Road test: Octavia Scout 2.0 TSI 190 CV, straight at the SUVs

Die-hard fans of saloons and estates trembled when SUVs arrived, a segment that promised the eradication of these and of anyone who dared to take away its market. Not surprisingly, and to the relief of many, numerous brands have figured out how to create a range of models in which SUVs and saloons coexist peacefully and in harmony, and a clear example of this is Skoda. The Czech brand keeps betting on models such as the Octavia and the Superb, which stand firm and have no intention of going anywhere.

At Highmotor we decided to put the Skoda Octavia Scout to the test with the 190 CV 2.0 TSI engine to answer two questions: is a rugged-looking estate capable of dethroning an SUV? And is it worth buying a previous-generation Octavia even though the new one is about to hit the market? Well, let’s answer them.

Imposing and not afraid of getting muddy

Skoda has always stood out for its sober, simple design that works. It’s true that the facelift of the Octavia generation about to leave the market caused a lot of stir and controversy because of the split headlights; but the truth is that the Scout variant has some quite appealing elements that will make us overlook them.

The front, imposing and aggressive thanks to this version, is dominated by a chrome grille and by the criticised split headlights which, in my view, are not cause for outrage either. The bumper, accented by silver underbody protection, shows that mountain-ready DNA thanks to a more prominent ground clearance and a black plastic cladding.

The rear remains an area that also makes clear the purpose of the Skoda Scout variants. Although it keeps the sobriety typical of the conventional Octavia Combi and its traditional rear lights, we find a bumper that once again uses the same protection seen at the front and a black plastic protector that avoids fake, over-the-top exhausts.

A sober cabin but with everything necessary

It’s true that Skoda is starting to shine with its interiors thanks to the latest wave of models on the way, but the Octavia we are dealing with today follows somewhat more serious and conservative design standards. But don’t get me wrong, as this should not be seen as negative, quite the opposite.

Behind a completely round multifunction steering wheel sits an analogue instrument cluster, the old-school kind. Although I did miss the Virtual Cockpit -a very interesting option that offers many intuitive solutions-, the 8-inch touchscreen more than does the job, showing very smooth behaviour and allowing us to connect our smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

As regards interior space, there is no way to find fault with the Skoda Octavia Scout. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, and the electric adjustments for the driver’s seat let us find a good driving position without difficulty. The same can be said for the rear seats, which offer outstanding width and headroom and legroom. Though, the middle seat is somewhat cramped due to a slightly reclined backrest and a rather prominent transmission tunnel.

The boot, which in this version has a declared capacity of 610 litres, has a completely flat loading lip, a feature that will help us load our bits and pieces without major complications. On top of this we must add a frankly good interior build quality, a feeling conveyed by the fit of the parts even though the vast majority are hard plastic. Even so, leather and various soft materials have been used to cover the areas we will touch most often with our hands.

Ready for any terrain

However, the dynamic section is the high point of this test, the most interesting and revealing aspect of all those we carried out. But, before getting into it, I must formally introduce you to the mechanical layout of the Skoda Octavia Scout that accompanied me for a week, which was headlined by the already well-known 190 CV 2.0 TSI four-cylinder with 320 Nm of torque.

It is a smooth and very capable engine, two traits I credit thanks to its performance and a very linear power delivery. Although we will feel a forceful push -thanks to the immediate delivery of torque- in the first steps of the rev counter, between 1,500 and 4,100 rpm, the truth is that the engine of the Skoda Octavia Scout shows a calm and subdued behaviour.

But don’t get me wrong, as its performance is more than sufficient to tackle any journey or even undertake some off-road excursion. This is enhanced by the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and the Haldex-type 4×4 traction that the test unit featured.

Nevertheless, it is on the motorway where the Czech estate stretches its legs and is ready to offer us a composed and relaxed drive thanks to very good soundproofing, something accentuated by the low noise of its engine. Not surprisingly, a rather firm suspension tune means road imperfections are felt more intensely than we would like, a flaw that will also come to light in urban environments. In this setting it is relatively easy to achieve an average consumption of 6.5 litres/100 kilometres.

Although it is not impossible to tackle the city behind the wheel of the Scout, it is undoubtedly not where it feels most at home. This is due to its 4.68 metres in length and 1.81 in width, substantial figures that will make parking in certain areas or manoeuvring in tight spaces rather unpleasant tasks. The firm suspension makes its presence felt again, although it’s true that good visibility and the various parking aids make the Skoda Octavia Scout somewhat better suited to the city. Here it is easy for consumption to rise to 8.7/9 litres per 100 kilometres.

But what happens when we face an off-road route? The truth is that we must be aware that we are not driving a conventional off-roader, but a raised estate with certain concessions for driving off the tarmac. Nevertheless, its all-wheel-drive system, its ground clearance of 17 cm and a very useful hill descent control will allow us to perform certain manoeuvres unthinkable with a conventional saloon.

However, despite the dimensions it declares, the Skoda Octavia in its Scout variant still shows good cornering behaviour, in which body roll is practically imperceptible. It’s true that the 1,526 kilos it declares and its not very communicative steering -although with good weight- won’t help in precisely determining the line, but it is not a car designed to fulfil that role either.

But it is precisely its good road manners and its 4×4 characteristics that lead me to judge this estate as a better option than many SUVs in its price range, which also do not offer off-road qualities superior to the Scout’s and whose higher centre of gravity and soft suspensions cause body roll that we won’t find in the Czech car.

Conclusion

It’s true that the Skoda Octavia is about to bid us farewell to make way for the new generation, whose prices we will know very soon. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a relatively affordable vehicle, with certain capabilities off the tarmac and very good interior space, the Skoda Octavia Scout is your car.

With a starting price of €34,730, we find a car with a value for money that is hard to beat; and, although it may not be a figure suitable for every budget, we must bear in mind that the Czech brand is trying to clear all its stock units, which may be a good moment to benefit from a good discount when buying the Skoda Octavia Scout.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €