- Economical and torquey 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine
- Supportive front seats
- Good ride/handling balance
- Some diesel clatter at idle
- Limited off-road ability (and standard tyres not suited to off-road use)
- Rear seats don’t fold flat
- Concerns over durability of six-speed DSG
Review: Skoda 1Z.I Octavia Scout (2008-09)
Overview
Released in September 2008, the Skoda 1Z Series I (1Z.I) Octavia Scout was a five-door, all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the Skoda Octavia Scout was powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
2.0 TDI Engine
The Octavia Scout’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was part of Volkswagen’s EA188 family of diesel engines. This 103 TDI engine had a cast iron block, Volkswagen’s ‘Pumpe Düse’ direct injection, a die-forged steel crankshaft, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.5:1. To reduce emissions, the engine featured water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.
Dimensions
Like the 1Z Octavia wagon on which it was based, the Skoda Octavia Scout was underpinned by Volkswagen’s PQ35 platform. Compared to Octavia wagon, however, the Octavia Scout was 9 mm longer (at 4581 mm), 15 mm wider (1784 mm) and 71 mm taller (1533 mm), though wheelbase length (2578 mm) was unchanged. Furthermore, ground clearance was raised by 40 mm to 180 mm.
Suspension and steering
The Skoda Octavia Scout had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links and a torsion stabiliser; the rear suspension utilised one longitudinal and three transverse links, and a torsion stabiliser. Furthermore, the Octavia Scout had electromechanical power-assisted steering.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI | 2.0-litre BMM turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 103 kW at 4000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
AWD system
The Octavia Scout’s all-wheel drive system utilised a Haldex coupling with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, torque was directed to the front-wheels, but could automatically be redirected to the rear wheels in the event that the front wheels lost traction. The electronic stability and traction control systems could also be switched off if desired.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Skoda Octavia Scout included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and front seatbelt force limiters.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Skoda Octavia – albeit without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.73 out of 37; for Australian models, ANCAP awarded an additional two points, for a score of 28.73, due to the fitment of front seatbelt reminders. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and chest protection was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features
Standard features for the Skoda Octavia Scout included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with six-disc CD player and auxiliary inputs, dual zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, split and folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, courtesy lights, 12 volt power outlets, a cargo net and cover, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Review: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia Scout (2009-12)
Overview
Released in August 2009, the Skoda 1Z Series II (1Z.II) Octavia Scout introduced minor equipment and styling changes and the 2.0 TDI variant was renamed 103TDI to reflect its power output rather than engine capacity. Visually, the 1Z.II Octavia Scout could be identified by its new grille, front bumper and quarter panels, head- and tail-lights, larger door mirrors and body-coloured door strips. Inside, there was a new dashboard, centre console, four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, white instrument illumination, air conditioning controls, seat fabrics and a rear armrest.
In March 2011, the Octavia Scout range was expanded with the introduction of a double clutch transmission (Skoda’s ‘DSG’) and a Premium edition.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103TDI | 2009-10 | 2.0-litre BMM turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | 103 kW at 4000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2010-12 | 2.0-litre CFHC turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man., 6sp DSG |
103 kW at 4000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
Features
Changes in standard features for the 1Z.II Octavia Scout were limited to the addition of rain-sensing wipers. From August 2010, however, standard features were improved to include a satellite navigation system with 6.5-inch display, a 20GB hard drive for music storage and voice recognition.
Compared to the standard Octavia Scout, the Premium edition added 17-inch ‘Proteus’ polished alloy wheels, combination Alcantara/leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a power sunroof and rear privacy glass.
Brochure
Related links
- Press Kit: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia Scout DSG (March 2011)
- Technical Specifications: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia Scout DSG (March 2011)
- Wikipedia.org: Skoda 1Z Octavia
