Skoda Octavia Estate road test reports and car reviews

Skoda Octavia Estate Scout 2009

Few marques have a history like that of Skoda. Once with a high-rolling image to rival anything, Skodas had the prestige and clout to make them the choice of kings. Now you don’t need a kings ransom to own one of the most complete cars you could think of. They’ve given us an improved and enhanced version of the standard Octavia 4x4 Estate which will set you back just over £21,000 - so ’be prepared’ for a good report. In revising the suspension - which is an all important consideration for country folk wishing to venture off the beaten track - and raising the ride height too, Skoda have raised the bar. With the Octavia Scout you’re in good hands. Any Octavia is synonymous with good value motoring and this version builds on that reputation. There’s all the confidence that comes from solid engineering; giving a car that’s suited to most requirements, on and off road. You can go where other estates would either shake themselves to bits over rough terrain or get bogged down in a puddle. Nowhere near as ’rufty tufty’ as a Land Rover or as ’mountain goat’ as a little Suzuki, of course, - but, nevertheless capable of taking you into areas where you would need green wellies and a Barbour jacket: we’re talking here of a ’proper’ country car. You get the feeling that this Scout car is always on the lookout for the driver and passengers comfort and convenience - a testimony to the conceptual planning that’s gone into it. Seats are admirably comfortable and the view from the driving seat is a good one. Light enough to be nimble; solid enough to be reassuring, this versatile transportation package will appeal to many. On motorways, distant horizons beckon: on twisty roads you’re firmly pegged to the ground. This is a sophisticated and refined ’real world’ car with quality to rival any BMW: surely Skoda are on the verge of establishing a new world order. Like all Octavias, the Scout is noticeably well equipped and well prepared for any task. A comprehensive standard specification includes everything from a sump guard to protect when off-road, through comfort features galore like dual zone climate control and special Scout upholstery (thankfully not in khaki), to stylish alloy wheels and solid looking side protection strips plus bigger bumpers for the rough and tumble that it’s likely to encounter - not to mention ESP, ABS, DSR and all the other GCSEs you can think of. A pleasant surprise is yours as soon as you are underway. The diesel engine is refined and has a good and accessible powerband so you know there’s enough power to tackle any situation within reason. Available with a 1.8 TSI petrol engine, generating 160bhp, or a 2.0 TDI PD turbodiesel with an output of 140bhp, both engines drive through a six speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive Haldex clutch system - the best in the business. This transfers power between front and rear wheels as and when required. There’s even a ’Hill Hold’ control to stop you rolling backwards on a hill start if you’re one of those inept drivers who have poor car control skills. One would think that such sophistication would mean heavy fuel consumption, but I’m pleased to be able to report that my diesel powered test car retuned over 45mpg despite being able to whizz along an autobahn at over 120mph if we had gone to Germany - and cruise control is standard, to make life easy for you on motorway trips. Giving a smooth and quiet ride at all times,this is a car that is relaxing to drive over long distances - and if your journey has taken you into the wilds where boulevard cruisers baulk at the first hint of an unmetalled track, the Scout will get you through. So, loaded to the gunwhales with the contents of a pals flat, we drove to his remote cottage. The Scout was confidence inspiring as we crossed the bleak wilderness of Shropshire's Long Mynd as snow began to fall. These were treacherous conditions that left all ’ordinary’ cars slip - sliding wildly: the Scout took it all in it’s stride: we were well prepared to go anywhere. Taking advantage of the good ground clearance and broad spread of power we followed a dirt track and the competent quiet progress enabled us to enjoy the panorama of that vast landscape. The Scout is a vehicle that is highly competent offering engineering standards second to none - so it should easily survive the rigours of country use for years. I’m pleased to be able to tell you - the Skoda Scout is a good ’un: honest it is!