Test: Skoda Octavia Kombi Scout 2.0l TDI DSG 4 × 4

The Octavia Combi does almost everything really well, even in the robust Scout version. In one point, however, it lags behind its equally strong brothers in the series.

In Germany, Skoda is currently selling its mid-range model Octavia like sliced ​​bread. On the go with the robust Scout version, you can experience some of the reasons for this success. In an aspect that is not entirely unimportant for many customers, however, this model in particular has a concept-related weakness.

As with previous Octavia generations, the Scout stands out from its Octavia brothers with body paneling made of unpainted plastic and plastic trim in matt silver, as well as large-format rims and a height of 1,5 centimeters. With a more subtle robust styling, the 4,70 meter long five-door is less a would-be SUV than a progressively styled family station wagon. Whether city villa, country house or hunting lodge - the Scout cuts a fine figure in any case. He also easily takes the trip to the house in the forest.

4,70 meters ?! The Octavia, which was once located in the compact segment, has finally made its way into the middle class in terms of length. Accordingly, the space available in the front, in the rear and especially in the trunk is generous. Behind the electrically opening tailgate, there is a 640-liter luggage compartment that can be expanded to 1.700 liters. In addition, there are a number of Clever solutions, some of which are subject to a surcharge, for a wide variety of transport needs. Double loading floor, dividing nets, bag hooks, lashing eyes, an adjustable dividing rail, side storage recesses and remote unlocking for the backrest facilitate luggage management in a variety of ways. Everything is also practically thought out and solidly executed - the Octavia does not have to shy away from comparison among family station wagons.

This also applies to the diesel drive, which with 147 kW / 200 PS in combination with a seven-stage dual clutch transmission and all-wheel drive offers a great propulsion cinema. Contrary to what its subtle acoustics suggest, the four-cylinder engine can be used in any situation if you wish. Despite the 1.750 Newton meters of torque already available at 400 tours, the lightning-fast and smooth all-wheel drive system prevents the wheels from spinning. The high-performance DSG also plays its part in ensuring that the 1,6-ton truck reaches 6,8 km / h from a standstill in an impressively sporty 100 seconds. This means that the all-wheel-drive vehicle moves much more quickly than the equally powerful front-wheel drive versions. And the all-wheel-drive Czech also impresses in pretty much every other driving situation with its liveliness and pulling power.

On the German autobahn, there are currently a lot of Octavia drivers who report their wish to overtake by flashing their headlights and / or driving up close to the vehicle in front. This may be perceived as impolite or risky, but on the road with the top diesel of the series it is easy to understand why the Octavia can tempt you to rush to speed. The strong scout even takes the 200 hurdle almost effortlessly and surprisingly entertaining. And even then, the car is still seated on the road and is pleasantly restrained from making noises in the interior. However, if you want to drive at top speed - 234 km / h is possible in this case - you might feel the disadvantages of raising the body. Although there is no uncertainty in the Scout now, the classic station wagon version of the series is noticeably better choice, because it is more binding on the road and is also faster. For comparison: In the case of the equally powerful Octavia RS 2.0 TDI 4 × 4, 238 and with the front-wheel drive variant even 245 km / h are possible. Comparisons at this level can be seen as no longer up-to-date, but for quite a few customers it is precisely these values ​​that make a decisive difference.

In the case of the Octavia Scout, it remains to be said: You can, but you don't have to. The recommended speed level is of course enough to make speedy and relaxed progress at the same time. When traveling on the motorway, cruise control and lane keepers can keep the correct distance from the vehicle in front and the sides, thanks to reliable traffic sign recognition, the speed is automatically adjusted to the current limit. It has to be premeditated if you want to provoke a fine or an accident here. A glance at the fuel gauge also ensures relaxation, because with the practical consumption of 6,0 liters that we have determined, there is a range of a good 800 kilometers. Those who do without all-wheel drive and a lift kit can go another 0,6 kilometers with the equally powerful diesel version of the Octavia RS and fuel consumption that is 100 liters lower.

As a buyer of an Octavia Scout with a heavy-duty diesel all-wheel drive combination, you have to accept a hefty surcharge for the purchase price. While the normal Combi is available for around 23.600 euros, you have to invest around 10.000 euros more for the entry-level version of the Scout. Almost 42.000 euros are even for the 2.0l TDI DSG 4 × 4, the price of which can easily be increased to well over 50.000 euros despite the extensive equipment.

Mario Hommen / SP-X

Technical data - Skoda Octavia Combi Scout 2.0l TDI DSG 4 × 4:  

Five-seater compact station wagon, length: 4,70 meters, width: 1,83 (with exterior mirrors 1,99) meters, height: 1,49 meters, wheelbase: 2,67 meters, trunk volume: 640 to 1.700 liters.  

2,0-liter four-cylinder diesel with direct injection and turbocharging, 147 kW / 200 PS, maximum torque: 400 Nm at 1.750 to 3.500 rpm, seven-speed automatic (double clutch), 0-100 km / h: 6,8 s, Vmax: 234 km / h, average consumption: 5,7 l (WLTP), test consumption: 6,0 liters, CO2 emissions: 149 g / km (WLTP), efficiency class: B, emissions standard: Euro 6d-ISC-FCM

Price: from € 41.850
Test car price: 53.008 Euro

In brief

Why: chic looks, sovereign engine

Why not: high price

What else: VW Passat Alltrack, Volvo V60 Cross Country