PERTH: Skoda’s all-new Octavia Scout, revealed almost exactly one year ago, will touch down in Australia toward the end of March.
Pricing for the new three-model range is still to be confirmed, but today the Czech brand’s local arm has detailed the powertrains and features that will be offered from launch.
Leading the range will be 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 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 auto.
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.
The entry Scout gets cloth seats and a leather-appointed trim to the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake lever, along with chrome door handles.
There’s also nine airbags, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors, fatigue detection and Passenger Protect Assist.
In the up-spec 132TSI and 135TDI, there’s also an eight-inch display with satellite navigation, along with dual-zone air-con and an automatic tailgate.
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.
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.
Watch for pricing for all three models, and the options kits, to be revealed in the lead-up to the Octavia Scout’s March 26 launch
