The Skoda Octavia Scout has just received the facelift treatment that has been doing the rounds over the last few months. Last week, we got to sample the new Skoda Octavia vRS. On the same day, we also got to sample the updated Skoda Octavia Scout.
Straight up, the looks of neither the vRS nor the Octavia Scout has changed massively. As is the way with most mid-life facelifts, it'll only be the eagle-eyed who will immediately spot the differences between last year's model and this year's facelift. That's just the way it is, although, we must mention that the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross facelift was pretty big in terms of visuals. The Scout gets new headlights like the rest of the Octavia range, as well as rear lights and new bumper designs.
.jpg)
The Octavia Scout is a more rugged-looking machine than the regular Combi. It's raised by 30mm and comes with a Haldex 4x4 system. It's more practical than your regular Skoda Octavia Combi, however, I would personally recommend only going for one of these if you actually need a 4x4 system. Sure, the car is slightly more attractive than the regular Combi, but is that enough of a reason to spend the extra money? This is perfectly suited for people who live on mountain roads which are prone to a bit of ice or snow. My parents, for example, would be suited to this car - they live up a mountain and when the rest of us are getting bits of slush falling from the sky, they’re getting a few inches of snow, and a capable (but not amazing) 4x4 system is required. For the moment, they’re happy with their Dacia Duster.
.jpg)
The Skoda Octavia Scout has impressive off-road capabilities. Nope, it wouldn't have a chance against a Discovery, but it will certainly get you up wet, gravelly, slippy, icy and snowy roads. Our test drive course had an off-road section which was moderately difficult in terms of terrain. It handled climbs easily and if you let the car take charge of its own acceleration and braking on the way down a steep hill, the system takes care of itself.
.jpg)
In my video review, I say that if you are considering one of these, ask your local dealer to bring you to an off-road course to check the capabilities of the 2017 Skoda Octavia Scout. What I'm saying is, don't just take my word for it... try it! As I said before though, if you have no real necessity for a 4x4 car, then don't bother going for the Scout.
The updated Scout comes with the same engine that we looked at in the diesel model of the new Skoda Octavia vRS. This offers 184hp. Which is certainly nice, but somewhat unnecessary when there is also a 150hp version available. My pick of the two would be the latter.
.jpg)
In terms of space, Skoda once again wins in the practicality stakes. A 610 litre boot, loads of leg and head room to the rear and good quality materials throughout. This is certainly a practical machine, and I think you'll find it hard to find any motor journalist saying otherwise. You see Skoda ticks a lot of boxes. They offer great practicality, good styling, and great specs - at a reasonable price.
Skoda Ireland tells us that it starts from €35,495. This will get you into the 150hp model with a 2.0 TDI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. If you want a DSG box, you will have to ask for the 184hp version, and it will set you back €38,850.
Our Skoda Octavia 2017 review
Skoda have been getting a lot of deserved love off the motoring press over the last couple of years. Even though the appearance hasn't changed much, they will keep getting good press while they proceed in creating good cars at reasonable prices. The 172-reg period should be great for the brand, and sales of the new Kodiaq are beginning to sore already with 500 pre-orders already in place.
View used Skoda Octavia models for sale on Car Buyers Guide here.
Read more of our Skoda reviews here.
0 comments