Skoda Octavia Scout (07-12) - Review

The front passenger has plenty of head and legroom and benefits from a supportive and adjustable seat. It's good news for rear passengers, too. Three can sit in the back in some comfort - although it's better with two, as the transmission tunnel restricts leg and footroom - and there's a decent amount of legroom. Thanks to the forgiving ride and raised suspension, the Skoda makes a great long distance cruiser. Wind and road noise are low, but the TDI engine can create quite a din at higher revs.

Little has changed in this area over the standard estate - the boot is still huge and easy to load. Plus there are lashing points to strap down luggage. The rear seats split and fold and mean that the back can cope with flat pack furniture, bikes and pretty much anything else you can throw at it. If the load is too big for the boot, then it's possible for it to go on the roof - every car has roof rails. Inside there are plenty of storage areas (including a large oddment box for the driver and a dash-top compartment for sunglasses), cup holders and a large glovebox.

There are a few touches inside to remind you you’re in a Scout – such as the branded grab handle on the passenger’s side – but apart from that, it’s Octavia business as usual. The driving position benefits from supportive and multi-adjustable seats. There’s also good visibility and a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and height. But while the layout of the dash is functional it's also pretty drab and utilitarian. On the plus side, steering wheel-mounted buttons for the stereo mean that the volume can be adjusted and radio station changed without taking your hands off the steering wheel. In early 2009 the Octavia Scout was facelifted (strangely the interior was revised first and the exterior later) with a new steering wheel, instrument dials and a fresh centre console. As a result it feels more modern and upmarket.