Seeing that Drive the Deal has Kuga Tdi Zetecs at £15.5k bringing it in line with Octavia 4x4 prices, how do the two compare?

Depends what you want - the 4x4 and Octavia Scout are both estate cars with slightly higher ride height. The Kuga and Tiguan etc etc are small-medium SUVs based on car platforms which are sportier looking and handle very well with the raised & higher construction bodies.

I don't mind driving SUVs but think that the Scout / 4x4 are a really good compromise if looks don't matter and practicality does. The real-world fuel consumption of th Octavia estates is extremely good and boot with the seats up is better than any of the small SUVs in my experience as well.

In a nutshell - the 4x4 and Scout are what I would call really 'honest' work-horses. My last car was an Audi S3 and despite 125bhp less, I still enjoy driving the Scout which just gets on with life !