Been thinking about getting an Octavia, tonight I had the opportunity to sit in one and I was quite suprised by the seating position.  I am a long lanky legged tall bloke and I had to have the seat right back and down.  That was OK to drive but when I got out i was horrified to find out that the B pillar was just in front of my shoulder so I had to scoot forwards on the seat and then lever myself out.  That is OK for a one off but not for a daily drive when you have to squeeze out of a car in car parks etc.

 

Looks like an Octavia is a NO for me then.

 

Anyone else has this issue?

Blimey, how tall are you? 

 

Skodas have a positive reputation for internal room so, if you are that huge, you might need a Superb, or even an S-Class! 

 

 

Yes, you need Superb than

I have my seat right back and down, shoulder is beyond line of B-pillar and I am a fat b4st4rd to boot - can't say I have any real issue getting in and out!

 

I just use the wheel for leverage and flop right out.

Really want an SUV but cant seem to find what I need for the money I want to spend.  Have a Freelander 2 at present but want something of equal size but does 50mpg and has modern lights, infotainment etc

 

I do go in  fields and along rough farm tracks most weeks, hence ground clearance and 4x4/AWD is essential

Why were you looking at an Octavia then, even if a Scout?

I was hoping I would get easy access and the Scout has a good reputation and higher ground clearance.  Thought it was worth a try.

3 hours ago, R1100 said:

Really want an SUV but cant seem to find what I need for the money I want to spend.  Have a Freelander 2 at present but want something of equal size but does 50mpg and has modern lights, infotainment etc

 

I do go in  fields and along rough farm tracks most weeks, hence ground clearance and 4x4/AWD is essential

 

How about a Yeti?? Failing that, is there nothing from Kia or Hyundai that might fit the bill?

Skoda don't actually give much ground clearance on Scout or Yeti, only about 175/180 mm.

 

Subaru Outback or Forester has about 200/220 mm and is available in 2.5L petrol or 2.0L diesel options.

Boot is not that large on Forester but headroom will allow wearing of a top hat if necessary. They have a good reputation for reliability here in Aus.

Edited 1 September, 20178 yr by Gerrycan

What are modern lights?

I had an Octavia until earlier this year, thought it had pretty good head room and I'm over 6 ft tall, saying that loads more head room in the Yeti, that might be the better option for you.

 

Just been reviewing some Jap SUV's and they really do nothing for me, theRav4 is probably the only one I would consider.

 

I do prefer German engineering, might consider the Yeti but as my wife has one I was thinking about a different SUV and not 2 the same in the family 

The new Honda CRV is more efficiently packaged than many others.

1.5turbo petrol but CVT auto.

Worth looking at if only to knock off the potentials list.

The Subaru drivetrain should be driven before knocking off any list, because just thinking CVT is actually a mistake, the lineartronic box is rather good on and offroad, and i have driven them offroad courtesy of Subaru launch days and being lent a Forester for a weekend to tow my offroad toy on a transporter.

It was as good as using an Izuzu Double cab auto. 

 

JEEP (Fiat - Chrysler) do 'Trail Ready vehicles that work pretty good in the UK and good to go Softroading as Volvo do useable cars with a bot of ground clearance and interior space.

Edited 2 September, 20178 yr by Awayoffski

12 hours ago, Whenwillilearn said:

What are modern lights?

 

More than 6v and don't run on oil or candle wax 

 

Heaven knows how tall the OP is.  At 6'4" and with the seat right back, I've encountered no problems getting in or out.

 

Gaz

Edited 2 September, 20178 yr by V6TDI

1 hour ago, V6TDI said:

 

More than 6v and don't run on oil or candle wax 

 

Heaven knows how tall the OP is.  At 6'4" and with the seat right back, I've encountered no problems getting in or out.

 

Gaz

Acetaline lamps were quite good if fiddly, better than 6v anyway.

A friend is always complaining of lack of legroom, he is over 6 foot but slouches in his seat taking up several extra unnecessary inches.

 

I am very long legged but that is not the real issue.  When sitting in the Octavia I could not swing my legs out and then stand up as my shoulder was behing the B post. I had to scoot forwards and lever myself out,  No something i want for a daily drive.   Our current cars, Yeti and Freelander 2, you can just step out of. That's why I think I probably need an SUV.  The Yeti is a long term keeper but the FL is older and needs changing.  Don't want the running costs of a Land Rover any more [32mpg and £500+ per service] so my search continues.

 

Thanks for all the comments

Sgt hightower comes to mind. Rip out the front seat and sit in the back lol.

 

Seriously maybe a skoda roomster for you? The name suggests space which it has and will be cheaper to run than one of solihulls worst creations but the car looks truly awful.

LOL. need 4x4 though