My 17 plate 186ps diesel Octavia Scout has done everything I bought it for.

Drives across France, Spain etc at good speeds. Then goes up & down mountain tracks pretty well. Space for 2 with camping and mountaineering gear.

Its got only 55,000 miles on it but I am planning to change over later this year.

What do I buy, Skoda or anything?

The size of the Scout is just right, not as wide or as tall as most of these SUV look-a-likes which I feel will not get up some tracks as they are too bulky.

Petrol for preference as I can buy it almost anywhere I go, diesel will get in sort supply over next 5 years and charging doesn't exist in a 5 house village in the Pyrenees

Ideas?

If you like it, why not keep it? I wouldn't listen to anyone who tells you you aren't going to be able to buy diesel, it's what most commercial and large goods vehicles run on and there's no sign of that changing any time soon.

2 hours ago, StevesTruck said:

If you like it, why not keep it? I wouldn't listen to anyone who tells you you aren't going to be able to buy diesel, it's what most commercial and large goods vehicles run on and there's no sign of that changing any time soon.

Yes, that is the alternative, run it until I can't. The only replacement I can find is the Subaru Outback which has only modern infotainment & steeper descent & approach angles. The lack of a good approach angle has caught me out two times resulting a scrunched front lower lip.

Maybe the New Dacia petrol estate coming out later this year will be worth checking out.

On 22/01/2026 at 19:38, Evolution13 said:

Maybe the New Dacia petrol estate coming out later this year will be worth checking out.

Thanks. Its the Sandman and worth looking at. Depends on its size.

Similar to the Peugeot Rifter 4x4 which never made it into production

@DibDibScout I was not referring to a Dacia Sandman SUV, or a Bigster but an actual Dacia petrol estate due for launch in 2026. a C-Neo. I think this might be my next car if it feels comfortable and drives well.

Thanks. I wend back and found the C-Neo. It is very interesting with the info. so far.

The cursory reviews mention, as usual, hard plastics etc which I prefer rather than paying for fripperies such as 4 way memory seats and leather. The Octavia has Alcantara seats and they are excellent in 40 degree heat or -20 chill