Skoda Octavia Scout estate revealed

Skoda has built a strong reputation for its rugged off-road models recently, and the new Skoda Octavia Scout is the latest vehicle to get the tougher 4x4 treatment.

Due to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks time, this is the third generation of the Skoda Octavia Scout, and on the outside it carries all the same design cues as the much-loved original.

Based on the Skoda Octavia estate, the black plastic body panels are designed to protect the bodywork from damage in off-road conditions, and the front and rear bumper get wide silver rubbing plates that help to set the Scout apart from the standard car.

Unique 17-inch alloy wheels come as standard, and on the inside the three-spoke steering wheel and gear knob are both picked out with ‘Scout’ lettering, but the rest of the interior remains largely unchanged.

Every Octavia Scout comes with the latest electronic four-wheel drive system. It’s the same type of 4x4 technology used in the Skoda Yeti 4x4, which only sends power to the rear wheels when it senses that the front tyres are losing grip on the road.

The Scout will be available with three engines, two diesels and one petrol. Skoda is yet to officially announce the exact specifications, but the Scout is likely to feature the 1.8-litre TSI petrol, and 148bhp and 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesels.

To add to its off-road abilities the Octavia Scout has had its suspension raised by 33mm. That may not sound like much but will make a big difference to the ride when driving over a bumpy track or field. It can tackle obstacles better than its predecessor too, thanks to shorter overhangs, and the ability to tow more than two tonne loads.

Although the Octavia was the first car in the Skoda range to receive the Scout treatment, you can currently also buy a Scout version of the smaller Skoda Fabia estate and the Skoda Roomster MPV as well.

The exact specifications and list price of the new Skoda Octavia 4x4 are likely to be made public before its debut at the Geneva show, but we expect it to be slightly more expensive than the standard car.

For the full Skoda range, visit the Carbuyer Skoda reviews page.