The new Skoda Kodiaq Scout SUV goes the full off-roader

The new Skoda Kodiaq Scout SUV goes the full off-roader

The 2017 Skoda Kodiaq Scout has officially been unveiled, a much tougher and off-road friendly version of the seven-seat family SUV.

Skoda has already expanded its Kodiaq range with the addition of the new Kodiaq Scout, a much tougher and more rugged alternative to the family SUV.

Similar to other Scout-badged Skodas like the Octavia Scout, the Kodiaq version gets tough-looking body cladding, a larger ground clearance and all-wheel drive as standard.

To further boost its capabilities, the Kodiaq Scout boasts a reinforced underbody to protect the engine, brake and fuel lines, as well as a selectable off-road mode to cope with low-grip surfaces.

Optional DCC shock absorbers can be specified, while the ABS anti-lock braking system on the car has been retuned to permit a certain amount of slip, in order to wick the car out of muddy ruts.

Based on the SE trim, the Kodiaq Scout gets a standard equipment list that includes a multifunction steering wheel, Alcantara seats and steel pedals, plus 19-inch alloy wheels.

All-wheel drive comes as standard

All models also come with the option of an upgraded 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated sat-nav, in-car Wi-Fi and an Emergency Call function to assist in the event of accidents.

On top of that, the car retains all the same impressive practicality of the standard Kodiaq and, as with the standard version, can be had with up to seven seats.

Two petrol and two diesel engines are available for the Kodiaq Scout, with the entry-level engine a 1.4-litre petrol with 148bhp, while a larger 2.0-litre petrol with 178bhp is also available.

A pair of 2.0-litre diesels round off the range with either 148bhp or 187bhp, with all engines able to hit 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds or less, and with fuel economy of up to 53.3mpg with the less powerful diesel.

Pricing and full specifications for the new Skoda Kodiaq Scout have yet to be unveiled, but more is expected to be known upon the car’s public debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show this March.

Find prices for the new Skoda Kodiaq SUV