What's the news?
Skoda has confirmed that the new Octavia Scout off-roading estate range will start from €35,495 here in Ireland for the 150hp 2.0 TDI manual, with the 184hp TDI DSG weighing in at €38,850.
All Irish market models get 18-inch alloys and the XDS+ electronic front diff lock as standard, plus the new quad-headlight facelift that we weren't 100 per cent keen on when we drove the updated car a few weeks back.
All new Octavias, Scout included, get a 30mm wider rear track and these lifestyle wagons are useful tow cars, able to haul up to 2,000kg behind them.
New upholstery finishes and a revised instrument cluster can be found inside, as can the 9.2-inch top-level Columbus infotainment system. Skoda Ireland predicts the 150hp manual car, which is €10 a year cheaper for road tax at €270 all in, will make up the vast majority of sales here.
Anything else?
Cathal Kealey, Skoda Ireland's PR manager, said: "We are delighted to be introducing the next generation of Octavia Scout models on the back of the outgoing Octavia coming in as the fourth-bestselling car in Ireland for the first three months of this year.
"The Scout 4x4 has an excellent reputation for its ruggedness and durability and has even been used by emergency response services in the North West. The Octavia Scout is highly affordable, with 0 per cent PCP finance available until June 10."