New Skoda Octavia Scout has 4×4 abilities

Skoda Octavia Scout

Skoda Octavia Scout

The Skoda Octavia Scout is the latest addition to this carmaker’s respected line-up of 4×4’s that have great performance when needed off-road and high comfort levels.

The market for estate cars with off-road abilities, particularly for use in muddy fields and travelling down rutted country lanes, is quickly growing and the new model sits alongside Skoda’s other impressive offerings in this field – the Yeti and Superb.

Prices start at £25,315 for the Skoda Octavia Scout and its off-road features which make it an excellent winter workhorse include an underfloor rough road package to protect the underside of the vehicle.

Performance is key for the Skoda Octavia Scout

There’s also a fifth-generation version of the Haldex clutch 4×4 system for excellent levels of traction and efficiency.

One of the big attractions for anyone choosing a car with 4×4 ability like the Scout is that it has technology on board that will detect a wheel slippage and then transfer drive to counteract it within milliseconds.

This means that the family runabout is transformed into strong off-road performer in an instant.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Octavia Scout there’s a choice of 2.0litre TDI diesel units which will produce either 150PS or 184PS. The more powerful engine is equipped as standard with a DSG gearbox.

Engines and performance in the Skoda Octavia Scout

However, both engines will return around 55mpg which will put them at the very top of economy in this sector – excellent figures considering that four-wheel-drive usually has a very harsh effect on frugal motoring.

Essentially, the Scout is as practical as the ‘ordinary’ Octavia which means there’s lots of space on board and a very big boot.

Handling is just as engaging, the permanent four-wheel-drive and increased ground clearance help to make this version an enjoyable and honest drive.

The Skoda Octavia Scout is visually distinctive from its siblings and those opting for the 4×4 version will find that it has extra plastic body cladding and new bumpers.

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The interior for this vehicle is well-designed and functional and there’s plenty of space for adults on board.

This part of the market is growing steadily and is dominated by the likes of Volvo and Subaru but increasing numbers of buyers are also opting for these specialist 4×4 productions of popular makes which is why the likes of the VW Passat Alltrack and the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer have managed to do so well.

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