2010 Skoda Octavia Scout released in Australia

By Matt Brogan | September 07th, 2009

Since its market introduction 12 months ago, the Octavia Scout has become a successful model in the Skoda range. Now, with the introduction of the new Octavia range, a revised Scout model has joined the fold.

Revisions are subtle but include the new family face of the brand – complete with different grille and larger headlamps (available with optional Xenon lights) – while still retaining the cross-country mobility so highly desired of the Scout.

Ground clearance of 180mm and underbody protection mean off-road suitability has also been maintained. The four-wheel drive is controlled by the fourth generation Haldex clutch.

Inside dual-zone climate control with an air quality sensor that automatically recirculates the interior air when fumes are detected outside the cabin is now added to the extensive feature line-up.

Cargo space available is 580 litres with the seats up (to window height) or 1620 litres with seats down.

Pricing for the New Octavia Scout remains unchanged at $39,990*.

To read more on the 2008 Skoda Octavia Scout, click here.

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Carfanatic

Is it just me or does that look a little Volvo inspired from the side and rear?

They have certainly improved the look, but it is still a little unexciting. Good cars though.
Frank

Every bit as nice as the Volvo X Country and I am sure it is far less expensive.

Alex

To be fair, it’s also every bit smaller than the XC70, so the price is kind of justified. Not to mention the strange lack of an automatic. Looks good though.

Carfanatic

My Golf TDI is a 6 speed and it’s great, so looks aside, I’d probably consider one of these if I were in the market for that kind of car.

Wheelnut®™

I think that the scouts more direct rival in terms of size etc would more likely be the XC-60 [AWD] and the one I would go for if I was in the market for a Soft-Roader.. So much more standard features for your money

NotTheStig

As a XC70 Owner (and one who needs the ground clearance and AWD), I would consider one of these, even though it is smaller (more a V50 size than V70), – but no automatic ?

Can’t anyone make a AWD Diesel Auto these days ? (Mazda CX7, Subaru Outback and now this too ?)

There aren’t a lot of options for a mid sized carlike diesel AWD wagon that isn’t too flashy – and no mention of a Craptiva thanks !

Google

I rather a manual than auto… which kills all the driving fun…

Aussie Cars

Its a Holden Epica and Volvo X Country love child. But while saying that this looks to be the best looking Skoda in my opinion.
Carfanatic

Please don’t insult a VAG built car by lumping it with the Captiva! As for Volvo, with Geely hanging around like a bad smell, it doesn’t bode well for Volvo’s future image.

Aussie Cars

lol..I didnt lump it with a captiva I said Epica because of the front lights (which is prob a worse car to be lumped with but hey, Skodas arent usually known for there outstanding exterior styling). They remind me of the Epica`s front lights.

All in all a pretty good looking little wagon.

Leon70

Skoda will be bringing in a Diesel with the 6 speed DSG by mid 2010. That will defintely help sales.

NotTheStig

It will indeed…

No matter how much fun to drive they are, a manual just isn’t going to sell these days, except to a special few.

Carfanatic

DSG’s are sweet to drive

Leon70

You’re right there Carfanatic. I’ve got an Octavia wagon with the DSG and it’s great!

http://internode.on.net Pete

I really like the look of this car, but I just wondered how 180mm ground clearance on the Skoda is considered good whereas the 200mm on the VW Tiguan was bagged by most journos, including this site? Also, how would the Skoda go on Stockton Beach where the VW failed?

Shak

but see the vw is meant to be an SUV whereas this is a sort of wagon/suv. The Tiguan doesnt work for its intended application although it looks much better.

http://internode.on.net Pete

Shak – I didn’t really think of that angle as I have never thought of the Tiguan as an SUV. However, can’t agree with the looks dept. I was very close to buying a Tiguan but will be looking seriously at teh Scout. Suppose beauty is in the eye…etc, etc.

pm

I think that many of todays automatic buyers would be surprised to find how easy modern manuals are to drive. My brothers family (who have long had autos) bought a new Peugeot 308 in manual because the demo in the yard in the colour they liked happened to be a manual. They love it.
If you’re not driving in in Melbourne or Sydney peak hour traffic, are below 50 and have no physical handicap, I can’t see why you’d want an auto.

