So is the 184 DSG Scout ‘the’ Octavia to have?

 

I’ve been driving my Scout for just over a week (MY16) and in general very impressed with the car.

 

When I visited the show room earlier in the year was convinced that the VRS would be the next car.

 

The sales guy offered me an extended test drive in both cars back to back, took them both over the same route, motorway, A roads and some local roads that I know really well.

 

Conclusions were really interesting;

 

The VRS offered (not surprisingly) the best steer, however, the Scout not that far behind, the VRS was quieter on the motorway and quite some noise off the back differential on the Scout (nsl).

 

Cross country (again not surprisingly) the VRS handled very nicely, the surprise was how well the Scout got round corners given the raised ride height.  Not to get carried away the VRS would destroy the Scout over any great distance (mabe by not that much?)

 

Performance on the VRS was (IMO) a little disappointed, not much faster over the 150 and each car was similar to each other (same engine).

 

The traction from a wet roundabout in the Scout was stunning, no axle tramp like I get with both the 150 and VRS just get up and go – fantastic!

 

Finally looks and again (IMO) the VRS wins. The Scout is ok however, not convinced about the silver front and back inserts.

 

So why did I enter the showroom convinced that I would take the VRS and leave with the Scout?

 

Well the VRS is a very nice car, what persuaded me to order the Scout was the 4x4, for me it makes it into ‘the best car for real life’ (and it was £20 a month cheaper!)

 

So far loving the car

I was this close *holds thumb and finger up to screen* to considering the Scout, I think possibly as an all-rounder it's better than the vRS. But the vRS does look slightly better and it's only available in diesel which swung it to the vRS.

Interesting comparison, residuals on the Scout may be better as well

 

Ive got an "old Scout" ( 10 plate ) & it handled a lot better with a set of Toyos on it so might be worth thinking about some more road " fun"  biased rubber when yours need replacing

 

Once I got used  to the lean angle its pretty quick & very predictable

 

Did anyone mention a remap  

Great mini-report on the differences. I had a '60' registered MkII facelift Scout and I have a petrol VRS now. Recognise a lot of your points - another point is about high speed stability. I find the comfortable cruising speed in the VRS quite a lot higher than the Scout 'on an Autobahn'. My Scout felt just a bit wander-y anything over about 75mph especially if windy out - so much so that I had the tracking looked at. The VRS feels very planted and I haven't hit the 'uncomfortably fast' speed yet. I think the combination of the lane assist and better aerodynamics with a lower ride height, really help the stable feeling you get in the VRS. That said I miss hunting down improbable fords and the sense of confidence you get in the Scout in snow with winter tyres - really good fun - except it was hard to get it out of shape at all.

No, because of the DSG.

If available with a manual gearbox however......

No, because of the TDI.

If available with the 1.8 TSI however......

No, because of the TDI.

If available with the 1.8 TSI however......

That is what I went for (not the scout though) 1.8 TSI 4x4 seemed the best all round for me shame it is not sold everywhere. Normal 4x4s have the compromise ride height between the vRS and the scout. Would have bought a vRS 4x4 but those unicorns don't exist.

I would have spare the Scout stuff as well and only kept the 4x4 on an elegance. I know it exist, but not here. I enjoy the one I have, anyway.

Elegance 4x4, really satisfied with the 4x4 (not a true one, ok, but you can "feel" it as soon as you realise that you don't suffer traction issues anymore).

 

But I miss a sportier and lower suspension, a sportier look and - above all - some more ponies under my bonnet...

 

I think I would be happy with a nice 240cv bi-turbo 4WD Octy, just like the latest Passat...

There will always be the old Audi quattro "Torsen" die-hards but especially from the IV generation onwards the Haldex system is incredibly capable at what it does. This is the fifth Haldex machine I have owned and for me what compromise it does have works for me. 2wd most of the time 4wd when you need it.

How is the Haldex 5 on the Octy set up?

Ive read somewhere (cant remember where) that it is fixed with 95%power up front and 5 back under normal driving and can shift almost all power backwards if need be.

Is this even remotely correct?

Edited 11 September, 201510 yr by Gromle

How is the Haldex 5 on the Octy set up?

Ive read somewhere (cant remember where) that it is fixed with 95%power up front and 5 back under normal driving and can shift almost all power backwards if need be.

Is this even remotely correct?

 

Haven't had it long enough really to know, from your sig you should know it is what you have on the MY15 isnt it?. From what I read (and what I felt) there was a marked improvement between 3 and 4 but 4 to 5 is more of making it lighter and fit in with the newer platforms and systems(MQB etc). I just like the way you put your foot down and it feels planted, no scrabbling at the front. On more off-roader machines, weight on the rear wheels up a hill with a trailer a FWD machine would not look at it Haldex 4 does not bat an eyelid

Haven't had it long enough really to know, from your sig you should know it is what you have on the MY15 isnt it?. From what I read (and what I felt) there was a marked improvement between 3 and 4 but 4 to 5 is more of making it lighter and fit in with the newer platforms and systems(MQB etc). I just like the way you put your foot down and it feels planted, no scrabbling at the front. On more off-roader machines, weight on the rear wheels up a hill with a trailer a FWD machine would not look at it Haldex 4 does not bat an eyelid

I have it, but not had it in winter conditions yet. Got it this april.

