Key facts:
Model tested: Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI 140 4_4 DSG
On the road price: £23,700
Date tested: February 2011
Road tester: Owen Ready

If you need the practicality of an estate car but would like the versatile ruggedness of an off-roader, but without the socially unacceptable aggression, the Skoda Octavia Scout may well fit the bill.

Visually, the Scout version adds some extra meat to the bones of the standard Octavia Estate thanks to unpainted bumpers and wheel arch extensions - as practical in the supermarket car park as they are in the wilderness. Unique 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and metallic-effect lower bumper protectors complete the aesthetic makeover. Think of it as a cut-price Audi A4 Allroad.

Inside, the outdoorsy image is continued, with 'Scout'-branded kick-plates, a dash-mounted grab handle for the front passenger and hard-wearing upholstery. The rest is standard Octavia, with excellent build quality, good ergonomics and plenty of space for people, luggage and the usual paraphernalia associated with the sort of young family the Scout is aimed at.

You may think that the raised ride height of the Scout would upset the standard car's surefooted road manners but, if anything, the Scout is even better to drive thanks to a more fluid ride.

There is very little roll in corners, the steering is positive and grip is very strong. The added traction offered by the four-wheel drive, which can vary power between each individual wheel, depending on which has the most grip, adds to the Scout's safety and predictability.

The four-wheel drive system is also a real bonus if you decide to head off the beaten track and take advantage of its surprising off-road prowess.

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There is a choice of a 158bhp, turbocharged 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine or the familiar 138bhp 2-litre TDI diesel. Both are fitted with a good-to-use six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the diesel is now available with a seamless, six-speed twin-clutch DSG transmission.

Both engines are impressive in both refinement and performance, with excellent low-down power. Keen drivers will perhaps prefer the extra performance offered by the 1.8 TSI engine, which feels far faster than its modest engine size would suggest, with a 0-62mph time of just 8.4 seconds.

Economy is also a strong suit of these high-tech engines, with the TSI returning 36.2mpg combined and the TDI 47.8mpg. CO2 emissions are 182g/km and 155g/km respectively.

Prices are reasonable, especially considering the amount of equipment included, starting at £20,965 on the road.

Overall the Octavia Scout offers an excellent mix of family car practicality, affordable running costs and genuine off-road ability. As a wheeled Swiss army knife it's hard to beat.