On the surface the Skoda Octavia Scout could be just an Octavia wagon with added plastic bits, but in reality it is more than that. But even if it wasn’t, the Octavia is one of our favourite cars here at OVERSTEER (see here, here and here for proof of that…), so that would still make the Scout a thoroughly excellent in our book.
We head to the local launch to find out for sure.
What is it?
As we have already established, something more than just an Octavia wagon with extra plastic bits, but by how much exactly?
Well, you can already option a “rough road” package on the $43,600 TSI Elegance 4×4 Octavia wagon that brings ground clearance of 150mm, but the Scout adds a further 21mm to this total, taking ground clearance to an actually useful 171mm.
On top of this, the Scout comes with two engine options – the same 132kW/280Nm 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine in the Octavia and the stonking 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel that resides in the Octavia RS.
Both are hooked up to a six-speed DSG transmission and both come in the same spec and trim levels. There petrol will be available in April 2015, while the grunty diesel is available now.
The Scout comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather/alcantara upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, cruise control, driving mode selection, a leather multi-function steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, an electric opening tailgate, rain sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitoring and hill-hold assist.
As well as the extra black plastic bits on the wheel arches and doors, the Scout also gains different front and rear bumpers. The petrol Octavia Scout will cost $48,200 when it launches, while the diesel costs $49,990.
What is it like?
Like an Octavia wagon. Which is to be expected, but is also a very good thing indeed.
Like the Octavia wagon, the Scout feels fantastic on the road, with a brilliant blend of ride comfort and lithe responsiveness that makes it a delight to chuck through a series of flowing bends.
With the diesel engine being out of the Octavia RS the Scout also makes a very handy Q-ship, brilliant for blowing away unsuspecting V8s at the traffic lights and leaving them for dead through a series of bends.
The interior is like other Octavia’s as well – brilliantly put together out of quality materials that now easily rival parent-company Volkswagen for fit, finish and quality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, the stereo is brilliant and there is heaps of room out back.
Speaking of Outback, that is the car that Skoda NZ sees as being the Scout’s main competitor. With the launch of the Outback this week, it will be an interesting 2015 for anyone wanting a slightly more rugged wagon…
What’s good about it?
It is comfortable, quick and very capable through the curves. It looks possibly even better than a standard Octavia wagon with its more aggressive bumpers. Volkswagen quality at Skoda prices.
What’s not so good?
While high quality, the interior is all still a bit dark and sober. A bit more bling wouldn’t hurt…
First impressions?
With the Octavia already a thoroughly excellent car, everything you get added with the Scout only serves to make it even better.
You get the RS’s excellent diesel engine for less money, while also gaining a useful amount of ground clearance for light off-road excursions. All the while retaining the excellent comfort and handling of the standard Octavia wagon, as well as its space and practicality.
If you are considering anything from a small wagon up to a medium SUV, then you own it to yourself to check out the Skoda Octavia Scout. You will be impressed by how many boxes it will tick…
Models/prices
Scout TSI 132kW – $48,200
Scout TDI 135kW – $49,990
Powertrain
1.8-litre inline four-cylinder petrol turbo producing 132kW/280Nm; six-speed dual clutch transmission; all-wheel drive (TSI 132kW), 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel turbo producing 135kW/380Nm; six-speed dual clutch transmission; all-wheel drive (TDI 135kW)
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km (TSI 132kW), 5.1L/100km (TDI 135kW)
CO2 emissions: 158g/km (TSI 132kW), 134g/km (TDI 135kW)
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: Five star
Air bags: 7
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
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