Skoda Octavia Scout - I am not too sure when all the jokes about Skoda started, bearing in mind they have been manufacturing cars for 103 years.

However, the butt stops here, for Skoda is producing cars with state- of- the art technology, high- reliability, cemented by winning the prestigious 2007 Auto Express Driver Power customers’ satisfaction awards.Add on exceptional build quality, value for money, practicality plus numerous safety features, Skoda are now turning out cars with all the right ingredients.

The Octavia has probably been Skoda‘s icing on the cake, being their most successful model. The range has steadily expanded to include everything from the 1.4 litre hatch through to the sporty vRS variant - everyone, whatever their budget, can afford some kind of Octavia.

Now Skoda has added on one more new variant, the 'Scout'. A scout by definition is somebody, albeit a boy, who must always be prepared and be ready to go almost anywhere, how apt a description for this Octavia. The Scout offers customers the best of both worlds, having a built in predictive 4x4 system that only activates as and when needed. So much easier than searching for buttons and trying to recall which mode does what because it is so rarely used. However, this clever built in 4x4 on tap, means you will never be caught out again.

Protective body strips keeps the paintwork in tact from flying stones, while black roof rails, fog lights, rain sensitive wipers, headlight washers to keep the mud away, and sunset privacy glass shows off the practical side of the Scout

What Skoda have done here is to increase the ground clearance by 17 mm over the standard 4x4 so if you do venture off- piste for any reason, or suddenly you find your drive way is flooded, the Octavia Scout will get you out of trouble.

Cosmetically differentiating the Scout from its siblings are larger 17 inch 'Proteus' alloy wheels with protective wheel- arch strips, twin chrome exhaust pipes, kick plates on the front door sills. Less obvious are sump guards below the new front and rear bumpers, making it suitable for customers who regularly have to travel on unmade tracks. Protective body strips keeps the paintwork in tact from flying stones, while black roof rails, fog lights, rain sensitive wipers, headlight washers to keep the mud away, and sunset privacy glass shows off the practical side of the Scout.

The interior contains a host of driving aids making sure every driver is prepared for any journey. A six CD auto changer for your favourite music, climatic dual zone electronic air conditioning to go with our ever changing weather, cruise control keeping points off licences, plus electric front and rear windows with a child safety switch. The arm rest between the rear seats has a socket for the MP3 player in case the children do not like your type of music.

On the comfort side, both driver and passenger seats are height adjustable with lumber support, eliminating back pain if the terrain gets too tough, and a light sensitive auto dimming rear view mirror that is a godsend at night.

Of course, if you are intending to go off road in the Scout, all your bits and pieces, including the children, need to be stored away securely. The Scout has numerous storage bins scattered around for just this purpose. There is an air conditioned Jumbo box under the adjustable arm rest between the front seats to keep the drinks cool. plus The glove box is also air-conditioned, and there is a tray under the passenger seat, as well as covered boxes in the centre console, in addition to the normal door pockets and bottle holders the rear passengers have a centre armrest with binnacles if the middle seat is not being used.

The luggage area is pretty impressive with a total of 560 litres, increasing to 1,335 litres when the rear seats are folded down. There are lashing eyes and a folding hook to secure any objects, plus a ski-flap.

My test car came with the 2.0 litre FSI petrol engine that produced excellent acceleration, sprinting to 62 mph in just 10 seconds. Top speed is 124 mph yet fuel consumption a healthy 32.5-mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emissions come in at 207g/km. The six- speed manual gearbox gave precise gear changes at the same time as reducing vibrations, making this a very pleasant car to drive.

However, it was the ride and handling of the Octavia Scout that really impressed, with a superb suspension system which has modified springs to raise the ride height by 65 mm over the standard estate. The steering uses an intelligent electro-mechanical booster programme so decreases as the speed rises, giving a firm, reassuring steering feel, especially when cornering. To assist the driver parking there are rear parking sensors.

The Scout comes with an endless list of safety features, ensuring it stays firmly on the tarmac, as standard. The ESP includes ABS, Mechanical Braking Assistant, MSR (Engine Drag control), ASR (Anti- Skid Regulation), EDL and HBA. In addition, is Hill Hold Control.

If you do lose the plot, the Scout is totally prepared, with driver and passenger airbags plus front and side airbags, height adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners all contained in an exceptionally strong body shell.

Security - the Scout has central locking, a floating code immobiliser, plus an alarm with interior monitoring and back up horn (so do not leave the dog in the car and lock it!)all combine to place the car in insurance group 10E.

I am not sure I have come across a family saloon car so utterly prepared for any eventuality as the Octavia Scout. For here is a vehicle totally geared for the family, it's very practical, drives like a dream, looks good, yet has the ability to conquer all- terrain if needed.

Price: £17,935 which represents incredible value for money, considering all the equipment and safety features that come with the Scout as standard.

No more jokes please.

FemaleFirst