Skoda Octavia Scout

FIRST VERDICT A successful blend of go-anywhere ability, estate practicality and sensible running costs SO GOOD • Smooth, effective 4x4 system• Refined on-road manners• Off-road and towing capabilities NO GOOD • No hill descent control• Persistent diesel-induced vibration through steering wheel TESTER’S NOTE It’s a smart choice if you want a car that has much of the capability of a full-sized 4x4 but without the overt road presence. LK THE OCTAVIA SCOUT is an off-road variant of Skoda’s popular, practical estate. As well as receiving the latest Skoda styling, the Scout gains a host of technical upgrades aimed at giving it real off-road ability, for a premium of about £5000 over a less powerful, high-spec Octavia wagon. Underpinning it is a faster-acting fifth-generation Haldex four-wheel drive system. An electronic differential lock is fitted on each axle, too. The Scout…