- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 340Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 4.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4X4
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Skoda Octavia Scout first drive review
Raised ride height, all-wheel-drive grip and loads of interior space. Sound like a familiar combination?
Skoda's updated Octavia Scout blends all the basic elements of a traditional SUV, except (refreshingly) it's not an SUV. The off-road inclined wagon instead offers a European alternative to the fast-growing high-rider set, with a price and specification that should have the longstanding Subaru Outback looking over its broad shoulders.
The Scout sits 31mm higher than the regular Octavia on which it is based and features all-paw traction courtesy of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Moulded plastic guards and a 171mm ground clearance give the vague promise of off-road potential.
For 2015, the line-up has been stretched from one sole diesel variant to two oil burners and one petrol. The headline feature is pricing, which is $7000 cheaper than before in the case of the entry-level 110TDI turbo diesel – starting at $32,490 plus on-road costs – moving up to $38,590 for the mid-spec 132TSI and $41,390 for the 135TDI.
During a 300km familiarisation in Tasmania this week, it becomes clear the Scout has one distinct advantage over a significant portion of the SUV set – an enviable driving ability forged on the sound credentials of the regular Octavia, Drive's reigning family car of the year.
The additional ride height isn't to the detriment of ride comfort or dynamics, with a marginal increase in body roll the only mark against an otherwise comprehensive cornering package.
Tipping the scales at just over 1550kg, the 4.68-metre long wagon belies its sheer size with accurate steering that is quick to respond to driver inputs and excellent lateral grip that inspires confidence on challenging ribbons of bitumen.
Seventeen-inch Continental tyres (with a space saver spare) partly contribute to the finessed dynamics – but much of the Scout's on-road acumen comes down to the all-wheel-drive underpinnings that primarily drive the front wheels, but can apportion up to 95 per cent of drive to the rear axle when a slippage is detected.
The system operates harmoniously both on bitumen and loose dirt roads, working in unison with the stability control for surefooted progress.
Withstanding its sporty credentials, the Scout also handles road imperfections with excellent damping and rebound attributes. Small bumps are transferred through to the cabin without any crashing or jarring. If anything, the Scout feels firm and well tied to the road, but it is rarely uncomfortable.
Did we mention it is European? While Skoda is often ostracised as the poor cousin of sister brand Volkswagen, the Scout sits at the pointy end of its class for cabin refinement.
Road noise is admirably suppressed, even on course-chip surfaces, while the cabin is devoid of vibrations, instead cosseting occupants at a level more akin with dearer machinery. The only significant mark against the otherwise sound package is some slight feedback through the steering wheel.
The refinement factor fits well with the three matching engines on offer.
The base model 2.0-litre diesel now produces 110kW (up 7kW) of power and 340Nm of torque. Despite residing at the bottom of the power and torque charts, it offers adequate shove in spirited driving, with a clean-revving diesel engine that enamours with its subtle oil burning clatter. You just have to learn to drive around some minor turbo lag below 2000rpm and be prepared to work for progress manually. Its compulsory six-speed manual is light and fluid in its shifts; an easy transmission to come to terms with even if self-shifting isn't actually your thing.
We spend most time in the 132TSI – the first ever petrol in the range. Its 1.8-litre turbocharged engine gleans peak torque from as low as 1350rpm. The translation out on the road is a predictable and linear power curve that transitions cleanly to the upper echelons of the tacho, revving willingly to 6500rpm. The petrol isn't as efficient as the base model diesel on test – consuming about 9.0L/100km against 5.6L/100km – though its hastened 0-100km/h time of 7.8 seconds (against 9.0 seconds) is a valuable pay-off. A matching six-speed DSG automatic will also appeal to those who'd prefer to keep their left foot rested. The dual-clutch unit is smooth yet precise in its shifts, with some minor low-speed lurchiness the only real gripe on test.
Sitting atop the range is the 135TDI unit that is based on the same 2.0-litre engine as the 110TDI but is allied instead with a six-speed dual clutch automatic. The flagship model produces an uprated 135kW at 3500rpm and 380Nm at 1750rpm, returning a 0-100km/h time of 7.8 seconds and an official fuel claim of 5.3L/100km combined. Whether its position atop the range is validated or not we'll reserve for another day.
Generous interior proportions are a common strength across all three models. The five-seat layout will happily accommodate four full-sized adults on moderate trips in relative comfort.
The rear seat, in particular, is well devised with soft, wide seats and rear air vents. Deep, wide door pockets and a selection of small-item storage bode well, while a massive 588-litre boot with a double sided cargo mat (one side plastic, the other carpet) and quick-release levers for the split folding rear seats punctuate the clever design.
Up front, the seats are thoughtfully positioned in terms of head room and leg room, their added side bolstering bringing better lateral support through corners and added comfort on longer trips.
As with its driving character, the interior feels well appointed and elegantly presented. An eight-inch colour touchscreen resides within a combination of soft-touch panels, faux wood treatment and classy metal inlay surroundings. The steering wheel sits nicely in the hands and the outlook from the driver's seat is clear and unobstructed.
Across the range the Scout offers a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, nine airbags and a fatigue detection function as standard.
Octavia's European wagon is a worthwhile alternative for those who like the idea of an SUV, but want something a little different from the crowd.
Skoda Octavia Scout pricing and specifications
Skoda Octavia Scout 110TDI
On sale: March
Price: $32,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW at 3500rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel use: 5.3L/100km combined
Skoda Octavia Scout 132TSI
On sale: March
Price: $38,590 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power: 132kw at 6000rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1350rpm
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatic
Fuel use: 7.1L/100km combined
Skoda Octavia Scout 135TDI
On sale: March
Price: $41,390 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 135kw at 3500rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatic
Fuel use: 5.3L/100km combined