Skoda Octavia Scout Review

Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia Scout version is quite distinctive in that it has larger, chunky grey bumpers, wheelarch spats and is fitted with skid plates, as befits a 4x4 vehicle. It is a little longer than the outgoing Skoda Octavia 4x4 estate by 12mm and, because of the suspension set-up, it stands 65mm taller - not including the black roof rails - while ground clearance is 17mm more. Side protective strips and profiled door sills, with unique, interior kick plates complete the rugged image and the polished twin tailpipes show that it has a fair bit of oomph.

ESP, along with a Hill Hold control, come as standard features, along with the Haldex clutch system also found on the 4x4 estate. The Haldex works with other electronic systems to provide swift responses and is compact enough to allow for the same 580-litre boot capacity as the other estates in the range. The multi-segment clutch has discs that sit in an oil bath and works by oil pressure bringing the discs together. A series of electronically controlled pumps and valves direct the torque to where it is need to maintain traction and, if just 10 degrees of slip is detected, the system reacts within one revolution to counteract the effect. But all you really need to know is that it performs well on loose or slippery surfaces and off the beaten track.

The ESP system is quite comprehensive and comprises Mechanical Brake Assist (MBA), Electronic Brake Variator (EBV), which makes certain that the right amount of braking is divided between the axles, Electronic Differential Lock (EDS) and Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR). The last one helps the driver counter a skid by adding a small amount of steering input in the right direction - a kind of nudge, if you like.