SYDNEY: Skoda had revealed its all-new Octavia Scout early last year, is now on sale in Australia with a new $32,990 starting price – slashing a handy $7000 from the price of its predecessor.
Leading the range is the entry-level 110kW 2.0 litre ‘110TDI’ diesel, matched to a six-speed manual transmission.
Further into the range, you’ll find the line-up’s only petrol option, the 132kW 2.0 litre petrol ‘132TSI’, mated to a six-speed twin-clutch auto.
Joining the 132TSI at the top of the range is the 135TDI, driven by a 135kW 2.0 litre diesel and a six-speed twin-clutch automatic.
All three variants will be offered exclusively in all-wheel-drive form and, as befits the Scout name, all three sit 31mm higher from the ground than the regular Octavia range.
As with the previous-generation Scout, the new 2015 model also picks up a ruggedised styling and protection kit on the outside, including unpainted wheel arch flares, skid plates at both ends and underbody protection.
Features
The entry Scout 4×4 gets cloth seats and a leather-appointed trim to the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake lever, along with chrome door handles, foglamps and 17-inch alloys.
There’s also nine airbags, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors, fatigue detection and Passenger Protect Assist. A 5.8-inch touchscreen controls audio functions, and Bluetooth is standard.
In the up-spec Octavia Scout Premium 132TSI and 135TDI, you gain an eight-inch colour touchscreen display with satellite navigation, along with dual-zone air-con and an automatic tailgate.
Alcantara trim also comes in the Premium grades, along with alloy pedals and heated front seats
Those sticking with the base 110TDI can also choose from two option packs.
The Premium Pack adds the eight-inch display and Alcantara leather-appointed trim, dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, automatic tailgate, 17-inch alloys and tinted windows, essentially bringing the base model’s spec up to the same grade as the 132TSI and 135TDI.
The second kit, dubbed Tech Pack, can be had on all three models and adds Adaptive Cruise Control Front Assist and City Emergency Brake (110TDI and 132TSI only), along with Bi-Xenon headlights, Automatic Parking Assist, Canton audio system, advanced keyless entry with Smart Start, Driving Mode Selection and – a first for Skoda – a new camera-based Lane Assist system.
Pricing (excludes on-road costs)
The full Skoda Octavia Scout 4×4 range is available now, with pricing as follows:
Octavia Scout 4×4 110TDI manual: $32,990
Octavia Scout 4×4 132TSI auto: $38,590
Octavia Scout 4×4 135TDI auto: $41,390
Premium Pack (110TDI only): $4,400
Tech Pack: $3900 for 110TDI and 132TSI, $3300 for 135TDI
Metallic paint: $500
Panoramic sunroof: $1690
Electric front seats: $1300
