Cant believe its been over 10 years since I was on here with my last Octavia. 

 

Had a few cars since, but mainly 4x4s or 2 seaters. 

 

Now I need to have a family car, commuting car, but would also like a bit of power! 

 

Would like 4x4 as live in semi rural location and winters get bad (saying that I bet it wont be bad!)

 

So looking at either the Scout or the vRS 4x4 both with the 184 TDiengine. 

 

Does anyone know the spec difference between then? Other than the obvious suspension height! 

 

My other option would be a Seat Ateca 190TDi - anyone on here tried that engine, and is it any different to the Skoda 184? 

 

Also my budget is looking at 2016 / 2017 models and I've noticed it was facelifted about then - is it worth holding out for the facelift, what new things are on that?? Is Android Auto on older models or just new ones? Like the idea of using Google maps on the dash rather than using my phone!

 

Sorry for all the questions! 😞

 

Scout's are more expensive than the vRS, they've also discontinued them in the UK, shortly after they launched the facelift, so there aren't many facelift Scout's out there.

 

The pre-FL Scout's are enabled for SmartLink (Apple Carplay & Android Auto), but require a trip to the dealer to be activated, plus a fee of around £200 I believe. All FL's already have it.

 

All vRS's get xenon headlights (pre-FL), or LED (facelift), whereas on the Scout the pre-FL xenon's were an option. The FL get's the LED headlights as standard (both vRS and Scout).

 

Aside from that you'll need to look around for ones with heated seats, the heated windscreen, panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) etc.

 

I'd go for the Scout. It has the performance of the vRS but with the ability to go offroad and with softer, comfier suspension too. They're also a rarer sight on the roads.

Thanks for that @silver1011 much appreciated.

 

You've confirmed what I thought! I hadn't realised that the Scouts were top spec, wrongly presumed vRS were top of the range.

 

I was inkling for a Scout anyway - exactly as you say, performance of the vRS but with comfier suspension.

 

I'd actually thought heated seats were standard as i haven't seen any without them, but think I will hold out for a FL (as I like the LED Lights) with heated windscreen and ACC.

 

How do I know it has ACC? Is the stalk different? 

 

Also I've heard about heated steering wheel - is this standard? 

 

Not that I'm bothered but was front parking sensors and /or reverse camera ever an option?

Funnily enough I was on Autotrader a few weeks ago looking at Scouts. There are very few pre-FL Scout's with the xenon headlights and LED DRL's (a must for me). There is more choice if you're looking for the heated seats, but if you want heated seats and the heated windscreen (like I would), then this thins down the results quite significantly, to literally one or two cars.

 

The heated steering wheel was an option on the facelift, but it is impossible to tell if it is fitted from the photo's alone as it is turned on using the heated seats buttons. Once you hit the heated seat button the option to adjust the heated steering wheel temperature comes up on the touch-screen display.

 

The ACC stalk will have "DISTANCE" written on it, and depending on if it's pre or post FL will determine if it has its own dedicated stalk or is integrated onto the indicator stalk...

 

 

Front parking sensors and the reverse camera were both factory fitted options on the Scout.

Once again many thanks.

 

Will certainly look for the "Distance" wording on the stalk as that would be a nice have.

 

I'll keep looking, although I have seen a nice pre-FL vRS advertised today! 

On 11/10/2019 at 13:06, tricky1138 said:

Like the idea of using Google maps on the dash rather than using my phone!

Scout and VRS both have Amundsen Satnav as standard, so no need for Google maps unless you really really like it. Some people criticise the Amundsen Satnav, but I find it reasonably usable. You can add safety camera locations as points of interest from a database which I found on here, and get audible warnings. I have also been able to get free updates for the maps once or twice per year.

 

On 11/10/2019 at 13:06, tricky1138 said:

Does anyone know the spec difference between then? Other than the obvious suspension height! 

 

It's not just the height. The Scout also has underbody protection and an offroad driving mode in addition to normal, eco and sport.

 

I have a reversing camera (not standard) on my Scout, and find it really useful.

 

Heated steering wheel is listed as standard for the Scout in the July 2019 brochure, but I don't have it on my 2015 car, and don't know when it came in.

 

 

If you want Android Auto you need a 2016 onward car. The older cars don’t have it and upgrading the radio can be a costly and bewildering minefield if you aren’t confident with VAG electronics. You will need support to retrofit a radio, it can’t be done at home. There are more Scout’s than vRS 4x4’s to pick from and the Scout is available with the 150 TDI with the manual box if you don’t want a DSG. Heated steering wheels are a rare FL only option and hard to retrofit but I’m on the mission now. I’m budgeting about £600 to do it but it’s easier if you have a round steering wheel as there are more of them to pick from.

