Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Octavia

The Octavia has few problems tackling rough terrain, and performs well on gravel tracks

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,549 off RRP*
Find your Skoda Octavia
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Not only has Skoda added extra practicality to the Octavia, but it has increased the model range's appeal. It will certainly attract lifestyle buyers - and it makes a great tow car - while the four-wheel-drive system ensures the Scout is ideal for tackling gravel tracks. But is the new model worth the extra £1,000 over the standard 4x4? We think so - if only for the more rugged looks and increased ride height.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Want the practicality of a 4x4, but not the boxy bodywork or poor fuel consumption? Then keep an eye out for the new Octavia Scout.

Based on Skoda's family estate car, its extra body mouldings and all-wheel driave promise go-anywhere traction, while its 2.0-litre petrol en-gine returns 32.5mpg.

On the road, the Scout certainly looks the part, thanks to the chunky black bumpers and wheelarches, along with the raised ground clearance. Standard 17-inch alloys give the Skoda a more sporty feel than traditional SUVs offer.

What's more, the Haldex four-wheel- drive system means the Scout has the off-road ability to match its robust styling, as our first UK drive revealed.

The newcomer has few problems tackling rough terrain, and performs well on gravel tracks. As you would expect, it's no match for a focused 4x4, but for most owners it will prove more than capable away from the tarmac. And on the road, the Scout is more surefooted than the standard front-wheel-drive Octavia.

The ride is excellent and, given its increased suspension travel, the car resists body roll surprisingly well. Whereas the standard 4x4 Octavia has three engine options, the Scout offers only two: a 2.0-litre TDI or the petrol version driven here. Although this FSI is capable, it has 120Nm less torque than the diesel, so you have to work the gearbox harder. For most, the oil-burner makes more sense, due to its superior 44.1mpg economy.

Skoda looks like it has carved out a clever niche with the Octavia Scout, because while it does a similar job to the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70, it's more than £12,000 cheaper.

It lacks such gadgets as adaptive air-suspension and locking differentials. But its style, build quality and four-wheel drive make the Scout a good proposition for town and country buyers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,750Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,250
Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb

RRP £35,925Avg. savings £3,303 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Skoda Scala

Skoda Scala

RRP £20,370Avg. savings £2,108 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Skoda Fabia

Skoda Fabia

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £1,554 off RRP*Used from £8,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like
Skoda L&K 130 - front static

New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like

Skoda’s 10th ‘Student Car’ is a plug-in hybrid that would be an ideal support vehicle for the Tour de France
News
20 Jun 2025