The all-new Skoda Octavia Scout has been revealed in Europe – and it could be coming Down Under.
With the Octavia range some 12 months from local introduction, Skoda Australia’s director, Michael Irmer, told CarExpert he could not yet confirm availability of the high-riding Octavia Scout, a variant that was available for some time during previous generations.
The larger Superb has also just launched in facelifted form solely in wagon-bodied Scout trim, too.
He did indicate, however, the go-fast Octavia RS wagon would form part of the launch range in early-2021, given the performance wagon variant makes up 70 per cent of Octavia RS sales locally, with RS models accounting for around half of Skoda’s entire Australian Octavia volume.
“Although 2020 may prove to be the year Skoda sells more SUVs than cars for the first time, the Octavia is synonymous with Skoda,” he said.
In Europe, the new Skoda Octavia Scout will be offered with a number of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, and for the first time with the option of front-wheel drive.
Available powertrains include 110kW 1.5 TSI with e-TEC mild-hybrid technology (DSG only), a 140kW 2.0 TSI, an 85kW 2.0 TDI or a flagship 2.0 TDI ‘Evo’ with 147kW and 400Nm, shared with the Octavia RS diesel.
The base diesel and petrol engines are fitted with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive as standard, while the higher-power models get all-wheel drive with a seven-speed DSG.
Compared to the regular Octavia ‘Combi’ wagon, the Scout rides 15mm higher and sports a number of unique design appointments to give it a more rugged, SUV-like look and feel.
The ‘Rough Road package’ is fitted as standard, incorporating the aforementioned suspension lift as well as underbody protection.
Skoda claims the 2.0 TDI model with 147kW is capable of towing 2000 kilograms.
In addition to the chunky contrasting bumpers and silver exterior accents, the Octavia Scout is available with optional Matrix LED headlights and features LED fog-lights as standard.
Rounding out the look are 18-inch ‘Braga’ alloys as standard finished in silver, with 19-inch ‘Manaslu’ rims (pictured) available as an option.
Inside, the Octavia Scout differentiates itself from its lower-riding siblings further with unique trim options.
Available woodgrain-look trim is exclusive to the Scout model, as are new door trims and door handles.
Buyers can have the seats finished in special ThermoFlux fabric with ‘SCOUT’ logos, while the pedals are finished in aluminium.
Topping it all off is contrasting Tabor Brown stitching throughout the cabin, accenting the upholstery, steering wheel, and dashboard.
Skoda plans to have a proper world premiere for the new Octavia Scout in July, which will include “detailed information about it as well as other new features in the Octavia family”, according to the company’s global press release.
European deliveries for the wider Octavia range were meant to commence this month, however the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the Czech brand’s rollout of its top-selling liftback and wagon.
Australia, meanwhile, has to wait until late in the first quarter of 2021 (March-April) to see first deliveries – likely with carryover powertrains (110kW 1.4 TSI petrol and 180kW 2.0 TSI petrol).
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead-up, and let us know in the comments whether you want to see the Octavia Scout in Australia next year.
