2008 Škoda Octavia Scout 4×4
September 17, 2008 by George Skentzos
Škoda has bolstered its Australian Octavia line-up with the introduction of the new Octavia Scout 4X4.
This represents Škoda’s first entry into the compact SUV segment, combining the refinement of the Octavia with the rugged capability of a 4×4.
The Scout 4×4 is no urban jungle pretender, just as capable in mud, sand or snow thanks to its state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive system and ground clearance of 180mm.
This is largely thanks to its second-generation Haldex clutch mechanism, which allows power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels as and when it is required.
This new version is able to react faster than the first-generation Haldex system, providing increased traction on loose surfaces.
Under the bonnet lies a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre TDI engine with diesel particulate filter which produces 103kW and 320Nm, linked to a six-speed manual transmission.
With direct injection, turbocharging and electronic injection control, fuel consumption is impressive with a combined figure of just 6.6-litres per 100km.
The Octavia Scout 4×4 features a generous list of standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual zone air con, ESP, 6 airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique ‘Scout’ touches throughout the cabin.
Standard safety equipment is equally impressive with ESP including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ASR and six airbags as standard.
The ESP system monitors wiper activation and calculates the time between brake applications – such as on a motorway – and pulses the ABS system to clear any water build-up on the discs to maximise braking potential should it be needed.
With 580-litres of storage capacity– which jumps to 1,620 with the rear seats folded down – and a payload capacity of 660kg, the new Octavia Scout 4×4 is the true all-rounder – with prices starting from $39,990.
CarAdvice will have a full first steer of the new Octavia Scout 4×4 in the coming week.
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Not bad, but i really don’t like the look at the front. Would much prefer having a Subaru Outback if i want a jacked up wagon.
Well, if I was going to get something like this, I would get one of these. Even over a Tiguan or Liberty, especially at this price.
i love Skoda. even that starngely styled ‘roomster’.
Octavia is a car i like quite a lot, but i still think from profile view it looks similar to a VW Bora in some way – just a LITTLE bit… i like it though!
and this thing is cool. i’d go this over the Subi too.
I LOVE the Roomster :)
I just want to throw a little more support out for the Roomster as I am another fan. And I like this car. However, its hardly a contender in the compact SUV market, no more than the Roomster is. Its more Volvo XC70 on a budget. But in a good way…
That’s the petrol 2.0 turbo :)
Oops – my first post disappeared – it said “Can I have one with the 2.0 turbo please”
Please change the front grill. Great package, i love all things VW, I would go for this before Volvo or Subaru.
Volkswagen Australia are certainly on quite an assult with the Skoda brand. I didn’t know they were bringing in the Scout! I reckon this vehicle would compete more with the Kluger and Territory, well priced and specs are a plenty. There’s still a lot of retards out there who think of the old Skoda, saying they’re crap and so forth, and think the VW backed product is the same.
I agree in relation to comments about the corporate Skoda grill.Reminds me of the toyota Avalon grille/front.
Skodas appear to be a good quality vehicle.VW input has to be a good thing.Good value as well.
too expensive. Makes no sense next to a Tiguan with better brand pedigree and what $5k cheaper?
the rugged capability of a 4×4. I sprayed my cucumber sandwich all over the keyboard when I read that one.
price difference over tiguan is negligable if you have same diesel motor . drove the tig , too van like after an outback .
this could be a winner with no diesel in the outback till 2010 , the achilles heal for the outback is fuel cost .
How come the Scout is manual only, how is this car suppose to compete with the Outback?
Sat in a octavia hatch recently the boot was absolutely huge as was the interior i was so surprised i cant wiat to see how big the superb will be will it be at AIMS
i had the so called sport auto in the outback 3.0r , terrible economy and not so smart sport mode , old technology , dsg would climb all over it , and the scout will get the dsg .
by the way the 6 speed manual is a dream in the octavia rs, nice snappy changes with no effort , and great economy.
yes space is a big bonus in the wagon , same capacity as outback .