SKODA'S adventurous Scout might be a little off beat, but it is also a surprisingly competent and value for money package.
Introduced a little over a year ago and recently updated with a minor facelift to bring it into line with its stablemate, the Octavia wagon, the Scout continues to search for a foothold in the cut-throat compact SUV market.
- IN A WORD
- Make: Skoda
- Model: Scout
- Price: $39,990
- Road test: JOHN PARRY
It will take a dedicated car spotter to pick the revised grille and headlights and re-positioned badges.
Unchanged are its deceptive cross country credentials, which include a 180mm ground clearance, a lift of 40mm over the standard wagon, big wheels, a single range slip-sensing all-wheel drive system and a skid plate to protect vital mechanical components.
In features, equipment and ability, the Scout is great value for buyers looking for something different to the mainstream.
At $39,990, it is just $1000 more than the standard Octavia wagon yet comes with a bigger engine, all-wheel drive and more equipment.
There is no direct rival in the Volkswagen, even though like all Skodas, the Scout shares a lot of components with the VW models.
The closest is the slightly larger Passat wagon, which although considerably more expensive and not set up for off road forays, will also have a high re-sale value.
Powering the Scout is the staple two-litre turbo diesel from the Golf, producing 103kW and 320Nm of torque mated to a manual only six-speed transmission.
Performance is strong, fluid and elastic thanks to the wide torque band (1700-2500rpm) and well-spaced gear ratios.
This combination gets it off the line cleanly, delivers plenty of mid-range punch and produces a relaxed cruising gait.
Fuel use was a best of 6.7 litres/100km on a country run and 7.9 litres/100km overall.
The all-wheel-drive system is Skoda's version of VW's 4-Motion and it does its job largely unnoticed.
There is a touch more body-lean in corners than the standard wagon but once you learn to trust the AWD system, it is confident and rewarding to drive.
Grip levels are high, especially on damp surfaces and on gravel.
The ride is ruffled on minor irritations but firm and well controlled on bigger bumps, albeit with some tyre roar on coarse-chip surfaces.
The steering is accurate and well weighted.
Styling is inoffensive and practical and the interior is well laid out with clear controls and plenty of storage and luggage space.
The front seats are well shaped and supportive with plenty of adjustment. So too the rear seats, although leg room is tight for tall adults.
The load area is large, free on intrusions and comes with a sliding security blind, load nets, tie-down hooks and split-fold rear seats.
Standard equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows, cruise control, trip computer, multi-function steering wheel, roof rails, auto lights and wipers, heated front seats, six-disc CD audio, a full-sized spare, a three-year warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.
