I've currently got a Mk1 '99 Octy 1.9Tdi (90bhp) Estate, which has 163k on the clock and thinking that it's soon time for a change.

I'm interested in the MK2 Octy 4x4 for..

a) the extra ground clearance (I've already had a cracked sump - roads round here are that bad)

I do alot of camping/outdoor activites and have had a couple of time where power to the rear wheels would have been quite useful

c) the mrs has said that we are going from tents to caravans when the sprogs turn up..

From the skoda website all it tells me is that the 4x4 has increased ground clearance - but not how much - anyone know? With the Scout another 17mm over the 4x4.

As I understand it the standard 4x4 has both the 1.9 and 2.0 TDI (the Scout only 2.0TDi).

So if I stick with the 4x4 - is the 2.0 really worth the extra over the 1.9?

And is the Scout really that good - all the road test seem to think so - but what do people who own them say.

I know nothing about caravan - so would the extra 200kgs in max towing weight that the 2.0TDi gives really make any difference?

What should I be aware of - what problems do they have?

Any other comments welcome

Thanks All

A few comments:

The Scout is 40mm over standard - which doesn't sound much but looks more in the flesh.

I was generally anti all the plastic bits and alloy sump guards on the Scout on the basis that they all add weight to the car and aren't used very often. However, having had one as a courtesy car - it really looked the part and some posters here reckon the mouldings are good for stone chips etc.

I think the 2.0 TDI is much newer technology than the 1.9 that's been around from ages, but its a question whether its worth the money. Some posters like the flatter power band of the 1.9. A mate has a 1.9 audi A4, and tows a caravan with it, and is totally happy with the power. There is also a common rail 2.0 diesel around the corner according to some.

The Scout does get a lot of toys as standard - e.g. sunset glass, etc and feels quite plush inside. To my mind its competing with the luxery soft roaders, whereas the 4x4 is a far more practical proposition with no pretence.

But I would still go for the Scout!

When I purchased my 4x4 there was no option other than the 1.9.

For me it ticks all the boxes (I wish I'd had MaxiDot - but that's another story), tows the caravan really well, looks "ordinary" and doesn't attract attention, I'm happy with the performance and MPG.

The increased height (compared to my Octy1 Estate) means I'm no longer grounding it!

Whatever opt for, cruse control is a must (if not standard equipment)

Hope this helps....

In my view the standard 4x4 is a workhouse estate with no frills, wheras the Scout is the trendy life-styler. Its a niche of a niche !

Try themn both ?

If you may possibly tow a caravan, I would advise the 2.0 litre engine which has much more torque. I recently test drove a diesel Scout and was mightily impressed! Okay it is £1000 more expensive than the 'basic' 4 x 4 but the extras on the Scout are almost 'must haves' - e.g. 17" wheels, cruise control, hill hold function, privacy glass and parking sensors.

The biggest problem with the 4 x 4 is the standard alloys. The 15" size just does not look right. I asked about upgrading them but there is no straightforward option and it causes problems anyway with the height of the towbar.

Conclusion: go for the Scout!

The Proteus alloys on the Scout look great - but check out the cost of the tyres - 225/50R17. Insurance and road tax are also more than the standard 4x4.

This article is a nice summary I think: Talented Scout - Telegraph

:)had the same dilemma a couple of months ago, was erring towards the scout as by the time i specced up the standard 4x4 to what i wanted, it was only 500 pounds short of the scout, without upgraded alloys, however the decision came when a scout ex demo came on the market with xenons and mf steering wheel and at the right price. bought from simpsons, colne, whom i have found excellent to deal with, and deliver nationwide. speak to Kirsti

Well I got a s/h 4x4 2.0 and am well pleased. It was high spec (ex dealer car) so came with wheel upgrade to 16", maxidot, heated seats, removable towbar, rear centre armrest, metallic, bluetooth etc.

The 2.0 is a must in my mind though as it really moves the car along and, makes the most of the six speed box (which is now standard on the 1,9 as well by the way).

It looks great with the slightly larger wheels which are far better than the standard 15" but was about £5k off list for a 4 month old car (beating in mind the extra spec it would have probably been close to Scout money). There was no way I was going to miss it.

Also the Scout, for me personally, has looks too much like an offroader with all the black plastic. I prefer the more subtle look and would rather have the go and practicality than the show.

Having said that if you are going to be doing a lot of towing then the towing stabilisation that the Scout comes with is probably worth having.

Scout RS seems nice:) i like p/shop!

The 2.0 is a must in my mind though as it really moves the car along and, makes the most of the six speed box (which is now standard on the 1,9 as well by the way).

It looks great with the slightly larger wheels which are far better than the standard 15" but was about £5k off list for a 4 month old car (beating in mind the extra spec it would have probably been close to Scout money). There was no way I was going to miss it.

Having said that if you are going to be doing a lot of towing then the towing stabilisation that the Scout comes with is probably worth having.

A few reviews by some of the big car mags state "If you really do live up a dirt track then go for the Scout" alternatively "if you never go off the beaten track & cover a lot of motorway mileage then go for the standard 4x4" this is very true & I can only recommend the same, the 4x4 in standard trim would certainly offer more comfort because of lower cabin noise being lower to the ground & smaller tyres & is as good as the Scout for towing.

However, I would agree that for speccing up a 4x4 you would certainly be looking at Scout money, If I was to buy a Scout now I'd buy an ex demo Scout & save yourself a bundle.