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By
EWAN KENNEDY
22 September 2008
Skoda has sent a new model to Australia from the Czech Republic.
Designated the Octavia Scout 4X4, it’s based on the regular
Octavia station wagon, but has four-wheel drive and increased
ground clearance.
Ground clearance has been raised by 20 mm, to 180 mm,
over the standard wagon. Protective cladding around the wheel
arches allows the Scout to squeeze through narrow bush tracks. At
the front and rear there are under-bumper changes that also reduce
the chances of body damage. That combined with larger diameter
wheels and tyres improves its visual appearance and gives the
Scout a tough, no-nonsense air to its stance.
Initially, all Scouts in Australia are turbo-diesel
models with a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine is a
comparatively old unit that produces 103 kW and 320 Newton metres.
Skoda in Australia admits that the lack of an automatic
transmission may hamper sales and is looking forward to the time
when a DSG unit is developed for the car. That automatic may be
teamed with a new-generation turbo-diesel engine.
Interior
space is good, a feature of all the Skodas we have tested to date
as the Czechs like to have room to move in their cars. Likewise,
the luggage area is sizeable at 580 litres, and is easy to load.
Skoda
selected Mount Buller in the Snowy Mountains to launch the vehicle
to the Australian motoring press and was fortunate to coincide
with some snowy conditions and icy roads. These were ideal to test
the traction, and all who drove commented on the safe feeling of
the wagon. Similarly, some muddy dirt roads were traversed with
little effort.
Octavia Scout 4X4 rides well and is stable on bends and
in 110 to 120 km/h cruising. Noise, vibration and harshness are
well controlled and this is an excellent long-distance cruising
machine.
On-road
handling is better than average for a vehicle in this class but
this is partly achieved by having relatively low ground clearance.
The setting of 180 mm is a good compromise between the 150 or so
millimetres of a conventional wagon, and the typical 200 mm of a
dedicated 4WD.
Standard safety equipment includes ESP (Electronic
Stability Program) and six airbags. The ESP uses a similar system
to the one on some upmarket German cars to keep the brake discs
dry during wet weather. It does this by gently applying the brakes
from time to time, not to the extent that you feel them, just
enough to wipe off the water.
Selling
for $39,990, the Scout comes well equipped, with 17-inch alloy
wheels, power windows and door mirrors (with heating on the
latter), climate-controlled air conditioning, heated front seats,
a trip computer, automatic wipers, and an eight-speaker, six-CD
audio system that can handle MP3 inputs.
Skoda
Octavia Scout 4X4 isn’t being sold as an off-road 4WD but as a
vehicle that can provide extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Those exploring harsh forest trails, going to the ski fields, or
launching and retrieving a boat on slippery ramps will be prime
customers for this tough new Skoda.
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Marque Publishing Company
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