With the updates in March 2011 the Octavia Scout retains all the positive qualities that makes it a favourite. These are AWD ability and safety, an absolutely huge boot space with versatility, a powerful but economical 2.0L TDi motor mated to a 6 speed manual and enough features to keep most people satisfied.
The Scout has always been a stylish, if somewhat boxy AWD SUV. Place yourself in the driver’s seat and it looks very familiar. That’s because what you see is all VW. Other than the fact that the front seats are a little narrow in the squab it’s all very comfortable.
The thick-rimmed steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and in front of you are clear dials with VW’s multi function display that tells you almost everything you need or want to know.
There are places for drink bottles in the centre and in the door pockets and an abundance of storage places for all the little things we seem to accumulate in cars.
Rear seats are comfortable if narrow and definitely better for two occupants. With a boot volume of 580 litres (up to 1620 litres with the rear seats down), it copes even with the most challenging transport tasks.
Features include: cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning (with AQS), electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lights, heated and height adjustable front seats, radio with 6 CD stacker and MP3 player (8 speakers), MP3 auxiliary input socket, rear parking sensors, multi-function trip computer, rain sensor windscreen wipers.
Skoda is big on safety features with six airbags – dual front, front side and curtain, ESP, ABS, EBD and ASR, height adjustable headrests with WOKS
The Octavia Scout is a very good AWD SUV, with cross-country mobility. As happy on urban roads as it is in mud, sand or snow, the ground clearance of 180 mm and the under body sump guard significantly enhance its all-road suitability.
The four-wheel drive is controlled by the fourth generation Haldex clutch. However take the Scout too far off road and like most SUV’s the result will not be pretty. Towing capacity of 1600kg is middle of the road for this type of vehicle.
We tested the Octavia Scout 2.0L TDi with a six speed manual transmission. With 103kW of power at 4,200rpm and 320Nm from as low as 1,750rpm, the 103TDI engine delivers adequate performance while sipping fuel at the miserly rate of just 6.1 litres of diesel.
The Scout did everything I asked of it with absolutely no fuss and was comfortable to drive. On the freeway trips I averaged about 5.0L/100KM, which was awesome. In fact on one trip heading north from Sydney I placed the Scout in sixth gear at the start of the freeway, put the cruise control on and left it there until the end of the freeway at Hexham. Somewhat embarrassingly I forgot I was driving a manual and stalled at the roundabout at the end because I forgot to put the clutch in.
What is Good?
Use of Interior space – Huge boot
Motor Transmission combination
Features for price
What is not so Good?
Smaller seats – not good for the amply butt endowed
‘B’ Pillar intrudes on front entry/exit
No Bluetooth
Model Škoda Octavia Scout 4X4
Model Price $44,765 RDAP
Drivetrain AWD 2.0 103Kw CRD 6 sp. Man
Power 103 Kw @ 4,200 rpm
Torque 320 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Safety 4 Star
CO2 Emissions 160 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 6.1 L/100km
Tow Capacity Max 1600 kg
Tow Ball Rating 160 kg
Servicing TBA
Warranty 3yr/Unlimited km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 70/100
Behind the Wheel 7
Comfort 7
Equipment 8
Performance 7
Ride & Handling 7
Practicality 7
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 6
Value for Money 8