Reckless1

Fortunately, the car makers can see why people would want an auto, and are offering auto trans on almost all models.

What I can’t see is why the damn things are always $2500 dearer.

Clearly you haven’t sampled a DSG transmission…….

filippo

I have, a friend’s DSG Golf GTi. The gears and paddles were fun to play with for about 5 minutes, but then I found myself just driving it like an auto (like I’m sure 99% of owners do). It’s a nice fast car, but it still second-guesses you like a normal auto. Plus, it makes this strange fart-like sound when it changes gears, which is quite disconcerting.

Carfanatic

Seriously, if you can hear a noise from the DSG like that, something is wrong with the transmission. I’ve driven a few and you can barely tell when they have changed gear unless you are driving it like a manual.

Jay

Actually, he’s correct with the “fart-like” noise (nothing wrong with the transmission). However, it’s not the transmission making it. It’s from the exhaust and is the burn off of excess fuel inbetween the super quick upshifts. It’s only really apparent on cars with the 2l turbos (GTI, Octavia VRS, A3, A4′s) above 3000rpm when accelerating. On cars like the R32 & R36, it’s more like a loud bark noise higher in the rev range.

JohnM

Waddaya mean under 50? I’m 51 and have 2 manuals. A Peugeot 206GTi and a Bedford van. I drove the Peugeot Sydney-Yamba-Sydney over 3 days lately. I’m driving the Bedford at the moment as my wife,49yo has the peugeot while her new Golf (twincharger DSG) is in the middle of the Pacific at the moment.
That said, manuals are a pain in stop start traffic. I’m lucky, I don’t get that often, but even the Peugeot can be a pain – especially when it’s so slow that the clutch doesn’t get fully engaged.

filippo

Thanks Jay for the info on the DSG exhaust noise. I’ve never heard an official explanation before.

JohnM, sorry for the under 50 comment. I originally wrote 60 but then thought it better to play it safe.

My main point is that I am not criticising auto drivers, I am just saying that modern manuals are much easier to drive than they used to be and I think some people are scared off manuals because they remember learning to drive in cars from the 70s or 80s. I do however believe that everyone who can should learn to drive a manual as I think it makes you a better driver (plus, able to rent a car in Europe).

spellbound

You wonder where this car will fit when the yeti arrives , similar size .

It actually looks handsome compared to the ugly new diesel outback , which may help its sales, now it has a real competitor .

The thing i hated my outback was the hesitant so called auto sports box and the lousy economy .

Carfanatic

All the Subaru’s I’ve ever driven had poor fuel economy, sweet handling but heavy on the fuel.

Carfanatic

Clearly he hasn’t. I made the mistake ( well not mistake) of just buying a six speed manual without having test driven the Diesel with DSG. I have since done so and am seriously considering trading up to the DSG.
Will

Good marketing will see this machine take off where the old “Sports Wagon” left off. A great little machine.
observer

Still 2007 stock sitting around so how can the Scout be a success for Skoda Oz?

Restyle still looks mid 90′s and dated especially from the side

180mm ground clearance to low unlike Subaru Outback/Forester at 220mm

Reliabilty….well the Skoda Octavia loaned to wheels as their long term test car broke down due to electrical problems leaving the journo’s wife roadside and stranded….not good.

Too expensive for a brand with little presence or brand equity in Oz….Better off sticking with the market leader….Subaru Outback.

Jake02

Clearny no idea…

Carfanatic

it broke down? that’s crap, she would have felt like my sister did with her last two Subaru’s

Yes Observer, even Subaru breaks down.

Antony

this is the first posts I found regarding Octavia Scout +DSG, Is it a rumor? from a skoada dealer or forum? I am interested for Scout and definitely want the DSG
http://caradvice.com.au auto

i wish Skoda would speak their mind and tell us once and for all if they intend to put a dsg in the Scout or not, because if they are not going to i will shop elsewere
rob

Just had an email form Skoda Aust, the Scout will feature a DSG gerabox in sept-Nov 2010, although a little bland in the looks dept (not ugly just not eye catching), this will put it streets ahead of the others who only offer manual transmision, (all that is needed now is the 125kw engine!) not that there is anything wrong with a manual but there are a lot auto buyers out there
Rob