Skoda Octavia Estate Scout Review

After the years of success for the Octavia – Skoda soon introduced additional generations in both the hatch and estate versions. The idea around the Octavia was to provide the most comfortable and dynamic driving experience that is packaged elegantly into the distinct lines that we see today in the latest generation of Octavia’s. 

The 2.0 TDi 184PS unit that is perfect in every way – It pulls like a train and revs like the clappers. Marry that up with a brilliant 4X4 system and a 6 speed DSG gearbox that actually works and you will suddenly find yourself set up perfectly for anything that’s not on tarmac. Here are some of the figures: Combined mpg of 56.5, max speed 136mph and 0-62 time of 7.8sec. If you opt for the manual version of the 150PS 2.0 TDi – you still get all the performance of a great estate car, but if it was me the 184PS is the one to go for.

The Octavia feels effortless into the corners and that’s down to its 4X4 abilities. Road holding is the Scout’s party piece along with its ability to not get stuck in anything more than a pothole. I don’t say this very often, but the Octavia has the correct balance of ride, handling, steering and braking - as well as additional driver assistance functions that I have not seen in a while. To be honest, the beefed up version of the Octavia has made the original now feel even better.

As with all Skoda’s, everything is set out well and with no fuss. Road noise is a little bit more than I expected, but as it’s a 4X4 sort of estate car – I can let that go. 

Skoda has always taken a hit on bland interior, but I have to say with the ‘Scout’ it’s perfect. This is an interior that will wear well over time.

Some of the standard equipment in the Scout is as follows: 17” Polar Alloys, alcantara & Leather Scout upholstery, cruise control, colour maxi-DOT trip computer, lane assist, off-road mode, rain sensing wipers, rough road package and increased ground clearance of (+33mm). This is just a small amount of what you can expect, dig deeper and the list just keeps going. 

The Octavia ‘Scout’ is a great car for lugging all your kit around. There are not many estate cars around for this sort of price, with this level of equipment and with this sort of space. The ‘Scout’ is able to manage a large family plus extras without any dramas. If I was going to pick my top estate car for 2016 – then the ‘Scout’ has my vote. Luggage storage: With rear seat upright – 610 litres - with rear seats down 1,740 litres.

Prices start at around £25,405 for the base 150PS 2.0 TDi model. If you beef that up to the 2.0 TDi 184PS, you will be getting nearer to £28,200. CO2 emissions start off as little as 125g/km for the 150PS going up to 129g/km for the 184PS version. Fuel consumption is also around 60 – 64mpg combined for both 2.0 TDi engines.

As with all Skoda’s there will be very little to go wrong as reliability is very good. As Skoda is part of the VW Group build quality is of a good standard and the quality of the components fitted and materials used is second to none.

There are seven airbags and an array of intelligent systems to keep you safe if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation. One feature I must tell you about though is the Automatic post collision braking system (MKB) in the event of a crash, the MKB which is standard on all Octavia’s will be activated. This recognises when an impact has occurred and brakes the car to prevent it being uncontrollably propelled into oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of further crashes.