1 hour ago, OldBoyScout said:

Scout and VRS both have Amundsen Satnav as standard, so no need for Google maps unless you really really like it. Some people criticise the Amundsen Satnav, but I find it reasonably usable. You can add safety camera locations as points of interest from a database which I found on here, and get audible warnings. I have also been able to get free updates for the maps once or twice per year.

...provided it's a MIB2 Amundsen from mid-2015 onwards.

No sure about this scout has the same performance as a vrs claim. Sure if by performance you mean engine but for vrs owners performance is more all round than engine. Big brakes and sportier suspension make vrs a more compelling drive overall.  That said ... you're comparing a 184bhp diesel with a 184bhp diesel so no amount of sporty brakes or suspension is going to get around the fact that it doesn't have much power and it has a heavy lump of an engine that's powered by the devil's fuel. If you're set on a diesel, I'm not sure there's much point bothering with a vrs. Petrol vrs for the win though. 

Hi all, 

Many thanks for all the useful info. I think I'm pretty set on my needs now but really not bothered by it been either a vRS or a Scout. Will just see which one has the spec I want. 

 

As its the 184 engine I'm after it will have to be DSG, would actually prefer a manual but but happy with an auto.

 

Looking for an Android Auto capable 2016 or newer with heated seats and heated windscreen. ACC, camera and pano-roof would just be on the nice list.

 

11 hours ago, Octaviarse said:

No sure about this scout has the same performance as a vrs claim. Sure if by performance you mean engine but for vrs owners performance is more all round than engine. Big brakes and sportier suspension make vrs a more compelling drive overall.  That said ... you're comparing a 184bhp diesel with a 184bhp diesel so no amount of sporty brakes or suspension is going to get around the fact that it doesn't have much power and it has a heavy lump of an engine that's powered by the devil's fuel. If you're set on a diesel, I'm not sure there's much point bothering with a vrs. Petrol vrs for the win though. 

 

Totally get what you are getting at, I know the vRS will be the better drive should I want a blast out, but I have a MR2 for the weekend B-road blast, so no heavy car, devil fuel for my performance fix. I just want a more fun car for commuting, and due to my 50 mile+ round trip it will have to be the TDi! 

I once test drove a fully optioned out Ateca with the 190 tdi. It was very torquey and pulled like a train (coming from a swift sport), and notably will not forget my other half’s manic evil laugh as she stepped on and off the gas with the power at her disposal 😆.

Solid car if well optioned out with a nice interior and pano roof. Suspension is a little sportier (stiffer) too than a Skoda which adds to the fun factor. Still sounded like a tractor though 😛

And given today’s trends SUVs command a higher price spec for spec.

Maybe as an option B if your choice of used scouts is lacking?

11 hours ago, superchiwawa said:

I once test drove a fully optioned out Ateca with the 190 tdi. It was very torquey and pulled like a train (coming from a swift sport), and notably will not forget my other half’s manic evil laugh as she stepped on and off the gas with the power at her disposal 😆.

Solid car if well optioned out with a nice interior and pano roof. Suspension is a little sportier (stiffer) too than a Skoda which adds to the fun factor. Still sounded like a tractor though 😛

And given today’s trends SUVs command a higher price spec for spec.

Maybe as an option B if your choice of used scouts is lacking?

 

Many thanks for that too. The Ateca was also on the radar anyway, and this has renewed interest. The spec of them does also seam better than the Octavia, although as you say for a similar age / mileage car, the SUV is more expensive. 

 

Will keep looking, guess I need to find some local ones of each and arrange test drives! 

Your welcome

Excluding form factor and suspension tuning, I found Ateca specs very similar to the Octavia except maybe a little less refinement or useful features (the practical stuff like hooks and whatnot) vs a Skoda. Rest to me is the same equipment but with different names and/or look (VAG parts bin)

Also consider that’s due to their brick shape SUVs will inherently be thirstier.

 

A test drive definitely helps! Even better rent one for the day if possible you’ll have more time to get a feel for it. The cost would be a worthwhile small investment vs how much cash would go into your next car in my book

Now that's a good idea. I always find test drives really short and never on the roads you want to go on, or where you drive often to give a good idea of what it would be like day to day. A 24 hour rent (although I have seen some manufacturers doing 24 hour test drives) would be a great option. 

