We really wouldn't buy a compact SUV any more, not when the latest generations of crossover estates are so much more dynamic and better to look at. Volkswagen Group has three of them built on the same MQB platform and sharing most of their engines and gearboxes. Today, we're going to focus on the Skoda Octavia Scout, which is the most spacious and also the only one that existed before 2014.
This particular model is the 2015 Octavia Scout 1.8 TSI DSG. It starts at €31,250 in Germany and was recently put to the test by Czech auto magazine Autoforum. They put the gearbox in Sport mode, built up the revs and planted their right foot in the carpet until the speedometer showed over 200 km/h (124 mph).
Yes, it's fast, and also very family-friendly. The suspension has been increased to include 171 mm of ground clearance, 31 mm more than the standard Octavia. The trunk is positively cavernous at 609 liters with the rear seats in their upright position and more than double than when they're folded down.
But the main reason we like these crossovers estates is the advanced turbo engines they come with. You can get the Octavia with a 1.6 TDI that's very frugal or two versions of the 2.0 TDI. SUVs have turbodiesels as well, but none of them come with an efficient turbo petrol like the 1.8 TSI.
This engine produces 180 HP and is only available with a six-speed DSG automatic that can take a beating. As expected from a petrol-powered car, it's fast, taking 7.8 seconds to reach the 100 km/h mark. However, you do pay a price at the pump, where the fuel tank demands 6.9 liters for every 100 kilometers you've spent driving in the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are also higher at 158 g/km, meaning it could be more expensive to tax.
Yes, it's fast, and also very family-friendly. The suspension has been increased to include 171 mm of ground clearance, 31 mm more than the standard Octavia. The trunk is positively cavernous at 609 liters with the rear seats in their upright position and more than double than when they're folded down.
What do you mean "wouldn't buy a compact SUV?"
Well, the performance of these wagons is so much better. They're lighter, more planeted and efficient. The all-wheel drive system in the Skoda Octavia Scout is not permanent. Most of the time, the power stays at the front and it travels to the back wheels only if slip is detected. Fake AWD? Yes, but it saves fuel and most small SUVs like the Mitsubishi ASX or Honda CR-V work in the same way.But the main reason we like these crossovers estates is the advanced turbo engines they come with. You can get the Octavia with a 1.6 TDI that's very frugal or two versions of the 2.0 TDI. SUVs have turbodiesels as well, but none of them come with an efficient turbo petrol like the 1.8 TSI.
This engine produces 180 HP and is only available with a six-speed DSG automatic that can take a beating. As expected from a petrol-powered car, it's fast, taking 7.8 seconds to reach the 100 km/h mark. However, you do pay a price at the pump, where the fuel tank demands 6.9 liters for every 100 kilometers you've spent driving in the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are also higher at 158 g/km, meaning it could be more expensive to tax.