Skoda Octavia Scout

STOP! Before you buy that practical SUV, pause to consider the virtues of the even more sensible Skoda Octavia Scout. Mid-size SUVs are firm favourites for their space, versatility and, these days, not bad dynamics. The Czech brand’s objective is to out-SUV such purpose-designed vehicles with a raised, all-wheel-drive version of its new medium-size Octavia wagon. And the Skoda is a mighty persuasive proposition.

It’s not a new idea. It’s 20 years since Subaru raised the Liberty wagon to create the Outback. Skoda is a relative latecomer to this game, the first Octavia Scout appearing only in 2007.

The new Octavia Scout is based on the Octavia III, which utilises the same Volkswagen Group MQB component matrix that’s the basis for the brilliant Golf Mk7. But Skoda uses a version with a 50mm-longer wheelbase, which explains the sprawling rear-seat space inside all new Octavia models, Scout included.

Behind is a monster cargo area. Its 610-litre compartment (rear seat up) is bigger than Toyota’s RAV4 (506 litres with a full-size spare) and Mazda’s strong-selling CX-5 (403 litres).

From the outside, the Scout’s 171 mm ground clearance (31mm more than a regular Octavia), butch bumpers and protective plastic are distinctive features.

The additional clearance makes the Scout a little more prone to body roll and slower to react than a standard Octavia. Still, it’s more agile than all but the very best handling medium SUVs. Yes, CX-5 and Kuga, I’m talking about you.

The suspension slightly favours discipline over comfort and the steering is reasonably feely, so the Scout is okay to drive. It is, however, less refined than the Golf, with higher wind-noise levels at highway speeds.

Skoda Australia plans to launch the new Scout here next March or April with more engines than at present. The base grade will have a 110 kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel four with a five speed manual transmission (no auto), while higher grades, with 135 kW
2.0 litre turbo diesel or 132 kW 1.8 litre turbo petrol fours, will exclusively feature a six speed dual clutch gearbox.

All models will come with the latest Haldex 5 all wheel drive clutch system to deliver torque to the Scout’s independently suspended rear wheels.

The feisty turbo petrol, with livelier responses than the high power turbo-diesel, is expected to be the best seller.

Strong on space and practicality, and decent fun to drive, the new Octavia Scout deserves to succeed if Skoda Australia can price it a little more sharply than the current model.

Model - Skoda Octavia Scout 132 TSI
Engine - 1798cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo
Max power - 132kW @ 4500-6200rpm
Max torque - 280Nm @ 1350-4500rpm
Transmission - 6-speed dual-clutch
Kerb weight - 1522kg
0-100km/h - 7.8sec (claimed)
Economy - 6.9L/100km (EU)
Price - $45,000 (estimated)
On sale - April 2015