FEW cars offer the versatility of the Skoda Octavia Scout with its 4x4 capabilities, attractive price-tag, eye-catching good looks, high level of on-board technology and performance abilities.

Plenty of manufacturers fall short on the appearance stakes when producing an estate car with off-roading potential, but not so the Octavia Scout which features high wheel arches, 17-inch alloys, roof rails, twin tailpipes, privacy glass, chrome kick plates, and chunky Scout styled black bumpers.

You won't be disappointed when you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel either as there are plenty of creature comforts packed in as standard.

These include dual zone climate control, acoustic rear parking sensors, cruise control, satellite navigation (that's a £1,660 extra), a CD player and radio and plenty more besides.

There is ample room for five adults in the light and spacious cabin and back seat passengers have sufficient head, leg and elbow space.

All occupants can bring along almost as much luggage as they want as the massive boot can easily accommodate a number of family-sized suitcases.

If necessary, the 60/40 split folding rear seats can be folded flat to further increase storage capacity.

Elsewhere there are a number of smaller storage options throughout the cabin including an overhead sunglasses holder, deep central bin and large door buckets with additional drinks holders in them.

Despite its size, the Octavia Scout is a pleasure to drive. Admittedly it's not the most agile car on our roads today, but parking is made all the easier thanks to excellent all-round visibility and parking sensors.

On the road, the 2.0-litre diesel powered engine provided plenty of oomph and the car easily held its own with faster moving motorway traffic as it shifted smoothly through its automatic transmission.

My only real gripe after a 500-mile-plus drive was there was quite a lot of engine and road surface noise at higher speeds.

That aside, the Octavia Scout was a good all-rounder and comfort levels were very good.

Skoda has packed a comprehensive list of safety specifications into the car, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, hill hold control, numerous airbags and much more.

Although the Octavia Scout will not be everyone's cup of tea, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mix of family car practicality, economical running costs, attractive price tag and the option of 4x4 capabilities when the need arises.

And one thing is guaranteed - this Scout certainly lives up to its "be prepared" title.