As more buyers look for more rugged versions of standard cars, it’s worth looking at Skoda, who was ahead of the curve with its range of ‘Scout’ models.
It started with the Octavia Scout (though previously you could get all-wheel-drive versions of other models) which brought in this idea of ruggedness into the Skoda range, through more ride height, all-wheel-drive, and the off-road styling to match.
Scout has changed over the years, but the idea has remained the same – here’s a look at the two current rugged variants of the Kodiaq and Karoq.
Skoda Karoq Scout
As Skoda has stopped selling the Octavia Scout in the UK ahead of the launch of a facelifted version, the mid-size Karoq Scout is currently the cheapest version in this rugged range, with prices starting from £32,930.
Buyers will love its 19-inch alloy wheels, off-road styling package and silver detailing, but it’s worth considering some of the other luxuries this model comes with. Highlights include full LED headlights, a panoramic opening sunroof, heated front seats and wood finish dashboard.
The Scout acts as one of the range-topping variants in the Karoq model and is offered with the option of two 2.0-litre diesel engines, producing either 148bhp or 187bhp. Four-wheel-drive is also fitted as standard too.
Skoda Kodiaq Scout
The Kodiaq was Skoda’s first seven-seat SUV, and the model was introduced to Skoda’s range at the end of 2017. It adopts a very similar policy to the Karoq Scout – thus meaning you too get 19-inch alloy wheels, a rugged styling package and silver detailing.
Despite coming as standard with seven seats and a much larger boot than its smaller sibling, the Kodiaq isn’t too much more expensive, as prices start from £35,770. It also comes with the same pair of diesel engines as the Karoq, though you can also get this larger car with a 187bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine – making it the fastest Scout version offered with a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds.
It too comes with all-wheel-drive as standard, along with a dedicated off-road mode for handling the rough stuff.
What’s next from Skoda Scout models?
At the same time as unveiling the regular Superb facelift, Skoda also showed off a more rugged Scout version of it – offered purely in Estate form.
The new version would be a fantastic addition to the Skoda Superb line-up, though unfortunately Skoda has not yet confirmed if this will be brought over to the UK, but fingers crossed, it will…
