Review: Skoda 5E Octavia Scout (2015-on)

Overview

Released in Australia in March 2015, the Skoda 5E Octavia Scout was a mid-size wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the all-wheel drive Octavia Scout range consisted of the 110TDI and 135TDI variants – both powered by 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines – and 132TSI variants that were powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 110TDI variant was solely available as an entry-level Ambition edition and offered with a six-speed manual transmission. The 135TDI and 132TSI variants, however, were offered as ‘Premium’ editions and had six-speed double clutch transmissions.

From 2016, the ‘Ambition’ name was omitted from the 110TDI variants and the 135TDI Premium was discontinued for the Australian market.

Engines: 110TDI, 135TDI and 132TSI

The Octavia Scout’s 110TDI and 135TDI engines were members of Volkswagen’s EA288 engine family. As such, both of these 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, common-rail injection operating at up to 1850 bar, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 16.2:1, exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.

The 132TSI engine was a member of Volkswagen’s EA888 engine family. This 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine had a grey cast iron block, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, direct injection (Fuel Stratified Injection, or ‘FSI’), a die-forged steel crankshaft, BorgWarner K03 water-cooled turbocharger, an intercooler, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), roller finger cam followers, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing, a variable length intake manifold and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

All-wheel drive system (Haldex GenV)

The Skoda Octavia Scout had a fifth generation Haldex (‘Haldex GenV’) coupling which utilised a wet multi-plate clutch. Since operation of the coupling was independent of front and rear axle speeds, full locking torque could be applied at any time and speed via an electrical pump that compressed the clutch discs. When coasting or with low engine loads, the clutch could completely disengage to direct all of the engine’s torque to the front axle and minimise fuel consumption. In traction/high slip conditions, however, the clutch could engage to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle (i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque split).

For the Octavia Scout, both the front and rear axles were fitted with electronic differential locks that could brake a spinning wheel to transfer torque to the opposing wheel on that axle (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Dimensions

Compared to the 1Z Octavia Scout , the Skoda 5E Octavia Scout was 104 mm longer (at 4685 mm), 30 mm wider (1814 mm), 2 mm lower (1531 mm) and had a 101 mm longer wheelbase (2679 mm); ground clearance will be 171 mm, while the drag coefficient was 0.322 Cd. The Octavia Scout had a cargo capacity of 610 litres with the rear seats in position, increasing to 1740 litres when folded down.

Suspension and steering

The Octavia Scout had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links and a torsion stabiliser) and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the Octavia Scout had rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive, electric power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5E Octavia Scout included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Skoda Octavia Scout also had a multi-collision brake function that could apply the brakes after an initial collision (to a residual speed of 10 km/h) in order to prevent a secondary collision.

As standard, the Octavia Scout was also fitted with:

• Driver Activity Assist: a driver fatigue monitoring system which monitored steering inputs to detect signs of fatigue. If detected, the driver would receive visual and audible warnings; and,
• Passenger Protect Assist: in a potential accident situation, Passenger Protect Assist would prime the vehicle’s brakes for faster braking response, tension the front seatbelts in preparation of a collision and close any open windows to protect occupants.

As part of the optional, extra-cost Tech Pack, the Octavia Scout 110TDI and 132TSI could be specified with the following active safety technologies:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): when cruise control was engaged at speeds between 30 km/h and 160 km/h, ACC used a radar sensor to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, controlling engine speed and applying the brakes as necessary;
• Front Assist: operated at speeds of up to 150 km/h and used a radar sensor to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead. In the event of a potential collision, Front Assist operated in four stages: 1) a visual warning; 2) visual and acoustic warnings and preparation of the braking system; 3) increasing braking pressure and initiation of automatic partial braking; and, 4) if the driver failed to react, emergency braking; and,
• City Emergency Braking: a component of Front Assist, City Emergency Braking operated at speeds between 5 km/h and 30 km/h. If the driver failed to react to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, City Emergency Braking would initiate an emergency stop with a maximum deceleration of 8 m/s².

From May 2016, however, the Octavia Scout was fitted with these technologies as standard.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2013 Skoda Octavia – fitted with a 1.6-litre petrol engine – received a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though lower leg protection for the driver was assessed as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test though, in the more severe pole test, chest protection was adequate and thorax protection was weak.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , the 5E Octavia received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.87 out of 37.

Features: Skoda Octavia Scout 110TDI Ambition

Standard features for the Skoda Octavia Scout 110TDI included 17 x 7.0J ‘Nivalis Anthracite’ alloy wheels with 225/50 R17 tyres and a space-saver spare wheel, an eight speaker ‘Bolero’ sound system with a 5.8-inch touch screen, CD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, fabric seats, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, daytime running lights, a rear view camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, tinted windows, front and rear floor mats, front and rear reading lights, front vanity mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, 12 volt power sockets, a luggage cover, roof rails, trip computer, and an immobiliser.

In July 2015, the display for the Bolero sound system was increased from 5.8- to 6.5-inches.

From May 2016, the Bolero audio system had a 6.5-inch touch screen with Skoda’s ‘SmartLink’ which provided Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Standard features for the Skoda Octavia Scout were also extended to include bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting.

Features: Octavia Scout 132TSI and 135TDI Premium

The Octavia Scout 132TSI and 135TDI Premium editions were further equipped with a ‘Columbus’ satellite navigation system with an eight-inch touch screen and voice control, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (Skoda’s ‘Climatronic’), combination Alcantara and leather seat trim, heated front seats, power folding mirrors, automatic tailgate opening and closing, and rear privacy glass. In July 2015, the Columbus system was upgraded to include WiFi connectivity and Skoda’s ‘SmartLink’ system.

Visually, the 132TSI and 135TDI variants could be identified by their silver door mirrors, chrome-plated window frames, silver roof rails and aluminium-finish clutch, accelerator and brake pedals.

Skoda Octavia Scout 110TDI: Premium Pack

Available as an extra-cost option for the Octavia Scout 110TDI, the ‘Premium Pack’ included 17-inch ‘Polar’ alloy wheels, an eight-inch ‘Columbus’ touch screen with satellite navigation, Alcantara and leather seat trim, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, heated front seats, automatic tailgate opening and closing, rear privacy glass, silver roof rails, silver door mirrors and aluminium finishes for the clutch, accelerator and brake pedals.

Skoda Octavia Scout: optional Tech Pack

The Skoda Octavia Scout was also available with an optional, extra-cost ‘Tech Pack’ which included a 570 watt Canton sound system with ten speakers and a digital equalizer, bi-xenon headlights, Automatic Parking Assist (automated steering for parallel parking with front and rear parking sensors), proximity key (for keyless entry), push-button engine start and Lane Assist, a camera-based system which warned when the driver when the vehicle deviated from its lane (without previously indicating) and provided counter-steering assistance where necessary.

As noted above under ‘Safety equipment’, the Tech Pack also included Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist and City Emergency Braking for the 110TDI and 132TSI variants.

Paint colours

The Skoda Octavia Scout was available in the following paint finishes:

• Candy White;
• Corrida Red;
• Moon White metallic;
• Cappuccino metallic;
• Metal Grey metallic;
• Brilliant Silver metallic; and,
• Denim Blue metallic.

Brochure

• Brochure: Skoda 5E Octavia Scout (February 2015)

Specifications

• Specifications: Skoda 5E Octavia Scout (March 2015)
• Specifications: Skoda 5E Octavia Scout (June 2016)

Related links

• Press Kit: 2014 Skoda 5E Octavia Scout
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 5E Octavia