Skoda Octavia Scout

£28,675

Engine 1968cc 4cyl turbodiesel, AWD, 181bhp, 280lb ft Performance 0-62mph in 7.8secs, 136mph, 55.4mpg, 133g/km CO , Weight 1484kg

You’re looking at an off-roady version of the Skoda Octavia Estate. Think Audi A4 Allroad or VW Passat Alltrack, only cheaper and more Skoda-y. A handy 30mm of extra ride height, underbody protection, a dedicated off-road mode with hill-descent control, standard all-wheel drive and some black plastic body mouldings are the big things that separate it from a normal Octavia wagon. Off road it’s no Discovery, but it is more capable than most owners will ever require. On road the softer suspension actually makes the Scout really comfy. Pricey and not fun, but fit for purpose. If only it was more obvious what that purpose actually is.