Skoda reveals Kodiaq Scout

Czech brand latest SUV is ready to get its wheels dirty.

30 January 2017 The Drive Team

2017 Skoda Kodiaq Scout. Photo: Supplied

Skoda has added some ruggedness to its critical new family SUV. The Czech brand has unveiled the new off-road focused Kodiaq Scout ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.

Instead of a more road-focussed Sportline or RS variant tipped by media as the next model in the Kodiaq range, the Scout delivers a similar treatment to the Octavia Scout, and Fabia Scout (available overseas).

The Kodiaq scout's appearance package includes silver coloured front and rear bumper plating, 19-inch alloy wheels, silver detailing for the grille surround, wing mirrors, and roof rails, as well as privacy glass from the B-pillar back.

Technical specifications for the Kodiaq Scout include standard all wheel drive plus Off-Road Assist that modifies suspension damping, stability control and ABS braking parameters for greater ability away from sealed surfaces and a Rough Road Package comprising underbody and engine protection, plus front and rear parking sensors.

Suspension ride height for the Kodaq Scout has been lifted by just 6mm with 194mm of ground clearance compared to 188mm for regular seven-seat versions of the Kodiaq, hinting that rugged terrain crossing abilities won't be massively different from the regular model.

Pre-release images of the Kodiaq Scout also show Continental SportContact 6 tires wrapped around the 19-inch wheels, with the road-biased tyre choice indicating the Kodiaq Scout is focused more on rugged looks than genuine off road capability.

European customers will be offered a choice of four engines with the Scout package, two petrols rated at 110kW and 132kW and two diesels with 110kW and 140kW.

The Kodiaq range is expected to arrive in Australia later this year powered by both the 132kW petrol and 140kW diesel engines with standard all wheel drive. As yet specifications for the Australian range are to be confirmed, with no confirmed arrival for the Scout yet locked in.

For all the latest information, visit our Skoda showroom.

Drive Comments

7 Comments

Ronan Rogers | 2017-01-27 07:28:08

I think I'll pass on the 40kw diesel version.

The truth | 2017-01-27 09:22:55

These vehicles are NOT EVEN REMOTELY 4wd able in Australian outback style. Drive.com.au, please for the sake of the unsuspecting public safety, STOP referring to 4wd (truthful lack of) ability of these European vehicles and their ilk. They are made for snow covered bitumen roads only, where a bit of additional clearance may help FWIW, most tyres have ~ 10mm of tread. 6 mm is the difference between a new tyre and a half used tyre. NOT WORTH CROWING ABOUT! My hobby is 4wding and there would not be one solitary 4wder that I know that would support any of these things being close to off road in Australia. Yes, I have pulled one or two out of where they were stuck,but in the process done damage to them due to lack of appropriate strength towing points.

Roksteddy | 2017-01-27 12:55:29

'The Truth' what are you talking about?! Nowhere in the article does it refer to the vehicle as 4WD. It says it is all wheel drive and even says is focused more on rugged looks than genuine off road capability.

DJM61 | 2017-01-27 22:45:09

I agree with The truth. The article discusses greater ability away from sealed surfaces and a Rough Road Package comprising underbody and engine protection. Kodaq Scout has been lifted by just 6mm. The Scout name is appropriate so BE PREPARED for sh#t to happen if you take this offroad.

Nathan | 2017-01-28 05:43:22

The truth, i dont see anywhere in this article that drive or skoda are claiming this to be a full on 4wd. The 2 assistance packages you are probably referring to are for un sealed surfaces such as gravel roads and grass fields. Stop being over dramatic.

The truth | 2017-01-29 05:50:34

Nathan, firstly ...and their ilk....was stated by me, so not specific to the Skoda, but to softroaders in general, more commonly the European vehicles marketed as AWD (and I will include the automatic Amorok in that list as it does nothave a low range reverse option). Secondly, I will repeat what I said above about the lack of any substantial recovery points on all SUV softroaders making them dangerous to recover due to potential high energy shrapnel being generated from the recovery. Even good recoveries can go wrong - I've seen a rated D shackle go through the rear hatch, rear seat, between the front seats, through the dashboard, firewall, hitting the engine of a Range Rover. The RR had 3 kids in the back no more than 2 minutes earlier. Sobering sight.... They were tryingto pull out a Rav4 that had gotten himself to a very nice riverside campsite before a few inches of rain fell and he was unable to get out. Do I speakwith passion about it? Hell yeah, and with bloody good reason.