 

I agree that the Ateca would be thirstier too, which is a major consideration. As said, need a good look round both of them and see if one or the other just fits me better. 

 

Thanks again. 

This one has the heated seats and screen. No ACC or panoramic sunroof though...

 

Think I'd seen that one in the list when scrolling though autotrader. 

 

Looks good but mileage puts me off a bit, oh and the fact its miles away from me! 😞

 

Quick question - do all Scouts have folding mirrors, and vRS it was optional or is it a PFL/FL spec?

 

Going to look at this tomorrow:

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201910012832988?advertising-location=at_cars&sort=distance&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&price-to=17000&model=OCTAVIA&drivetrain=Four Wheel Drive&postcode=ne129da&price-from=13000&make=SKODA&fuel-type=Diesel&year-from=2016&page=1

 

And hopefully this at the weekend:

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201910093130313?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&price-to=17000&drivetrain=Four Wheel Drive&model=OCTAVIA&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=ne129da&fuel-type=Diesel&sort=distance&year-from=2016&price-from=13000&make=SKODA&page=1

 

Awaiting photos for the second one to confirm spec. Annoyingly both PFL but at least it gives me an idea of what to look for.

15 minutes ago, tricky1138 said:

do all Scouts have folding mirrors,

On my 2015 Scout they fold manually.

 

8 minutes ago, OldBoyScout said:

On my 2015 Scout they fold manually.

 

 

Thanks, must be all the ones I've looked at have electric ones! 

 

I've been also having a re-think - how does the 150ps manual Scout compare to the 181DSG?  

 

Is it that much slower in real life? And is the DSG a much better box?

According to my 2014 brochure the 0-62 times are 9.1 secs for the 150 manual and 7.8 secs for the 184 DSG, top speeds 129 vs 136 mph.

I have not driven the 150ps manual Scout, the nearest thing I have driven is my MK2 Octavia Elegance 140 TDI manual estate with an official 0-62 time of 9.7 secs.  The difference between driving the 140 and the 184 is very noticeable, and I enjoy having the extra power in the 184. Obviously the difference between the 150 and the 184 will be a bit less, but still noticeable, I expect. Economy wise there is nothing in it, at least on paper, official (2014) figures for combined mpg are 55.4 mpg for both cars. 

 

There has been a change in the gearbox options since I bought my Scout. The original choice was 150ps manual Scout or 184ps 6-speed DSG.  Later Scouts are all 7-speed DSG whether 150ps or 184ps, so a manual Scout of the age you are looking for may not be available. Unfortunately I don't know when this change occurred.

 

I like the 6-speed DSG box, but have no experience of the later 7-speed. However I understand that it is not the same 7-speed box that is fitted to the less powerful cars, which some people have had issues with.

 

 

17 hours ago, OldBoyScout said:

According to my 2014 brochure the 0-62 times are 9.1 secs for the 150 manual and 7.8 secs for the 184 DSG, top speeds 129 vs 136 mph.

I have not driven the 150ps manual Scout, the nearest thing I have driven is my MK2 Octavia Elegance 140 TDI manual estate with an official 0-62 time of 9.7 secs.  The difference between driving the 140 and the 184 is very noticeable, and I enjoy having the extra power in the 184. Obviously the difference between the 150 and the 184 will be a bit less, but still noticeable, I expect. Economy wise there is nothing in it, at least on paper, official (2014) figures for combined mpg are 55.4 mpg for both cars. 

 

There has been a change in the gearbox options since I bought my Scout. The original choice was 150ps manual Scout or 184ps 6-speed DSG.  Later Scouts are all 7-speed DSG whether 150ps or 184ps, so a manual Scout of the age you are looking for may not be available. Unfortunately I don't know when this change occurred.

 

I like the 6-speed DSG box, but have no experience of the later 7-speed. However I understand that it is not the same 7-speed box that is fitted to the less powerful cars, which some people have had issues with.

 

 

 

Thats confirmed it for me - that the 184 is the engine to go for. Unless I go and test drive them, bus as said before, 10 mins round the block doesnt really confirm how you drive in real life! 

 

Glad to know the later 7-speed is not the older one with problems. Not sure when the change was from 6 to 7 either. I have seen plenty of manual 150ps Scouts so there is choice! 

My Scout was the 150PS (manual), felt slower than my 140PS Superb!

 

Go for the 184PS, and go for DSG too.

 

 

In fact it also felt slower than my older PD140 Scout too...

 

 

Edited 17 October, 20196 yr by silver1011