FROM the likes of the 1930s Triumph Dolomite to the current Renault Laguna, of all the names given to British cars over the years I don't ever recall having come across a Scout.
Yes, since the 1940s, army drivers may have been pictured speeding through war zones on missions of reconnaissance at the wheel of lightly armoured, so-called Scout Cars.
But these highly versatile 4x4 vehicles, which were manufactured at the then UK Daimler plant in Coventry and powered by six-cylinder Rolls Royce petrol engines, were actually named Dingo and Ferret by the British Army.
Like all today's car makers, Skoda's major brief is scouting for sales and the latest member of the Czech Republic company's Octavia range is the Scout - and it is actually kitted out with the equipment to enable it to go almost anywhere.
The Skoda Octavia Scout arrived last autumn and was an instant hit. It was named Best Budget Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Planet 4x4 awards and started this year as the Best Crossover Estate at the 2008 4x4 Magazine awards.
The Octavia Scout comes with a pair of four-cylinder engines on offer, a 2.0-litre 150bhp FSI providing petrol power and a diesel alternative powered by the 2.0-litre 140bhp TDI PD unit which is the model driven here.
It comes with larger overall dimensions than its Octavia 4x4 Estate stablemate which not only makes it roomier inside but also helps its rugged estate car styling featuring new bumpers front and rear and moulded wheel arch protective strips.
A good driving position can be arrived at via the VW sourced ratchet seat height adjust and two-way steering wheel movement and, while the pedals have received the non-slip stainless steel trim treatment. The steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are trimmed with leather.
In addition, the boot which is generous under any circumstances transforms into a huge load bay by folding the rear seats providing some 1,620-litres of space.
There is much to qualify the Scout as a genuine all-rounder.
The acquisition of badges has always been a favourite of the Scout movement and the Octavia Scout has not been left out. Striking Scout-badged kick plates grace the front door sills and a further red badge alongside the polished double stainless steel exhaust tailpipes has also been included.
Skoda has provided the Octavia Scout with a good level of standard equipment including electric windows all round, Climatronic dual-zone electronic air con, eight-speaker sound system with six CD autochanger, cruise control, powered and heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, trip computer, front fogs plus a thoughtfully placed front passenger grab handle.
Onboard there is an air conditioned 'Jumbo' box between the front seats, rear centre armrest and illuminated glovebox with air con while driver safety aids include ABS braking, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Control with tilt sensors and a special brake pressure control valve to prevent the car rolling back when pulling away on an incline.
There is even an automatic brake drying system linked to the ESP for wet conditions.
On the all-wheel-drive front, the Octavia Scout is designed to offer both the economy and driving experience of a two-wheel-drive vehicle while boasting the ability to switch electronically to four-wheel-drive when required via a Haldex clutch.
Installed in the rear axle, this piece of kit reacts instantly and automatically to the changes in traction and then feeds the driving power to the wheels with the best grip.
While perhaps not the vehicle in which to go serious off-roading, the Octavia Scout is still well equipped with the necessary requirements, such as good ground clearance and sump-guard protection both fore and aft.
Paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gear change, the 2.0-litre TDI PD diesel engine uses its 140bhp to good effect. This VW-sourced oil-burner is also a decidedly torquey performer using the strengths of its low range pull to cope with confidence in the overtaking lane while still proving an economical proposition.
Handsome to look at, this latest Octavia is a well put together estate car. Competitively priced, it is generously kitted out and is yet another landmark in the outstanding progress of this Czech marque over the past decade.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI PD
Price: £19,880
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.2 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust