Skoda details Octavia Scout 4x4

SKODA has released preliminary local specification for the high-riding Octavia Scout 4x4 wagon ahead of its Australian launch next month, confirming three engines, and a choice of manual gearbox or automatic transmission for the Czech brand crossover.

The newest addition to the Octavia family goes on sale on March 26 starting with the entry-level Scout 110TDI, which combines a 110kW four-cylinder diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox.

Above that will sit two higher spec options with the only petrol option 132TSI and the 135TDI, both of which get a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While base diesel and 132TSI variants align with standard Octavia wagon options, the 135TDI engine is the same unit as used by the range-topping Octavia RS diesel wagon and is expected to be the performance flag bearer.

In Octavia Wagon attire, the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel is only available bolted to an auto transmission and produces 110kW/320Nm, using an combined average of 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km, while the mid-range 2.0-litre turbo petrol pumps out 132kW/250Nm with a consumption of 5.9L/100km.

When under the bonnet of the Octavia RS wagon, the more highly strung 2.0-litre diesel produces 135kW and 380Nm of torque – enough to get the wagon to 100km/h from rest in 8.2 seconds, although those figures may take a slight hit given the heavier four-wheel drive system of the Scout.

All Scout variants are distinguishable from standard Octavia wagons with a 31mm raised ride height and the latest generation of the company's Haldex four-wheel drive system for traction on loose surfaces.

Off-road durability is also increased with unique bumpers and wheel arches, which feature extended plastic mouldings to protect from minor bumps and grazes. Underbody protection is also added for greater protection when traveling over uneven surfaces.

Interiors have a dusting of Scout badging and unique styling touches to set the high-riding Octavia apart from more car-like wagons.

The top two variants will get an 8.0-inch Columbus touchscreen with navigation and leather upholstery, while all versions have leather on the steering wheel and gear selector with chrome on the door handles.

Nine airbags, reversing camera, parking sensors and fatigue detection are all standard fare for the Scout range, but customers wanting to customise their 4x4 will have an extensive list of options to choose from as well as two extras packages.

When added to the entry-level 110TDI, the Premium Pack adds the larger touchscreen, leather seats and dual-zone air conditioning of the higher-spec versions, as well as heating for front seats, powered tailgate, 17-inch wheels and privacy glass.

The Tech Pack can be added to any of the three variants and brings adaptive cruise control, city braking, bi-xenon headlights, self parking, a higher quality sound system, keyless entry and start, and a camera-based lane-keep system.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but the Scout is likely to carry a premium over two-wheel drive Wagon equivalents which sell for $23,040 before on-road costs for the 132TSI and $37,290 for the 110TDI, while the RS 135TDI is the flagship of the wagon-range costing $41,440.

More details including performance, capacities and pricing will arrive with the Scout's official Australian debut next month.