Skoda Octavia Scout: month 4
Arrived: May 2008
List price (including options): £20,240
Average economy: 44.9mpg
The Skoda Octavia Scout has been -
As faithful as a Labrador. Even after leaving the Scout in dismal airport car parks, it fires up first time and carries on regardless when I get back. It also demists and warms up rapidly, which is handy given the wet weather that has made up so much of the summer this year.
When I've not been away on new car events, the Skoda has been ferrying me all over the country for work. The largest trip this month was 700 miles knocked off in a single day, albeit with regular stops for rest. Luckily, the Skoda doesn't need so much time off the road as it easily manages 500 miles from a tank of diesel as economy continues to average in the mid-40s.
We're loving the -
The driver's seat comfort. Amassing 700 miles in a single trip could leave you sore and aching, but the Scout has me walking up to the front door without so much as a twinge. The simple ratchet seat height and rotary seat back angle adjusters fall to hand intuitively, while the lumbar support controller is also easy to reach. It means I can tailor the driving position on the move without so much as a glance away from the road. On lengthy trips, it's essential to remain comfortable and the Scout lets me. Last month I mentioned my irritation with the default sound level setting with the Scout's stereo. Well, a couple of minutes reading the owner's manual and a bit of button pushing has solved this and now it fires up every time at just the right pitch for me to drive off to the dulcet tones of Radio 4.
But not so impressed by -
Is it me or are the roads caked in mud at the moment? I expect a coating of muck during winter, but this summer the roads seem to be covered in dirt and most of it gathers round the Skoda Octavia Scout's tailgate. I know this is a perennial problem with all estates and the Scout's rear wash-wipe is very efficient at clearing a path for me to see out of the rear view mirror, but it doesn't stop my hand from being slathered when I open the boot. There's a remote boot release on the Scout's key fob, but I still have to hoist the tailgate open manually. It's a minor point, but one that gets to me when I have to wash my hands every time I open the boot.
We're looking forward to -
Autumn. I love this time of year and Scotland looks amazing as the colours change. It also means far less tourist traffic and freer roads. The usual deluge of rain that accompanies this time of year holds no worries for me thanks to the Scout's raised ground clearance, so heading into the hills will be fine. There are also a couple of long distance business trips on the way, as well as more DIY store shopping to fit in the Scout's boot.
