I am now on my second Skoda, this time an Octavia Scout. My previous one was an Octavia VRS which was good fun, good performance, plenty of room but with a harsh ride. The 4x4 Scout is slightly more powerful (185hp v 175hp) and has a higher ride height. This combined with a higher profile tyre gives for a smoother ride. 

I am now on my second Skoda, this time an Octavia Scout. My previous one was an Octavia VRS which was good fun, good performance, plenty of room but with a harsh ride. The 4x4 Scout is slightly more powerful (185hp v 175hp) and has a higher ride height. This combined with a higher profile tyre gives for a smoother ride. 

Whilst I don't need a vehicle for true off capability the Scout allows me to get around property and access parts not accessible with a 2 wheel drive vehicle. In the last few months I have been undertaking more UAV/drone work including a number of development sites, a golf corse and parts of Donington Park. The off road performace is impressive and I have tackled much steeper slopes and rougher terrain than I thought possible. The hill descent works well and allows you to keep full control.

A Scout doesn't have anything like the offroad performance of a true 4x4 but for much of the time I only need to gain access along farm tracks or across fields/wet grass. It does this admirably, probably goes "off road" more than most lifestyle 4x4's.