IT HAS been said time and time again that we’re simply not prepared for adverse conditions on this island.
That shouldn’t really come as a surprise. If there are two things that Brits excel at, they are stubbornness and mass calamity. Of course, we prefer to call them “having a stiff upper lip” and “community spirit”, but we’re not fooling anyone.
So when Arctic conditions are forecast, we mostly ignore it. Then, on the first morning that we pull back the curtains to discover a sparkling winter wonderland, we carry on as normal and, as a result, crash into each other and sit on the hard shoulder with obliterated radiator hoses.
Regardless, we manage to look on the bright side – for a few days. Then, with no let-up in the conditions, grit supplies running low and a nationwide shortage of antifreeze, we start to panic. One used-car website recorded a 70% increase in the number of searches for four-wheel-drive vehicles in January.
Finally, once the temperature is back above freezing for a couple of days, we forget all about it, settle down and prepare to begin the cycle of belligerence and desperation again. It’s a well oiled machine.
There is an alternative, however, and that’s to buy a more capable machine before the going gets tough.
Fortunately, we live in rich times when it comes to rugged transmission options. Four-wheel drive no longer means large, cumbersome, grumbly gas-guzzlers (unless you want it to). Anyway, buy a big traditional SUV and you’ll spend the winter months pulling friends and neighbours off their drives and out of ditches.
Far more sensible would be to opt for one of the subtler options, and Skoda’s Octavia Scout is among the subtlest.
The Octavia has long been one of the D-segment’s hidden gems, making the most of the reliability, build quality and cutting-edge engines and transmission options from the Volkswagen Group.
With saloon and estate models, engines from a frugal 80bhp 1.4-litre TSI to the 200bhp vRS, six and seven-speed DSG transmissions and four-wheel drive available, it already boasted plenty of appeal. Recent revisions inside and out have boosted the appeal further.
Changes to the lamp design and a more stately front grille have given the Octavia more presence across the range, and inside, there’s an updated radio console and new trim details, including a chunkier steering wheel.
However, it’s what’s happening out of sight that gives the Octavia Scout four-season appeal.
The Scout sits noticeably, but only slightly noticeably, higher than a regular Octavia Estate, meaning that while it may attract attention for its contemporary looks, owners won’t necessarily become the fourth emergency service during a week-long winter apocalypse.
Should owners let slip to friends and family that they can provide extra traction, that a part-time Haldex clutch system engages when required, providing torque to the rear wheels in slippery conditions, but offering two-wheel-drive fuel economy in normal circumstances?
Underneath the raised body, underside protection means the Octavia can make full use of its extra traction. It’s no gimmick – the Octavia Scout is a genuinely impressive performer off-road.
It’s also pretty good at less exciting family stuff, with a spacious body and very reasonable boot. There’s minimum intrusion from the transmission tunnel in the rear, and the practical and stylish front passenger compartment is big on storage space, with a chilled glove box and more storage under the passenger seat.
Equipment levels are excellent considering the price – automatic lights and wipers are present, a new touch-screen radio gives the cabin a more hi-tech feel and there’s dual-zone air-conditioning and parking sensors.
The only limiting factor with the Scout is engine and transmission choice. Only the 158bhp 1.8 TSI or 138bhp two-litre diesel are available – both with a six-speed manual gearbox.
It’s an old-school choice – superior petrol refinement against impressive diesel economy. The petrol unit does seem less suited to the larger vehicle. It has to be revved harder to find the performance of the mid-range and fuel economy suffers as a result. Regardless, it’s not short on performance and complements the Octavia Scout’s surprisingly firm chassis well.
The perfect car for under-prepared Brits, the Octavia Scout will allow drivers to carry on as normal as chaos ensues without paying the penalty during the other 50 weeks of the year.
Model: Skoda Octavia Scout 1.8 TSI, £19,640
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol unit developing 158bhp and 184lb/ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 131mph; 0-62mph 8.4 seconds
Economy: 36.2mpg
CO rating: 182g/km