What's the news?
Now, although the Skoda Kodiaq SUV is, well, an SUV and therefore more than capable of going off-road, the Czech company has added a new, even-more-off-roadery version to the line-up which is called the Kodiaq Scout. Here's the full run-down on the first new addition to the big Skoda's line-up since it launched.
Exterior
Externally, the Scout can be identified by its off-road front and rear bumpers with scuff plates, as well as a new rear diffuser, 'Scout' plaques on the front wings and a set of silver door mirrors, plus a set of 19-inch Crater Anthracite alloys setting the whole lot off. Other than that, it's familiar fare from this sizeable seven-seat SUV, which is reservedly handsome, if not actively striking.
Interior
It's a similar tale on-board the Kodiaq Scout, where the discreet (and, indeed, discrete) differences amount to Alcantara on the seats and door panels, wood finishers for the dash and door cards, and a 'Scout' plaque on the dashboard. All Kodiaq Scouts are seven-seaters as standard, so the five-seat option isn't available here, while aluminium-trimmed pedals and LED ambient lighting complete the equipment updates for the Skoda.
Mechanicals
The manufacturer is going to offer six engine and transmission options for the Kodiaq Scout, although it's not clear if all of these will come to Ireland. However, absolutely all Scouts are four-wheel drive as standard, which is a rather obvious decision, and you can choose from a 150hp 1.4 TSI or a 180hp 2.0 TSI (both petrol units), and then a 150hp 2.0 TDI or a 190hp 2.0 TDI (both diesels).
The 1.4 TSI and 150hp TDI both come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard, with the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission. The 180hp TSI and 190hp TDI powerplants are equipped only with the seven-speed DSG. All Kodiaq Scouts get an Off-Road Mode that adapts the engine, chassis and brake settings for rough terrain, while it also engages Hill Descent Assist for steep downhill slopes. Furthermore, this off-roading Skoda has tough engine and underbody stone guards.
Anything else?
Skoda Ireland hasn't confirmed pricing for the Scout yet but, looking across the water, it is priced and placed near the top of the tree. That means that, when it comes here, the Scout should be somewhere between the €33,475 required for a Kodiaq Ambition and the €39,495 of the range-topping Kodiaq Style.