Skoda Auto is due to launch the Octavia Scout 4×4 in India soon. The official launch date is not available and Skoda is not giving away any information about the Scout as yet. Already launched in several countries worldwide, the Scout is a compact SUV segment car and is designed for drivers who demand equal measures of practicality and individuality. The Octavia Scout 4X4 model features all the usual Škoda refinements but adds rugged good looks, high equipment levels and a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive system allowing owners to go where others fear to tread in some compact crossover SUVs.
The Octavia Scout 4×4 has been developed to offer drivers the best of both worlds. The Octavia Scout 4X4 is fitted with an abundance of features which allow it to tackle a wide variety of rough terrain. The key to its dramatic dynamic flexibility lies in its second-generation Haldex clutch mechanism, which allows power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels as and when it is required. A further development of acclaimed first-generation Haldex system, the new version reacts even faster to provide increased traction on loose surfaces.
The Octavia Scout 4X4 has ground clearance of 180 mm so that it can be used in many different conditions: on road, off road, for commercial purposes and recreation.
The power to the wheels is delivered through a powerful yet economical Volkswagen Group 2.0-litre TDI with diesel particulate filter as standard producing 103 kW/ 320 Nm, linked to a six-speed manual transmission.
As you would expect from a Škoda, the new Octavia Scout comes with a generous range of standard equipment including 17 inch “Proteus’ alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual zone air con, ESP, 6 airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique ‘Scout’ touches throughout the cabin.
When you also consider the 580 litres of boot space (1,620 litres with the back seats down), there is no doubt the Scout is a true all-rounder. It will be interesting to see how Skoda manage to price this vehicle in India. The question however remains that will Skoda be providing all the above features in the Indian version or will we be getting a much stripped down version? Only time will tell.