Power 2007 survey) are a little on the pricey side.