Give me a couple of months to get some snow and ice under the wheels so I can really test it.

I have it, but not had it in winter conditions yet. Got it this april.

Give me a couple of months to get some snow and ice under the wheels so I can really test it.

Only had mine a couple of weeks, felt good on a few wet roads, probably never get to test it like you do up there but would be interested to know when you do!

Only had mine a couple of weeks, felt good on a few wet roads, probably never get to test it like you do up there but would be interested to know when you do!

I did test the democar a bit back in January. It took turns in speeds I could only dream about in my old Mondeo.

But it was very good winterconditions at the time, so didnt get to test under bad conditions.

That is what I went for (not the scout though) 1.8 TSI 4x4 seemed the best all round for me shame it is not sold everywhere. Normal 4x4s have the compromise ride height between the vRS and the scout. Would have bought a vRS 4x4 but those unicorns don't exist.

It can be ordered in Poland, mine 1.8 TSI 4x4 DSG6 Liftback version is about to be manufactured this week and I shall get it in another two weeks.

If you only are going to go for these two then, VRS in my opinion. I have never been a fan of the scouts, in all models. Even the Audi Allroads look stupid in my thoughts.

 

If you want an off road car get a SUV. As others have said, I would go for the 1.8 TSI 4x4. Also fit the off road pack if you really are going to go off road and its the same as the scout and does not look like a plastic face lifted junkie! 

 

Not sure on the UK specs but in Czech what I suggested is not a problem. Sadly I expect Skoda UK is restricted like Skoda CZ and all the rest, where they can not have better equipment then Audi's and VW's, even though Skoda sales saved VW. Thankfully Skoda's have LED lights now 12 years behind

Edited 14 September, 201510 yr by Delboy001

If you only are going to go for these two then, VRS in my opinion. I have never been a fan of the scouts, in all models. Even the Audi Allroads look stupid in my thoughts.

 

If you want an off road car get a SUV. As others have said, I would go for the 1.8 TSI 4x4. Also fit the off road pack if you really are going to go off road and its the same as the scout and does not look like a plastic face lifted junkie! 

 

Not sure on the UK specs but in Czech what I suggested is not a problem. Sadly I expect Skoda UK is restricted like Skoda CZ and all the rest, where they can not have better equipment then Audi's and VW's, even though Skoda sales saved VW. Thankfully Skoda's have LED lights now 12 years behind

 

VRS to me is a great road car but no more, The Scout is a great car & workhorse, The 4x4 ability has been a godsend on quite a few occasions & the greater ride height means it can go places a road car cant. & as Ive said before residuals are better. IMHO it makes for a better family car & when you are going where others cant its a good feeling

 

A sporty 4WD car is the answer but Skoda still don't build one but theres always a hope one day they will.  I converted a Mk1 4x4 many years ago, Kw Suspension, Huge Brakes, 6 Speed TT box etc etc and tweaked to 356 bhp, now that's the car Skoda should have built 

 

As with most things its personal opinion & lifestyle dependant

VRS to me is a great road car but no more, The Scout is a great car & workhorse, The 4x4 ability has been a godsend on quite a few occasions & the greater ride height means it can go places a road car cant. & as Ive said before residuals are better. IMHO it makes for a better family car & when you are going where others cant its a good feeling

 

A sporty 4WD car is the answer but Skoda still don't build one but theres always a hope one day they will.  I converted a Mk1 4x4 many years ago, Kw Suspension, Huge Brakes, 6 Speed TT box etc etc and tweaked to 356 bhp, now that's the car Skoda should have built 

 

As with most things its personal opinion & lifestyle dependant

 

Agree its down to everyone's own opinion and there own needs. Good job were not Communist anymore

 

Here in Czech you can get the 4x4 version in various Engines. Petrol and diesel. Also the off road (needed as the Czech roads are crap) pack lifts your car by 15mm and covers and extras for off roading. 

 

I just had a quick look at the Skoda UK Octavia versions and your not given much choice, sorry for my language but Skoda UK is really **** compared to here. Your Octavia S and then SE, SE Business what a load of *******s. Not even on the business can you have a 1.8TSI or the 182 Bhp diesel. Saying that you can't have the higher diesel on the L&K model. Looking at the SE L model, one under the L&K and the engine choice is very poor. In Czech and many other European countries from the middle model (Ambition used to be Ambient, same as UK I think) you can have every single engine option available. From 1.2 TSI to 1.8 TSI from 1.6 TDI 66KW all the way up to 2.0 TDI 135 KW 182 Bhp. Then choose which engine in DSG or manual and also the 4x4 option. Then you can move on to the fun extras.

 

To close, the English Skoda website is not even as good as the Czech, which I am surprised. Looks like Audi and VW are really holding Skoda back in the UK.

