Skoda’s rescue and renewal by Volkswagen post-1989 and the Soviet collapse has been a huge success. One of the oldest surviving motor manufacturers, the Czech company has retained considerable autonomy but repaid it by producing car after car which really hit the mark. The big push now is on the 4x4 front.
Skoda has had a four wheel drive range based on the Octavia and Superb for some time. Not confined to performance models, ‘Scout’ versions of the Octavia Estate which ride higher for greater ground clearance appeared quite early on.
Skoda has had a four wheel drive range based on the Octavia and Superb for some time. Not confined to performance models, ‘Scout’ versions of the Octavia Estate which ride higher for greater ground clearance appeared quite early on.
Breakthrough car however was the 2009 Yeti – a light SUV on the Golf platform also available as front drive only. It was a response to Nissan’s Qashqai but more compact. It is quite short but the square shape and higher/ more upright seating make for a roomy cabin with useful load space.
Off-road the stub tail offers good departure angles but the front drive nose means “approach with care”. It’s not really that bad since this vehicle does not claim to be an out and out dual purpose 4x4. What is surprising is just how capable it is.
The Yeti has no heavy duty transfer box and set of low ratio gears but the Haldex rear drive unit combined with an electronic differential lock can apply braking to any given wheel – not just shift the drive between front and back axles. Once pressed the Off-Road button pulls in all the techno aids – uphill-hold and descent control while adapting the ABS braking and ASR anti-slip to the terrain.
Off-road the stub tail offers good departure angles but the front drive nose means “approach with care”. It’s not really that bad since this vehicle does not claim to be an out and out dual purpose 4x4. What is surprising is just how capable it is.
The Yeti has no heavy duty transfer box and set of low ratio gears but the Haldex rear drive unit combined with an electronic differential lock can apply braking to any given wheel – not just shift the drive between front and back axles. Once pressed the Off-Road button pulls in all the techno aids – uphill-hold and descent control while adapting the ABS braking and ASR anti-slip to the terrain.
An off-road event recently was an opportunity to see what Yeti and Octavia Scout could do. Despite 'controlled conditions' both cars performed well over quite demanding courses. The Yetis were on winter (not off-road) tyres but since this was mud-loose surface rather than snow-ice it was unlikely to be of great benefit.
Octavia Scouts wore summer tyres and did without the extra equipment. They too were composed and tractable over difficult obstacles and (Diesel) engine braking in first gear still of use. Longer, slippier slopes however would be trickier. Approach and departure angles are not quite as good but the larger car offered a bit more comfort if not the same nimbleness and agility of its younger sibling.
A petrol 1.8 TSI is offered but diesel is still the clear favourite here – no great premium to pay and both insurance and road tax much lower.
The latest Haldex system senses the need for some extra rear axle push much more quickly than before and brings benefits on-road (acceleration, cornering) as well as off. Four wheel drive capability but running costs on a par with ordinary cars is the aim. What we’ve seen so far, apparently, is just the beginning and Skoda’s foray into the 4x4 world is gathering pace.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
Octavia Scouts wore summer tyres and did without the extra equipment. They too were composed and tractable over difficult obstacles and (Diesel) engine braking in first gear still of use. Longer, slippier slopes however would be trickier. Approach and departure angles are not quite as good but the larger car offered a bit more comfort if not the same nimbleness and agility of its younger sibling.
A petrol 1.8 TSI is offered but diesel is still the clear favourite here – no great premium to pay and both insurance and road tax much lower.
The latest Haldex system senses the need for some extra rear axle push much more quickly than before and brings benefits on-road (acceleration, cornering) as well as off. Four wheel drive capability but running costs on a par with ordinary cars is the aim. What we’ve seen so far, apparently, is just the beginning and Skoda’s foray into the 4x4 world is gathering pace.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
RSS Feed