Driving pleasure in the Scout 4×4

Skoda Octavia Scout – looks like an estate, feels like a 4×4

If you’ve got your heart set on something that has the look of an estate but the feel of a 4×4 then you could do worse than check out the Skoda Octavia Scout 4×4.

While the Yeti might be the best known of Skoda’s 4×4 offerings, it’s joined in the line up by the Superb 4×4, the Superb Combi 4×4 and the Octavia Combi 4×4.

Looks-wise, the Octavia Scout looks like a slightly raised estate car. Large and roomy in both front and rear seats, the Scout also has a massive boot with a ski hatch and boot divider.

The driving position is comfortable, with a height adjustable seat. Upholstered in cloth material, the car I was driving had cruise control, rain sensing wipers, steering wheel radio remote control, front fog lights and rear parking sensors as standard.

As with all Skodas, the Octavia Scout too is well equipped

The touch screen radio/CD/aux provided a good audio backdrop. Of course it also had the windscreen ticket holder which is overlooked when designing so many cars.

Already with a very large boot, the rear seats can also be easily lowered to increase rear capacity even more.

Although they weren’t fitted in the car I was driving, I was very interested in the blown bulb and flat tyre alert options.

While it’s certainly not ugly, I wouldn’t describe the Scout as a head turner either, but it more than makes up for its looks in how it drives.

A two-litre diesel, the six speed Octavia Scout feels lovely on the road. With great acceleration, there’s a beautiful sound from the Scout’s engine. It’s fast, gear changes are smooth and cruise control is very easy to use.

The Scout is a big and roomy car that’s an absolute pleasure to drive – you’ll certainly be volunteering to be the designated driver in this vehicle. It’s a great cruising car on the motorway and it holds its own in city traffic too.

The 2l diesel manual Octavia Scout I was driving is available from €32,350, with prices for the 2l automatic starting from €35,705.

Tech Spec.
Engine: 2.0 TDI, 140bhp, 6 speed manual (diesel)
Acceleration: 0-100kph in 9.8s
Maximum Speed: 204kph
Combined fuel consumption: 5.6l/100km
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
Annual road tax: €330

A version of this article first appeared in Metro Herald