If you want an off road car get a SUV. As others have said, I would go for the 1.8 TSI 4x4. Also fit the off road pack if you really are going to go off road and its the same as the scout and does not look like a plastic face lifted junkie!

 

In the UK pretty much no-one needs an off-road vehicle. Most people buy SUVs because of their image, at least IMHV.

 

The 4x4 aspect on the other hand is really valuable whenever the road conditions are poor. In my personal case we do actually need to take our Scout off road, as farmers, on farm tracks and across fields. Some people would think this justifies having a SUV but I hate the things myself and would much rather have an economical "normal" car which is properly good to drive on the roads and has the capability to go where it is needed. The Scout has enough raised ground clearance along with the 4x4 that it can go everywhere we ever need to take it, and it has never even been close to getting stuck.

 

Personally I find the 150bhp engine to be a really engaging engine to drive, and it feels much faster than its output would suggest, along with the capability to get extremely good fuel consumption. I am sure the 184bhp engine would be great but I don't feel any real need for it. The thing that would put me off is the DSG, so I would always go for the 150bhp engine with the 6 speed over the 184bhp with DSG. Four wheel drive on the other hand is a really great benefit so my ideal combination is a 150bhp 6 speed 4x4, and there are three different ways you can get this - the 4x4 with standard height suspension, slightly raised with the ORP, or the Scout. Take your pick on the basis of what you need.

Edited 14 September, 201510 yr by nickcoll

It's diesel... Nope, its DSG... Nope, its not a VRS... Nope.

Only kidding whatever suits you. That's why we all have different cars and different specs.

My tsi VRS estate has been a great workhorse though and I regularly fill it with my chainsaw and as much tree as will possibly fit in the back of it (quite a lot!) Or with copious amounts of timber on the roof rack. Yet when it's empty its pretty nippy and about as chuckable as I'm going to get an estate for the money. That said If they did a 4x4 VRS I wouldn't hesitate to get one though.

It's diesel... Nope, its DSG... Nope, its not a VRS... Nope.

Only kidding whatever suits you. That's why we all have different cars and different specs.

My tsi VRS estate has been a great workhorse though and I regularly fill it with my chainsaw and as much tree as will possibly fit in the back of it (quite a lot!) Or with copious amounts of timber on the roof rack. Yet when it's empty its pretty nippy and about as chuckable as I'm going to get an estate for the money. That said If they did a 4x4 VRS I wouldn't hesitate to get one though.

 

Love to see a picture of your VRS loaded with timber

 

In the UK pretty much no-one needs an off-road vehicle. Most people buy SUVs because of their image, at least IMHV.

 

The 4x4 aspect on the other hand is really valuable whenever the road conditions are poor. In my personal case we do actually need to take our Scout off road, as farmers, on farm tracks and across fields. Some people would think this justifies having a SUV but I hate the things myself and would much rather have an economical "normal" car which is properly good to drive on the roads and has the capability to go where it is needed. The Scout has enough raised ground clearance along with the 4x4 that it can go everywhere we ever need to take it, and it has never even been close to getting stuck.

 

Personally I find the 150bhp engine to be a really engaging engine to drive, and it feels much faster than its output would suggest, along with the capability to get extremely good fuel consumption. I am sure the 184bhp engine would be great but I don't feel any real need for it. The thing that would put me off is the DSG, so I would always go for the 150bhp engine with the 6 speed over the 184bhp with DSG. Four wheel drive on the other hand is a really great benefit so my ideal combination is a 150bhp 6 speed 4x4, and there are three different ways you can get this - the 4x4 with standard height suspension, slightly raised with the ORP, or the Scout. Take your pick on the basis of what you need.

 

That again is because you don't have the options as in Czech. You can have petrol versions in the scout and Diesel's without the DSG. 150 is more then enough agreed. I used to have the 2.0 TDI in my Octavia II and the 140 bhp it gave was adequate. I drive in a city 95% of the time, thus I welcome the DSG. Even when putting it into tip tronic and down shifting, not the same control as with a manual. My main point was that sadly Skoda England are not offering a good range compared to other countries.

 

They are forcing people into a L&K car to get the larger engine. Here you can have a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

Look at it this way, if you want 4wd & estate it's Scout in Octavia, or in MK7 Golf it's Alltrack or "R".

 

Alltrack & Scout are in the same 184PS diesel engine that the Golf GTD has. So loads of torque & 4wd!

Look at it this way, if you want 4wd & estate it's Scout in Octavia, or in MK7 Golf it's Alltrack or "R".

 

Alltrack & Scout are in the same 184PS diesel engine that the Golf GTD has. So loads of torque & 4wd!

 

Topic on which, as you can see in previous comments, many people disagree.

The best for me is the 4wd estate in petrol, and elegance...

Topic on which, as you can see in previous comments, many people disagree.

The best for me is the 4wd estate in petrol, and elegance...

 

That depends on what your VAG importer allows into your country..........

 

Skoda UK do not allow a 4wd option with petrol................