Even in its fourth generation, the new Skoda Octavia proudly belongs to the top RS and SCOUT variants. The rather flamboyant red RS equipped with a two-liter gasoline engine and a six-speed manual has already passed our editorial test, and quite logically, the announced SCOUT version had to come next.
Skoda Octavia SCOUT, this "outdoor" tool, is currently available with one petrol and two diesel engines, the offered engines always work together with a seven-speed DSG automatic and all-wheel drive.
The exterior and its light off-road ambitions
As part of the exterior, you can distinguish the Scout version from the classic Octavia quite safely. Among the most noticeable elements is the distinctive plastic covering in the place of the thresholds and edges of the car. Both bumpers are also visually more massive, with silver elements evoking "metallic" protection in their lower part. But let's not be mistaken, this is still a ubiquitous plastic. The rear-view mirrors are also elegantly painted in contrasting silver.
Other clearly visible elements of the Scout version include the raised chassis, which is 15 mm higher than that of the classic Octavia. The last exterior difference of the tested version are plaques with the inscription "Scout" on the front fenders of the car.
The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia is definitely a great car, and not just in terms of exterior design. I rate the optical modifications regarding the Scout variant as very decent and successful.
Interior with only minimal changes
The Scout variant is only minimally influenced by the concept of the interior. The dashboard here is lined with elegant cladding with wooden decor, apparently to evoke the atmosphere of a mountain cabin, which every Octavia Scout owner certainly possesses. We also have comfortable and spacious front seats with embroidered Scout lettering.
The dashboard itself, thanks to its digitization and minimization of mechanical controls, has a very simple and fresh impression. An elegant horizontal line then clearly divides it into individual basic parts.
The clear instrument panel in front of the driver will offer the already familiar fully digital environment, where you can switch between individual display styles. Furthermore, thanks to the right-hand roller on the steering wheel, the data displayed inside the individual alarm clocks can be changed. On the sides of the display are the familiar indicators of engine temperature and fuel level.
The main on-board infotainment display in the tested Scout equipment had the Columbus system and a 10" diagonal. Its home screen will offer two main screens. In the first part you choose your favorite functions, the second is dedicated to the media.
Other functions such as driving assistants, air conditioning, car settings, telephone and, of course, navigation are also controlled via the infotainment display. This approach to controlling individual functions via the notified display brought a welcome simplification of the dashboard for me.
Below the on-board infotainment display, there are also a couple of classic mechanical controls, which are very elegantly integrated into one frame with the air conditioning vents.
The central tunnel will offer simple and airy shapes thanks to the presence of a minimized automatic transmission controller. You need to get used to its operation at first, but ergonomically it works well and I have no reservations about it in terms of aesthetics.
Regarding the internal dimensions of the fourth generation, the intergenerational increase will definitely please. The car gained extra millimeters in length, width and height. The luggage compartment has also been increased, which will now offer 640 liters, even 1,700 liters with the backrests folded down.
Offered motorizations and driving impressions
The Skoda Octavia Scout is currently available with a two-liter TSI gasoline engine (140 kW output), and a turbocharged two-liter diesel with an output of 110 or 147 kW is also available. The engines offered are always combined with a seven-speed DSG automatic and all-wheel drive.
We tested the Octavia Scout with the only motorization offered for a long time, i.e. with a refined two-liter diesel engine with an output of 147 kW. Octavia with this unit manages 100 km/h in a very respectable 6.8 seconds and the maximum speed is limited to 230 km/h.
Its performance and cooperation with the seven-speed automatic is traditionally at a high "corporate" level. The dual-clutch automatic gear shifts smoothly, smoothly and promptly. Its control with a minimized dial is also very user-friendly.
As for the chassis, the Octavia of the fourth generation is equipped with a multi-link rear multi-element axle with engines above 110 kW. The tested Scout therefore also had this suspension. Compared to our first tested 110 kW diesel Octavia of the fourth generation, it was really noticeable. The "classic" rear axle of weaker motors can make quite an unpleasant noise when driving over bumps.
The chassis of the tested car was supplemented with an additional DCC chassis. The DCC adaptive chassis is traditionally worthy of praise, in the individual mode you can tune it to a softer position than the comfort mode itself offers, as well as to a harder one than the sport mode offers. The range of settings is therefore really large and the new generation Skoda Octavia is very comfortable with this chassis.
The added value of the Scout version is the off-road driving mode. This mode affects the behavior of the quad bike itself, the stabilization system, and the downhill assist is also activated. The all-wheel drive traditionally uses the proven Haldex type system.
In terms of consumption, the most powerful diesel, automatic and four-wheel drive averaged 8.0 liters per 100 km during the week-long test. Unfortunately, due to illness, I didn't drive that many kilometers with the car, and the ones I managed were at a sharper pace.
Driving impressions of the tested Skoda Octavia Scout are therefore entirely positive. The Scout had all the advantages of a car with all-wheel drive, which is taken care of by a potent and refined diesel engine working with a DSG automatic transmission.
In conclusion
You can buy a Skoda Octavia in the Scout equipment variant from 876,900 CZK including VAT. Under the hood of this car will be a two-liter TSI with 140 kW of power, as well as a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For the same price, a weaker 110 kW diesel engine is also available, again with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The highlight is the 147 kW diesel we tested, which you can buy from CZK 926,900 including VAT.
The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia is a car that offers a very handsome exterior accompanied by a spacious and ergonomically well-functioning interior. The tested powertrain has comfortable driving characteristics with more than sufficient power. The top and stylish version of the Scout then comes with rich equipment and, thanks to its "off-road" ambitions, also with a wider field of application.
Source: Author's text
Image source: Author's own photos
